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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Eddrin At Our Lady Of Sorrows Basilica

"If my car had a human emotion, it would definitely be happy."

The Ride
The Driver: Eddrin
Car in Question: Red 2005 Nissan Altima
Spotted at: Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, 3121 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Odometer: 137,000
Car's Nickname: Ol' Betsy or Ol' Blue

THE DEFENSE

Q: Nissan's a great car, isn't it? Do you have a nickname for it?

A: I don't, but if I had to give her a nickname it would be Ol' Betsy or Ol' Blue. The names indicate dependability. When you hear that name you think of a racehorse. My girlfriend, my son and I use this car for everything. Whether it's going to the circus, work, school or road tripping, we depend on this car to take us wherever we need to go. We've never had it not come through for us.

Q: What's a favorite trip you've taken in this car?

A: The last trip I remember taking was to Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville, Indiana. It took us about an hour to get up there. I went up there with my girlfriend, my son, some of my family and her family. It took us about one hour to get up there. We had a great time.

Q: On these fun trips, do you rock out to fun music?

A: The Lion King soundtrack and any type of children's nursery rhymes. Since my son is in the car the majority of the time, I turn that on because that's what he wants to listen to. If I'm in the car by myself, I listen to rap--mainly Plies, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Biggie. I also listen to old school R&B, but it really just depends on the mood I'm in. If I'm trying to unwind from a long day, I will play more mellow music. If I'm on my way to work, I try to listen to something to get me pumped up and ready to roll.

Q: Do you ever rock out and sing along?

A: Of Course! Who doesn't? I probably won't sing the whole song, but if I have a part of the song that I really like I will sing that part.

Q: Does it matter if other people are watching you?

A: No! When I'm having a good time, I'm in the zone. It doesn't matter whether you're inside the car or around the car. If I feel the need to dance or sing, I will do it regardless of what others think.

Q: What initially attracted you to this car?

A: I thought it was sexy. The color was me. I liked that it had a six disc changer, seat warmers, leather seats, a stick shift option and a moon and sun roof. Plus, it was brand new when I got it. At one point in time I used to keep it so spic and span. No one could eat or drink in my car, but now that I have a son, things are completely different. He's in here dropping fries, spilling his drink, leaving behind papers and crayons and stuff, so how I used to keep my car and how I keep it now are totally different.

Q: Any thoughts on a next car or a dream car, once your little one grows up?

A: I want a two door coupe. I wouldn't mind an Audi TT or BMW 350z. It will probably be a stick shift. That car will be mine and only mine. I'm the only person who will ride in it and the only person who will drive it. That's why I want it to be a stick shift, because I know no one in my family can drive stick shift but me.

Photos and interview by Nicolette Chambers

Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride Chicago" in the subject line for submission details.

View previous Defend Your Ride features as well as other great stories for people who love cars at CBSChicago.com/Autos

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