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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Jamal At Burnham Harbor

"It feels great to drive a new car!"

The Ride
The Driver: Jamal
Car in Question: Blue 2010 Toyota Corolla
Spotted at: Burnham Harbor, Chicago, IL 60605
Odometer: 36,788
Car's Nickname: Cletus

THE DEFENSE

Q: Hi Jamal! Thanks for participating in Defend Your Ride Chicago. So your car's name is Cletus. That's a very unique name. Is there a reason behind that name?

A: I didn't come up with that name. My prom date did. Don't ask me why or how. That's just the name she came up with and it's stuck.

Q: How did you and Cletus wind up together?

A: I played hockey at my high school. The team would travel to a rink in Bensenville to practice. At the time I was driving my sister's old 1995 Jeep Tracker back and forth from school to practice. My mom didn't really like that idea since the Jeep was pretty old. She felt that traveling long distances in that car probably wasn't the wisest idea because it could break down at any minute. Finally she decided that it was best to get another car. At first we looked at a 2000 Toyota Corolla. But the salesmen felt that if we were looking for something more reliable, we should go with a newer car. We settled on this one.

Q: What are some of the features you like about this car?

A: The six disc CD player, the auxiliary port for my iPod, childproof locks and a notification system, which lets me know when I need an oil change, or something is wrong with the car.

Q: Childproof locks? Do a lot of children ride in here?

A: Actually, no. I have some very special friends. So sometimes you have to treat them like kids and lock them in. That way I know they won't do anything silly.

Q: It sounds like you probably have an eclectic group of friends. So what precautions do you take to protect Cletus from them?

A: When I first got the car I was pretty strict about the fact that I didn't want anyone eating, drinking or smoking. But after a while I began to waver on the rules. But if I feel like people are abusing my car like leaving bags of food in it then I put the rules back in effect. Right now I really don't have any.

Q: Finally, if you had to pick, what would be your absolute dream car?

A: My absolute dream car would probably be something sporty and fast like a Lamborghini or a Maserati. They're definitely statement cars!

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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