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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Ozzie At Segal's Jazz Showcase

"I'm a fast driver. The faster I can get to 80 the better."

The Ride
The Driver: Ozzie
Car in Question: 1994 Toyota Camry
Spotted at: Segal's Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60605
Odometer: 167,000
Car's Nickname: Lisa

THE DEFENSE

Q: Why do you call your car Lisa?

A: That is the name of my alter ego. You know how Beyonce has Sasha Fierce, I have Lisa. She is just the more outgoing party version of who I am.

Q: How did you and Lisa end up together?

A: After finishing up at Denison University, I moved back from Ohio a couple of years ago. I played around for a while. Then I went to grad school. Finally I decided I really wanted to get a car. So as soon as I got enough money, I went to this janky, shady, little car dealership and the owner picked out this car for me. He told me it was a nice car, really reliable, and ensured me that I wouldn't have any problems with it. I paid less than $2,000 for it. He was right. I have had it for three years and haven't had any problems with it.

Q: Was this your first car?

A: Yes, this was my first car. My mom was not in the philosophy of buying you much after you got a job. I knew if I wanted a car, I had to buy it myself.

Q: How did your car get dinged up? Is there a story there?

A: The first time it got dinged up, it was my fault. I was racing across town trying to get the keys to my new apartment. I was driving west and the sun was in my eyes. I couldn't really see too well because I had broken my sun visor and I didn't have any sunglasses. So I'm trying to get into the left turn lane, and there is this guy in this huge Land Rover in front of me who was blocking me getting to the turn lane. So I tried to go around him, but I wound up hitting the side of his car. Nothing happened to his car, not a ding, not a scratch, but my car was not as lucky.

Q: Sounds like it could have been a lot worse. Let's talk about your driving style. What type of driver are you?

A: I'm a fast driver. The faster I can get to 80 the better.

Q: Would you also call yourself an impatient driver?

A: When I want to be. I'm not the type of person that is riding around all day blowing their horn, but I do know how to maneuver my car around so I can get where I need to go and do what I need to do. I didn't use to be that way though. I use to be the type to ride my breaks, and let people get in front of me and stuff. But now I'm like, move!

Q: If your car had a theme song, what would it be?

A: Probably "Rude Boy" by Rihanna because it's a girl power song.

Q: How much longer do you plan to keep your girl power car Lisa?

A: Until I drive the wheels off. Then I will go out and get myself a brand new car!

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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