DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Savas At The Senator Theatre

Q: Great Jeep Savas. Where did you buy it?

A: Originally I was driving a 1997 Jeep Cherokee, but that car went kaput. My father bought this car prior to that car going up. He decided, though, that he didn't actually need a new car, fixed up the old one, and I ended up with the new one. It wasn't bought for me, but it was just given to me because I needed to travel farther than he did for school.

Q: Was he intent on getting a Jeep again?

A: Yeah, he's definitely a brand loyalist. I've come to like the brand because of that. I'll probably end up getting a Jeep in the future.

Q: What's the main thing you use this car for?

A: Driving all around. Driving to work, to sporting events.

Q: What was your favorite game you've driven to?

A: A fun trip I remember taking with this car is when I drove in 2006 to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to see the Ravens play the Steelers. I remember driving through the stadium area with the Maryland tags on the car and there were projectiles being thrown at us.

Q: Were you worried at all?

A: I was worried for a little, but ultimately I realized that these guys were just like any other fans. They weren't going to do anything harmful to the car because they'd be held responsible.

Q: Did you lean on your horn or fight back?

A: No, I was driving pretty timidly. I didn't want to cause any raucous or draw any more attention to myself.

Q: Do you have any rules in the car?

A: No smoking. I have quite a few friends who smoke. But there are no ashtrays in the car, so it might be a little annoying for them. They know to respect the rule. If anything, they stink and not the car, so it doesn't make a difference to me.

Q: What do you absolutely love about this car?

A: This car is just so reliable. I haven't had any problems with it in five years, except the battery dying. That was the dealership's fault. This car is just so reliable. When we had the major snowstorm in 2010, and there was over a foot of snow and ice on the ground, I was able just to shift it into four-wheel drive. People were slipping all over the road, but I was still able to make it to work. I was still able to make it to class. It was incredible.

Q: How do you feel when you drive this car?

A: When I have to drive a car, like my mom's car or a friend's car, I feel vulnerable. This, however, is a strong car. Plus it's an SUV, so I have the advantage of being able to take a hit or give a hit, if need be.

Q: Maybe to a Steelers fan?

A: Yeah, maybe to a Steelers fan. If I could go back in time, maybe I'd hit a few.

Photos and interview by Eldis Sula

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