DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Geoff At Veterans' Memorial Park

Q: Welcome to Defend Your Ride New York Geoff! Nice convertible. What can you tell us about it?

A: It's a manual 1997 Saab 900 Convertible and still in great condition. The car itself has pretty low mileage considering it is 15 years old. The ride is great and has good pick up when you need it. I really enjoy driving it, especially when I don't have the family with me and can be a little more daring.

Q: Does your car have a nickname?

A: We aren't into naming our cars, but this actually does have one. My kids, Nicholas and Olivia call it "The Transformer" and we kind of adapted that name as well, at least with them. They are really into Transformers now and see it as a car that transforms like their toys. They make those changing sound effects when the top goes up or down.

Q: Are there any features you really like?

A: The convertible aspect is great! It's fun to drive on nice days. The roof is power operated and very easy to maneuver up and down. My kids love riding in it with the top down, which is cool to see. The car also has smoked side marker lights and blacked out badges and grill, which I did myself.

Q: Very cool. Have you done anything else to your car yourself?

A: I installed blue tinted windows to match the rest of the car. I also put on a set of wheels, which I found on Craigslist for a great deal. I am always on the lookout for good deals to upgrade my car. Next, I want to lower it because I want the gap between the fenders and tires to be much smaller.

Q: That's exciting. It must be great to be able to work on your own car. Do you often upgrade it?

A: Not really. I do what I can, but have a limited budget. I am the primary user of this car and low on the totem pole in the family, so most of the car budget goes to the family car. I commute 30 miles each way to and from work, so my goal is to make my car comfortable and fun to drive.

Q: How long have you had your car? Did you get a good deal on it?

A: I have had it for only about a year and a half. I think I got a pretty good deal. The guy I bought it from actually took off $1,000 because the top didn't work. My friend and I were able to fix it for just $12, although it did take us about eight hours. It was well worth it though and we enjoyed working on it.

Q: That's a good friend you have. Where are we now? You drive here much?

A: We are at Veterans' Memorial Park. The Westwood train station is right here too. I drive here with my family sometimes. We come here for summer movies, the Christmas tree lighting, and the Easter egg events. They have a lot of town events happening here. Today I am just driving around, enjoying the warm weather and running some errands.

Q: Nice. I guess you are having fun and being "a little more daring" without the family?

A: Not too much! I haven't really left town and there aren't too many places around here to really push the car. Although I make sure I am driving safely and obey all the laws, the highways are where I have the most fun.