DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Allen At Moonlight Diner

Q: Hi Allen. Smooth looking ride. What can you tell us about it?

A: It's interesting because when I pull over to other cars on the street, and I see a car that looks exactly like mine, half the time it's a Hyundai. The other half of the time it's a new BMW, or car that costs twice as much, that looks almost exactly like my car.

Q: That's awesome. How's the gas mileage? It's pretty good on the Elantra, right?

A: The gas mileage was definitely a big part of it. It has a button called the economy button that saves gas, but takes a little bit of power away. It doesn't accelerate as fast but it really does save a lot gas. I drive it like 90 percent of the time with the economy button pressed. One of the best things about it is, it tells me the exact miles per gallon I'm getting every five seconds or so.

Q: What your main use for your car?

A: I drive it to work, errands and girlfriends.

Q: Girlfriends!? I like the plural there. So, how was your car buying experience?

A: <laughing> Shocking! I expected to haggle. I had gotten there shortly after they had an amazing write up as the number one compact car in the country. Then a few days later, it became the number one car in the entire North American continent. When I would try to haggle, the salespeople were laughing at me.

Q: Well that's not very nice. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

A: Tinting is necessary in South Florida if you want to maintain your car. I got it tinted right away. It's also necessary if you don't want to wear dark sunglasses all the time.

Photos and interview by Aimee Heller

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