Interview Seven: 6/13/05

• Male, 31
• Palo Alto, California
• Single, no children
• College Graduate
• Full-time graduate student
• Estimated annual income: $18,000
• Renter

• Do you have a car?

No

• Do you ever drive?

Sometimes I drive my parents' car when I'm at home.

• Why did you choose your car? (Aesthetics, economics, practical use, etc.)

If I were to get a car, economics (initial cost, cost of maintenance, mileage, etc.) would be my primary concern.

• Where do you live? Suburbs? City? What do you do for employment?

suburbs; student

• Where do you work?

office/home

• What is your favorite car?

no idea

• Are you into vintage cars? What do you like about them?

not really, but they are more stylish than cars today

• What did you do as a kid when you went for a ride in the car?

slept, usually

• Other than the making-the-car-go actions, what kinds of things do you give your attention to while you drive (your parents' cars)?

the road, other cars, pedestrians, traffic, lights/signals, ...

• Do you like being entertained while you are in your car? Do you need to entertain someone else while you are driving? How much control over entertainment do you want? As driver? As passenger in the front or back seat?

I like to listen to music, but it's more important as passenger than driver.

• Do you use CDs? Do you have an MP3 player?

MP3 player

• Is the quality of the sound an issue? More bass, greater amps? Do you like listening to your music loud? (Do you like being the center of attention in your car?)

I'm not picky.

• Do you use the phone much in your car? If so how much?

no.

• What would be your priorities for spending money? House, kids, car, travel, electronic equipment, savings, computer equipment, media rooms, books, presents, charity, etc.?

car is a LOW priority

• Would you rather buy a car with everything you want in it up front, or would you rather buy a basic car and upgrade as you go?

everything up front

• What cars did your parents drive? Which did you like the most? The least? Why?

Volvo station wagon, Lexus, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Caprice, Impala The Lexus is my favorite -- very smooth, comfortable ride

• What car do you love to hate, and why?

Hummer (and any large SUV) -- totally pointless

• How do you feel about cars in general?

I don't really care about them. It's a means of getting where I need to go.