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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Rob At The Model Café In Allston

"There is nothing more American than driving an American made car."

The Ride
The Driver: Rob
Vehicle in Question: 2005 Jeep Rangler Rubicon
Spotted at: Model Café, 7 North Beacon St, Allston, MA 02134
Odometer: 84,475
Car's Nickname: Plug Four

THE DEFENSE

Q: Hi Rob, cool car! What brings you to the Model?

A: I work for PBR and was dropping off beer at one of my favorite accounts.

Q: You just drove your car up on the sidewalk. Do you do that kind of stuff a lot?

A: I've gone entire winters without lifting a shovel. I just beast through everything. I put it in four-wheel drive and go over anything. I can park in any space, anywhere.

Q: Wow! Give us the rundown. What can you tell us about your Jeep?

A: It's a Jeep Rubicon with 34-inch tires, a four-inch lift, tow hooks in the front and back, aftermarket fenders, bumpers and tires. Owning a jeep has been a dream of mine since I was kid. It's the first grown man purchase that I've made in my life. I take a lot of pride in it. I'm proud that I've paid all my bills on time.

Q: Did the Jeep come with all of those extras or did you put them on?

A: I've more or less just switched out parts that were already on it and that needed to be replaced. I've replaced the rear tire carrier and the back bumper as well as had the rear differential rebuilt.

Q: Does your car have a name?

A: It does have a name. One day I was picking up Maceo from De La Soul to bring him to a Boston bar, the Good Life. When he got in, he was like, "This thing is a Beast!" In De La Soul they all have nicknames, like Plug One, Plug Two, Plug Three. He called my Jeep, Plug Four, so, I've always called my Jeep, Plug 4 or the Beast.

Q: OK, now can you tell us your best car story?

A: I've been in three accidents with this car, none of which were my fault. I don't even have a scratch on it. It's built like a tank. First car accident, I was on I-93 and a guy sideswiped me and just bounced off my tires. The whole side of his car was destroyed, but nothing was wrong with my car. The second time happened on the one icy day we had this winter.I hit the brakes and everything locked up. I couldn't even turn the steering wheel! I just slid into a taxi cab. My car didn't have a scrape. The third accident was kind of the same as the first. The guy just bounced off my tires.

Q: So those tires have really protected you?

A: I'm ready to get struck by lightning. Those tires could protect me from anything.

Photos and interview by Melissa Ostrow

Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride Boston" 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 boston.CbsLocal.com/Autos

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