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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Red At Belle Isle Fountain

"Cadillacs: Until you've either ridden or driven one, you just wouldn't understand."

The Ride
The Driver: John "Red"
Car in Question: 2000 Cadillac Seville Touring Sedan
Spotted at: Belle Isle Fountain, Belle Isle Park, Detroit, MI 48218
Odometer: 120,000
Car's Nickname: Red's Caddy

THE DEFENSE

Q: Let's get this interview started. Year, make, model. Go quick!

A: It's a 19... err, 19? <laughing> It's a 2000 Cadillac STS.

Q: Right, a 19-2000 Cadillac. What's it got on the dash?

A: It's got about 120,000 miles on it.

Q: Did you get a good deal?

A: Well, I paid $3,500 for it. When I was cleaning it out, in the back seat, I found the for sale sign. He originally wanted $5,500 for it, so he let two grand off of the top for me.

Q: For being 12 years old, this car still looks great!

A: It was a drug running car. The driver got busted on the Ambassador Bridge bringing drugs into the country. The guy I bought it from said it sat as evidence for at least a year. The guy I bought it from said when he got it, all he did was wipe it down. I thought it had been detailed!

Q: So before the interview, you mentioned you got a thing for Caddies. Is this your first Cadillac?

A: No, this would be my fourth. I had a 1976 Eldorado with the drop-top in triple black, an '89 Eldorado and a '90 Deville.

Q: So what do you like best about this car?

A: That it's a Cadillac, duh!

Q: The name makes all the difference?

A: The name does it. With the name comes the comfort, the style, it's just… Until you've ridden or driven one, you just wouldn't understand.

Q: Since you obviously love your ride so much, you must have rules for passengers?

A: Everybody smokes. Don't burn my car! I might even quit smoking just so I can say, no smoking in my car. I don't really want anyone smoking in my car. I try not to complain too much about messes. It happens, especially when you're out with a bunch of people for the day. I guess my only rule is don't break anything I can't fix easily. If you break a window, you're gonna be drug home.Well this is a Cadillac! It has enough room for five bodies in the trunk!

Photos and interview by Don Gurka

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

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