Big Tall Trucks

Yesterday I had the responsibility to take a 2007 Chevy Avalanche in to get a 3rd-party mechanical inspection on behalf of a customer who is considering purchasing the truck. It's had our regular 151-point inspection, as well as a BCAA inspection done within the last two weeks.  This customer has high standards, however-- more power to him-- and so he sprung for a third inspection.  I jumped in the truck and tore down the highway from our Langley lot to Mission where I met Mani, the heir apparent to the family-owned Mission Automotive.  Mani gave the vehicle a once over, and the customer is now negotiating with us for final pricing, terms, and details for the sale.

The drive there and back was great.  The Avalanche is a luxurious full-size half ton truck, with the characteristic signature tonneau cover and look, but everything else is just like a Silverado, from the point of view of the driver.  All the luxury amenities, a smooth Chevy truck ride, plenty of power (I drove like the Nazgul were on my tail) and most importantly, the height and heft of a truck.

My daily driver is a little 2000 Honda Civic, which is a great commuter but lacks the sheer presence of a truck.  I frequently am completely vision-blocked by something as humble as a minivan in front of me, so driving a truck for an extended period really renewed my delight in having some weight to throw around on the road.

I've long had a personal bent towards vehicular practicality: economy of fuel and of the vehicle in general.  But there really is something to be said for being willing to pay for the on-the-road advantages of a big-ass truck.  (The Avalanche would be delightfully superseded by a lifted F350, for example.)  Being able to see everything, fear nothing, four-wheel drive, the intimidation factor:  everything was very testosterone-friendly.  I'm used to zipping along, but that drive I tanked, I thundered, I rumbled.  I burned gas, hauled ass, broke laws* and hung jaws.

I'm still flush with adrenaline.



*Poetic license; not a confession of malfeasance.

2006 Pontiac G6 GT

Few details yet on this one.  76,000kms, $14,800.  Pretty car.

2006 Suzuki SV 650, 2000 Honda Civic SE

The 2006 Suzuki SV 650 continued the line of benchmark bikes that Team Yellow began in 1999.  Still generally rated as possibly the best overall street bike in anything like its price range, the SV gives riders of every level of experience a fantastic time.

The world of motorcycles is much, much smaller than the world of four-wheeled vehicles.  There really isn't a similar car (or truck) that so close-to-universally dominates the 'Recommended' category.  However I would personally advance the suggestion that the Honda Civic comes close.  I've been driving a 4-door 2000 Civic SE since new, and it just passed 10 years of service. I've only put a paltry 129000 kms on it, but I drive it everywhere and am a fairly... aggressive... driver much of the time.  I've never had the slightest problem with the car mechanically. For the first five years or so I was fairly rigorous with scheduled maintenance; as time passed I relaxed more and more on that until at this point I add oil when the oil light goes on and fuel when the fuel light goes on.  The car just keeps on going, and has no trouble keeping up with and blazing past traffic on my daily 30-ish minute commute.  I've just started experiencing a little squeak in what I think is the steering column; the poor thing is due for some TLC but I'm so used to it requiring no attention whatsoever that I'm still a little sceptical that it could be needing anything at all.

Anyway, here's to 10 years of reliable, trouble free transportation from a great little car.

Couldn't Stand The Weather

The late great Stevie Ray Vaughn's song came to mind over the last few days as Langley has been experiencing the most zany and variable weather I've seen maybe ever.  Gusts, gales, sunshine, hail, rain, clear, calm, overcast:  all in the space of an hour.

Today the weatherfolk say things are going to calm down and move into more traditionally pleasant spring weather, mostly sun and calm.

Dive down and look at vehicles!

Food For Thought

I often eat at a local restaurant, Ozark's Famous BBQ, located nearby at 19696 Fraser Highway in Langley, BC V3A 4C7, (604) 530-0883.  Their lunch specials are extremely reasonably priced, and the food is really good, hearty and tasty.

I like to support local businesses, and enjoy being a part of the local business community.  I belong to the Walnut Grove BNI Evolution business networking group, and we get together weekly to promote local businesses, pass referrals, build our professional networks and generally inspire and motivate each other.

It's good to feel that the economy is slowly coming back online after a challenging period.  One of the ways we all make it through difficult times is by working together, sticking together, and getting together.  Money is only good when it's changing hands, and cycling dollars from one local resident to another through local businesses is the way to make sure our economic lives remain stable and rewarding.

'10 Camaro

2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT SUNROOF LOAD
Vehicle Summary
Year     2010      Stock Number     C22295
Make     Chevrolet      Interior Color     Black
Model     Camaro      Exterior Color     Grey
Trim     LT SUNROOF LOAD      VIN    
Odometer     10000      Drivetrain     Rear Wheel Drive
Doors           Transmission     Automatic
Price     $31,850.00
plus applicable taxes     Engine     6 Cylinder
Air bags     Driver side, Passenger side, Side impact      Brakes     4-Wheel Disks, Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

2007 Ford F-150 LARIAT Sunroof 4WD

2007 Ford F-150 LARIAT Sunroof 4WD

Vehicle Summary

Year     2007      Stock Number     22246
Make     Ford      Interior Color     Grey
Model     F-150      Exterior Color     Black
Trim     LARIAT Sunroof 4WD      VIN    
Odometer     59790      Drivetrain     Four Wheel Drive
Doors           Transmission     Automatic
Price     $30,850.00
plus applicable taxes     Engine     8 Cylinder
Air bags     Driver side, Passenger side      Brakes     4-Wheel Disks, Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

Details
Exterior

    * Alloy Wheels
    * Body: Crew Cab
    * Fog Lights
    * Intermittent Wipers
    * Power: Mirrors
    * Sunroof
    * Wheel Base Short

  Interior

    * Climate: Air Conditioning
    * Compass & Temperature Gauge
    * Cruise Control
    * Cup Holders: Front
    * Cup Holders: Rear
    * Digital Clock
    * Height Adjustable Seats
    * Map Light
    * Media: AM/FM Radio Tuner
    * Media: Compact Disc Player
    * Power: Locks
    * Power: Windows
    * Seat(s): Fold Up
    * Seat(s): 40/20/40 Split Bench
    * Seat(s): Bench
    * Seat(s): Center Arm Rest
    * Seat(s): Power
    * Tilt Steering
    * Upholstery: Leather
    * Vanity Mirrors

    Mechanical

    * Brakes: 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
    * Drive: Four Wheel Drive
    * Engine: Cylinders 08
    * Limited Slip Diff
    * Power: Brakes
    * Power: Steering
    * Tachometer
    * Transmission Cooler
    * Transmission: Automatic

Dakota SXT 4x4

2008 Dodge Dakota SXT 4WD LOAD

Vehicle Summary
Year     2008      Stock Number     R22267
Make     Dodge      Interior Color     Grey
Model     Dakota      Exterior Color     Black
Trim     SXT 4WD LOAD      VIN    
Odometer     34000      Drivetrain     Four Wheel Drive
Doors           Transmission     Automatic
Price     $23,800.00
plus applicable taxes     Engine     6 Cylinder
Air bags     Driver side, Passenger side      Brakes     Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

Details
Exterior

    * Alloy Wheels
    * Body: Crew Cab
    * Fog Lights
    * Intermittent Wipers
    * Keyless Entry
    * Power: Mirrors
    * Wheel Base Short

    Interior

    * Climate: Air Conditioning
    * Cruise Control
    * Cup Holders: Front
    * Floor Console
    * Floor Mats: Carpet
    * Floor Mats: OEM
    * Map Light
    * Media: MP3
    * Media: AM/FM Radio Tuner
    * Media: Compact Disc Player
    * Power: Locks
    * Power: Windows
    * Seat(s): Fold Up
    * Seat(s): Center Arm Rest
    * Tilt Steering
    * Upholstery: Cloth
    * Vanity Mirrors

    Mechanical

    * Drive: Four Wheel Drive
    * Engine: Cylinders 06
    * Power: Brakes
    * Power: Steering
    * Tachometer
    * Transmission: Automatic


Safety

    * Air Bags: Driver Safety Air Bag
    * Air Bags: Passenger Safety Air Bags
    * Brakes: Anti-Lock Brake System
    * Daytime Running Lights
    * Driver Information Centre
    * Head Restraint
    * Security System
    * Tires: Full Size Spare

The 2008 Dodge Dakota midsize truck is a capable workhorse with good engine.

This SXT is a popular choice for most buyers as it includes alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and rear jump seats in the Club Cab.