Night Hawks Tapes » Autos

Watching the professinals

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:50:54 +0000

Moving to new home or office can be really stressful to a first-timer! Being clueless on how to start packing, loading into moving vans and finally setting up again! And aside from moving, you still have the regular activities to worry about, like your family and work. If there was only a way where you can move without all the hassles that comes with it! Luckily, there is a way to move without the hard work!

How is this possible? First, connect into the internet, and be surprised at all the Moving Estimates available for you to choose from! Having the best Local Moving Quotes will make it possible for you to choose the best Local Moving company to address your needs. And once you’ve found the best Local Movers to take care and handle your moving needs, worrying will be simply out of the picture! With the experience and expertise, you are assured of an unmatched service and great moving experience! The right Moving Company can make your moving experience as easy and comfortable as it can possibly be! And all that’s left for you to do, is relax and watch the professionals do what they love to do, from preparing your move, up to settling into your new home!

THE OTHER ROAD

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:22:13 +0000

Like many young men, Jeremy Cole is no stranger to empty pockets. But this 25-year-old California outdoorsman hasn’t let his personal budget shortfalls keep him from pursuing his outdoor passions. Lately, this passion has fueled the desire to own his first 4)4. “The idea he said, “is to use the truck to get a little farther in. Then I can hike to spots beyond the reach of most fishermen:’
Cole realized that a new 4)4 was out of the question. But he was surprised to learn just how expensive the best of the used 4)4s (vehicles three to five years old) have become. “I couldn’t believe the prices I saw when I visited a local dealer,” he said. “There wasn’t anything that I could afford.”
Cole’s slicker shock is fallout from the unprecedented popularity of four-wheel-drive vehicles these days. As the prices for new 4)4s skyrocket in response to the demand, the prices for used models are also pulled upward. Unfortunately, this trend leaves outdoorsmen on tight budgets out in the cold.
But Cole was resolute, and his resolve started him down a different road. Once he decided to abandon the safety net (such as it is) of a dealership—which usually offers a limited warranty on what it sells—he realized that his truck was probably within reach. It’s a risky road that often requires an investment in sweat equity, but it can lead to a big payoff—as long as you proceed cautiously.

“I started looking through one of those ‘auto shoppers’ that I found at the 7-1 1,’ he said. “The first thing I realized was that I would have to settle for a vehicle far older than what I wanted originally.”
In Cole’s case, his budget commanded him to look at high- mileage models. When he got to ten-year-old trucks, he started to see prices he could afford.
Cole then checked out government, business, and commercial auctions. (If you go this route, be forewarned: You can get a great deal, but you can also end up with a useless heap. It’s strictly caveat emptor) Then he browsed the Yellow Pages. Under “Trucks and Equipment,” he struck pay dirt when he found a local dealer who specialized in brokering used equipment for large companies and public utilities.
Cole stopped by and saw a truck with promise: a 1986 GMC S-15 4×4 pickup with just under 100,000 miles. “It had the 2.8-liter V6 and an automatic transmission,” he said. “When I first saw it, it had a pretty ugly ding on the rear panel, rust in the bed, and the shadow of ‘So Cal Edison’ was still visible where the utility’s logo used to be-The interior was worn but undamaged. Overall, it seemed in decent mechanical shape, but it really needed a facelift.The paint had turned to chalk in the hot California sun.”
The price was right—$5,000, as is. But before he plunked down his cash, Cole had an expert look over the vehicle for serious mechanical defects.
After the truck passed inspection, Cole began the job of turning the truck into a hunting/fishing machine. His first job: an affordable body and paint restoration.

HOME STRETCH

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:17:50 +0000

If the truck makes it this far, arrange to have a professional 4×4 mechanic (one whom you trust) put the truck on a lift and go over it again. (if the owner hesitates or balks at your request, take it as a sign that something, somewhere, is” real bad wrong” with the truck. Go elsewhere.) Make sure the mechanic checks the front and rear differentials, wheel bearings, U-joints, and axles for signs of damage. Have him prepare a written estimate for any repairs.That way, you’ll have some leverage when haggling.
Assuming the truck clears this hurdle, you’re ready to make an offer. Prices vary by region and season. You’ll probably pay more if you live near a big city, less in a rural area. The old rule was that prices rise in the summer and drop in the winter. Given the current
popularity of 4WD trucks in suburban areas, you very well may see prices rise in the Ml as bad weather sets in. Some models also hold their value much better than others.The Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) can help give you an idea of what the avenge retail price for the vehicle you’re interested in is.
The preceding mainly applies to vehicles that are three to five years old. if your budget requires you to shop for vehicles older than that, you can still follow the basic outline, but obviously you will see many more signs of wear and tear. (Some sportsmen may be looking at vehicles as old as ten years. if that’s the case, read on.)
Plain and simple, the whole process—particularly the persistent attention to detail—can wear you out. Here, it helps to be able to summon the exasperating wariness of a big brown trout. Do that and you won’t buy someone else’s trouble.