With the birth of the first Escalade in 1999, General Motors provided a luxury Sport Utility Vehicle through their popular Cadillac model. The interest in SUVs has increased since the late 90s with consumers searching for intriguing full size, higher end selections. The 2003 Cadillac Escalade came a long way from the basic model, successfully competing against rivals in the German and Japanese SUV market.
The growing concerns of an effected environment, as well as the gas guzzling nature of a sport utility vehicle makes some shy away from the thought of purchasing an Escalade. This has not stopped well known personalities from jumping on the band wagon. Not only can they afford the expensive cost to maintain and fix these SUVs, but use these vehicles to make a trendy fashion statement.
A Definite Status Symbol
The ownership of a Cadillac Escalade has become something of a status symbol throughout the years. They are showcased within music videos to denote wealth and flashiness. Movie stars and other celebrities, such as Paris Hilton own one in their personal collection of cars. The Escalade model is also quite popular among athletes. Former Golden State Warrior player, Chris Mills prefers the design of this particular SUV, which was also purchased by more than five of his fellow teammates. Top draft picks from an array of NFL teams have acquired a Cadillac Escalade with their newfound wealth. Besides on the road, this popular model also appears in various movies, commercials and music videos.
Customizing Your Vehicle
A popular trend in today’s society (in regards to cars) is personal customization. Car owners have shaped and transformed their factory models to suit their own tastes and style. A common upgrade on SUVs is to add larger wheels or chrome rims. Some exchange their factory engine for one that is equipped for racing. One of the more popular customizations is to choose a custom paint color or add visual detail to the body. This allows car owners to fully express themselves through their vehicle.
When considering the purchase of an SUV, you will find three different choices that were introduced in the 2003 Cadillac Escalade. Each model possesses an appeal that usually attracts a certain type of customer. There is the standard Escalade Wagon option, as well as the Escalade EXT Pick Up Truck. One of the more expensive choices is the Escalade ESV, which features a lengthy base.
2003 Cadillac Escalade Upgrades
Like all car models, General Motors is constantly tweaking their line of vehicles to push the envelope within the car industry. This was seen in some of the improvements made within the 2003 Escalade product line. Some of the features attached to this vehicle include Rear Wheel Drive; power assisted pedals; an improved 4 Wheel system; as well as 5.3L V8 or High Output Vortec 6000 V8 engines. In 2003, the EXT Pick Up Truck was introduced to the public. It gave consumers the ability to accommodate a total of five people and featured the convenience of four doors. This model also provided a High Output 6.0L engine as a standard. It will be interesting to see some of the other improvements that come out in future models.
Japanese commit to make RP-branded auto
The proposed special Philippine Brand Vehicles (PBV) program has attracted keen interest and commitments from the industry players including Japanese assemblers, which dominate the domestic market, but stayed away from developing a customized vehicle model that could truly be called a Philippine brand. Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Elmer C. Hernandez … Pt. 1: How to Install High Performance Brakes on a Custom Car : Ordering Car Brake Parts
Although Nakuru is KenyaÂ’s forth biggest town (population of 163,000 at the last census) it has a relaxed atmosphere and makes it a pleasant base for a few days. ItÂ’s on the delightful lake Nakuru National Park and is only a few kilometers from the deep, dramatic Menegai Crater.
Information
Changing cash and travelers cheques in Nakuru is easy, with numerous banks and Forex bureaus. Barclays Banks ATMs are the most reliable. Plenty of card phones are scattered around the town.
Aga Khan satellite Laboratory (off court Road) various lab services. Malaria test cost Ksh 160.
Dreams Cyber World (Kenyatta Lane; per hour 120 per hour, 8am-8pm, closed 1-2pm Friday) fast connection and open Sunday.
Post office (Kenyatta Avenue) Towns cheapest internet
Budget Hotels in Nakuru
Lurking within the maze of noisy and dirty budget options were these stand outs.
Mount Sinai Hotel
(Bazaar Rd; s/tw/tr Kshs 350/500/600) A big clean place with sound security (iron bars all over). The rooms on the scenic terrace are the brightest of the bunch.
Joska Hotel –Nakuru
(pandhit Nehru Rd, Kshs 400)
Foam mattresses have shag- carpet covers in these basic rooms. Everything is rather clean but you will have to be a porcelain jockey- the toilets lack seats. Ask for and upstairs or an inward facing room, as they are quieter.
Tropical Lodge
(Moi Rd; s/tw with shared bathroom Kshs 250/350) While the bathrooms are shared, they do have toilet seats (a rarity in these parts). Rooms are simple, quiet and baby blue. It is run by a cheerful woman who makes up for the odd cockroach
Crater View Lodge
(Mburu Gichua Rd; s/tw Ksh 300/350) All rooms face a bright inner courtyard, and noise here is less tan you would suspect. The twin rooms are a bargain, even if the bathrooms are a bit rough. Secure parking is available.
Gituamba Lodge
(Gusii Rd: s/tw with shared bathroom Kshs 260/345, s/tw Ksh 310/400)The rooms here are bare bone basics, but they are rather large and some have big bright windows. It can be noisy so take a top floor room.
Other budget hotels that wonÂ’t curl your toes include the following:
Care Guest House Nakuru
(pandit Nehru Rd;s/tw Ksh 300/400)Ask for room 66
Pekars Lodge. (Mburu Gichua Rd; s/tw incl breakfast Ksh 360/720)A good deal for single rooms
Campers can drop tent in nearby Lake Nakuru National Park, at Hyrax hill Prehistoric site. Or at 20 km west of town at Kembu campsite (US$4, 1-/2-bedroom cottages Kshs 3000/6000). Kembu has a great atmosphere and its particularly popular with over Landers due to its truck workshop and airy bamboo clad bar/ restaurant (order your food in advance).
The semi- secluded one-bedroom acacia cottage, with French doors, polished wood floors, a gorgeous bed with a lovely bathroom, is easily the NakuruÂ’s most charming room. The larger cottages have kitchens and are great for families. Mountain bikes hire and various treks into the surrounding areas can be arranged. To get there you take a matatu headed to Molo (via Njoro; Ksh 80) and ask to be dropped at the metal gecko sign, about 6 km northwest of Njoro on the C56. It is also sign posted from the A104.
