Our wait is finally over!  After 2 weeks of research, Imaginary Diva and I purchased a new vehicle.  We’re happy owners of a 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L.  As 2009 Compact SUV of the Year (by various media circles in Canada), it carries a high level of refinement, genuine off-road capability and good road manners.  During our first test drive, Imaginary Diva was so comfortable she almost fell asleep!

As expected, overall quality is exceptional; a common trait from the “Land of the Rising Sun”.  Unlike many of its counterparts, the Grand Vitara is actually made in Japan.  Popular alternatives, like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, etc, are constructed in other countries.  Nonetheless, they’re both outstanding vehicles but we felt the Grand Vitara brought more value in terms of features, performance and quality.

An important factor that led to our decision was the ability to handle treacherous road conditions.  Since we live in Canada, our erratic weather patterns is a major obstacle for most drivers.  Last winter we experienced 10 feet of snow in 2 days!

The Grand Vitara’s reputation for truck-like toughness is more than a match for Canadian winters.  Unlike major competitors, our compact SUV is a true 4×4 and not based on a front-drive car platform.  The Grand Vitara is based on a integrated ladder frame, which increases rigidity and towing capacity (up to 3,000 lbs).  A fully independent suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link geometry in the rear gives plenty of capability over rough terrain, while delivering a civilized ride on pavement.

Imaginary Diva loves the interior.  There’s plenty of features to keep her ride pleasurable.  The seats are comfortable and very spacious.  A beautiful console exudes glimpses of elegance while remaining simplistic at the same time.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past year, the automobile industry is going through a big economic downturn. For prospective customers, this is a perfect time to purchase a new vehicle.  It’s a “buyers market”, where dealers and manufacturers are currently offering big discounts and super low interest rates.  And at 0% interest for the entire payment term, it would be crazy for us not to purchase a new car.  Who wants to pay interest on anything???

Overall, we feel the Suzuki Grand Vitara will serve our needs for a very long time.  It gives us plenty of brawn and space, while offering performance and safety on the road.  And, of course, it was purchased at a super great price!

Imaginary Diva and I are looking to purchase a new car.  After two weeks of researching and test driving, we’ve narrowed our choices to a few vehicles.  Since we both work from home, it’s comforting to know that our next car will not be used as a daily commuter, especially through rush hour traffic.  In addition, our common sense has led us to a comfortable financial situation so we don’t feel the need to spend an exorbitant amount toward a depreciating asset.

Since we’re looking to negotiate real soon, I am not going to reveal our top choices.  However, I will post some pictures of our new car when it finally arrives.  If you don’t know by now, our current vehicle is pretty quirky, carries a lot of soul and fits both of our colorful personalities.  Don’t expect anything to change as our next vehicle will bear a similar theme but with an odd twist.  I will admit that none of our top picks included vehicles by Chrysler, GM or affiliated subsidiaries!  These two companies have been ostracized due to their questionable futures.

We hope to get our new car within a week so we can both move on with our lives.  The amount of research and time to buy a car is pretty cumbersome.  In the end, it is going to be worth it!

Yes, it’s been a while since my last post.  Apart from playing videogames, a large portion of my time is spent preparing for the upcoming Christmas shopping season.  I’m expecting another hectic month of December; a non-stop flurry of activity and, of course, sales!!!

Since a majority of my business transactions involve U.S. dollars, the recent fall of our Canadian dollar is a positive sign for me and other businesses that deal with American greenbacks.

What do I want for Christmas?  A Weaker Canadian Dollar!!!

A weak Canadian dollar is also beneficial for Canadian businesses who export their products and services to other countries.  Since Canada is an exporting nation, this is a good sign for the future, especially with the recent financial meltdown with our American neighbours.

The future looks good and I’m going to take advantage of it!

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of times I’ve been approached to join a multilevel marketing (MLM) opportunity or what most pundits claim to be a pyramid scheme.  The promises of big income or the ability to work at home is a repetitive theme expressed throughout a sales pitch.

Evidently, I always pass on these advances due to the fact I already generate passive income with my own businesses by working only a couple hours a day.  Plus, most people (with any sort of a rationale) can see through the smoke and mirrors associated with MLM companies and their questionable tactics.

It shouldn’t come to a surprise that a majority of MLM companies rely on recruitment strategies or marketing tools to earn a majority of their revenues.  Simply look at their financial statements and you will find that a sizeable portion of their earnings continue to rely on the recruitment of new members, rather than the movement of their (supposedly) core products or services.

Overall, given the right market conditions, I believe a competent sales person can be successful with any opportunity.  With the right strategy, execution and follow through, a high level of success can be achieved.  And yes, this can also apply to MLM opportunities as well.  But if their meagre success rate, for most recruits, is an indicator of the future, I’m better off starting my own business by selling batteries or kinky lingerie.