Isuzu's i-Series Trucks for 2007

Isuzu is still in the pickup truck business, selling their version of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup. Isuzu's version is a likeable truck, though the model range is limited.

At the first glance, the Isuzu i-series is often perceived, not quite correctly, as a warmed-over General Motors product. While the i-series is more or less identical to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the fact is that Isuzu did have a hand in the truck's development. The deal was that Chevy and GMC would have first shot at selling the truck in North America while Isuzu would sell a slightly different diesel-powered version called the D-MAX in the Asia-Pacific region, which have been very marketable.

Isuzu started selling the i280 and i350 in the US in 2006, though sales were a fraction of those of the Colorado and Canyon. Part of the problem was lack of choice. The i-series came in just two versions: The four-cylinder manual-transmission extended-cab 4x2 i280 and the five-cylinder automatic crew-cab 4x4 i350. Chevy and GMC continued to sell their versions of the truck with a wide variety of cabs, bed, engine, transmission, and driveline combinations.

For this year, things have improved slightly. The four-cylinder Isuzu now offers an automatic transmission, while the five-cylinder model comes in both extended and crew cabs as well as with a 4x2 driveline, though the 4x4 is only available as a crew cab. Both trucks also get larger engines and new names: i290 and i370, reflecting their 2.9 and 3.7 liter engines.

There is no carpet and an AM/FM radio in the driver's seat, though air conditioning and 4-wheel antilock brakes are part of the standard parts. The truck accessories, which contain cloth seats, carpets, rear jump seats, CD/MP3 player, floor mats, and tinted windows are worth $699 all in all. The automatic transmission is at $1,089 and the bottom line is at $19,500. It contains manual door locks and crank-up windows.

The i290's extended cab has rear-opening doors on both sides for easier access to the second row, where there is are two fold-up jump seats with 3-point belts and LATCH child seat anchors. Like most compact pickup back seats, these are best suited for kids. Once seat are pulled up, one will find a handy plastic tool box that also flips forwards to provide flat load floor.

This year, the i-series offers side curtain airbags, a rare truck accessory in pickup trucks. They are optional on LS-model extended-cab Isuzus and standard equipment on the i370 with crew cab.

By far the high point of the i290 is its engine. At 2.9 liters, it is huge for a four-cylinder engine, and it shows in the numbers: 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, the latter peaking at a usefully low 2800 RPM. Those numbers represent an increase of 10 hp and 5 lb-ft over last year's 2.8 liter engine.

It would be easy to mistake the i290's off-the-line performance for that of a six-cylinder truck. The truck loses some of its get-up-and-go at highway speeds, though passing acceleration (50 to 75 MPH) is adequate. The four-banger has enough torque to spin the rear wheels, even under moderate acceleration.

The i290 has a payload capacity of just over 1500 lbs, whose towing capacity is 2,100 with the manual and 3,100 with the automatic, more than enough to haul a small boat, a couple of ATVs, or a utility trailer. Its bed width is 4' 9"; bed length is 5' for the crew cab and 6' for the extended cab. Movable support cables allow the tailgate to be held half-way open and bear weight in this position.

The i290's steering is light, good but not sporty. The ride is remarkably quiet at highway speeds. As mentioned earlier the i290 comes with standard antilock brakes but lacks advanced safety electronics such as electronic stability control, which is just starting to make their way into competitors' products.

Hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona - Hot Deals in a Sun-drenched City

You know you're from Arizona, it's been said, when you feed your chickens ice cubes to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.

Though humorous, the saying aptly describes Arizona's climate. In Scottsdale, as in any other city in Arizona, the weather is mostly sunny the whole year round. This is one of the reasons Scottsdale is very popular among tourists, particularly as a retirement destination. Known as The West's Most Western Town, Scottsdale has gained international renown as a prime and posh tourist destination. It is famous for its art galleries, golf courses, and craft shops. It is just as well-known for its horse shows and rodeo festivals.

The hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona are one of a kind, and they're one of the reasons the city is able to contribute millions of dollars to the economy of Greater Phoenix. These hotels are havens of luxury and relaxation and are the perfect places to go to for pampering and recreation. Most of the hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona come with top-notch fitness centers and spas. In fact, the city itself has the highest number of spas per capita in the U.S.

When in the city, you will never run out of wonderful hotels to check into. The Scottsdale Plaza is one of the most opulent hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona. Located near Camelback Mountain, it provides a stunning backdrop for your golf game, wedding, or theme parties. It is the proud owner of Arizona's largest whirlpool spa.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North also boasts of a location that is just as scenic. Nestled in the foothills of North Scottsdale, the Four Seasons is one of the most dramatic settings in the valley and is an excellent vantage point for anyone who wants to see the desert on foot.

If, on the other hand, you intend to spend most of your time in the golf course, then book a room at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Easily one of the hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona with an excellent golf course, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has partnered with the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale and two other reputable golfing organizations.

The plush hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona are not the only accommodations open to you, however. If you want a more rustic experience, then why not spend your time in an Arizona cabin? This type of lodging lets you experience a lifestyle reminiscent
of pioneer life. You can stay at the Whispering Pines Resort, the Ponderosa Cabin, Spruce Cabin, Juniper Cabin, or the Bear Lodge. For very reasonably priced accommodations, try the Best Western Papago Inn. Described by the New York Times as Scottsdale's finest resort, it boasts of close proximity to the Phoeniz Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the Scottsdale Civic Center. To make reservations at any of the hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, try browsing through sites, such as http://www.Holiday4You.com.

So, how do you know you're in Arizona? Another local joke provides a ready answer: you know you're in Arizona when even your fake plants are wilting. While Arizona might wreak havoc on artificial plants, however, there is no reason you should let it do the same on your purse strings.

Rejuvenate And Liven Up Yourself With A Spa Vacation

On the lookout for a vacation that would spoil you with facials, wonderful beauty treatments and body massages? Spa vacations are designed to assist you in escaping from the routine pressure of life and relaxing in a tranquil and beautiful environment. There are some specific destination spa holidays, which are designed to create awareness in men and women about their health, by putting together physical fitness activities and healthy lifestyles.

Some �relaxing� vacations also include hobby-based getaways. One can book spa holidays to pursue canoeing, biking adventure, kayaking, walking, ski adventure and golf. If you are searching for a relaxing spa retreat, also available are stress management retreats, yoga vacations, weight loss vacations and retreats with lessons on spirituality.

The question is: How do you find a spa best suited for you? The following are some tips that could help you to find the best spa holiday.

Choose spa vacations that would suit your needs and requirements. If you are seeking for spas that enliven your spirit, a calm place with silent surroundings which will be most tranquil for you. Such tranquility could be only achieved in a peaceful resort located somewhere in the ocean or on an oasis in the middle of the desert. It is always advisable to choose a place, which is within your budget.

Choose an affordable spa holiday and do not forget that the main purpose of the spa vacation is to de-stress and relax and not add to your problems. The designed holiday could teach you meditation and yoga for you to de-stress.

If Spa treatments are not your concern and you are just looking to get pampered, there are spas that would offer you the just that. All you need is follow the instructions and guidelines they offer you, before the treatment. The staff takes over and pampers you with massages, manicures and facials. This might be just what you need.

If you want to reduce weight, then there are spas that specialize in assisting weight reduction. They provide health food, aerobics training, personal trainers, therapists and nutritionists. This works towards changing your lifestyle and not only reducing weight and maintaining it. There are times when all you need is motivation to make permanent, long lasting changes in your life, leading to a happier and healthier you.

You also have the option to choose from different spa holidays that are designed to pamper you and also provide golfing lessons. These are very similar to the normal spas, but they have additional recreational activities to make the stay more enjoyable.

One can plan a relaxing spa vacation alone or with a spouse or even a larger group. Spa retreats are great ideas for corporate brainstorming sessions, family gatherings and reunions. Spas are also excellent holiday options for honeymooners. These trips leave pleasant memories of all the times spent together.

Irrespective of what kind of holiday vacation you choose, you will find yourself totally rejuvenated and at peace and experience a different kind of awareness in your body and surroundings. Whether it is a solitary trip, a holiday vacation with a best friend or spouse or with a large group, spa experiences offer a welcome break from the stressful, hectic schedules.

Tips On Buying Truck Tool Boxes

Truck tool boxes can be used for a wide variety of projects. They can be used to carry things for work or for fishing or for playing your favorite sport. You can use them in your pick up truck if you don't have a lot of space in the cab for hauling around other tools. You can use your tool box to protect items being carried in the truck bed. There are a wide array of styles to choose from. A homak tool box is a popular choice. You may also want to consider a truck lumber rack.

A top mount toll box will be mounted in the bed of the truck behind the cab. They may have one or two lids and they can have several compartments or one large one. You can choose the style you want depending on what you want to carry around with you in your truck. If you have a lot of small items than you will want something that has several compartments. IF you want something to carry larger tools than you will need one big compartment.

If you have a side mount box this will go on the side rail of the bed. This box will sit inside the truck bed and they come in many different sizes so that it can suite your particular truck. You can get them for a compact or full size bed. The box will open from the top and you should buy a model that locks so you can stop theft from occurring when you are parked. You want to make sure it has a proper lock. These features can be found on any sort of box.

If you are looking at boxes then consider the crossover box which is very popular. This will go behind the cab of the truck and you can find it in a model that will fit any kind of box. You can have your tool box bolted to the bed of the truck to stop people from trying to steal it. Many different manufacturers make crossover boxes.

The least expensive type of box is a plastic box which is a lot cheaper than other materials, but of course they are not as sturdy. If you want to get something slightly better than get something made out of aluminum. This is a good choice for a pick up truck. It is light but also more sturdy than a plastic box. You will pay more for this kind of box, but it will last longer than a plastic box. You can get this kind of box in a silver tone or in black.

If you want a really long lasting box then try a steel one. These are really good for professional uses and will prove themselves very long lasting and durable. They are also more expensive than the other types so you will have to pay for this reliability. Get one with a powder coated steel because it will be more durable and last even longer.

Rent a Car for Driving in Spain

There is a wide variety of transportation available for those traveling to Spain. You can hire a car, ride a bike or take a taxi. Of course, public transportation is also available for those who prefer not to find their own way around town or its roundabouts. Depending on traffic and the distance, public transportation may be the best and most effective way to get around. However, driving is the best transportation if you want to make the most of your time in Spain, as you can more freely explore the country and enjoy the beautiful scenery and attractions throughout the area. Driving in Spain can be a wonderful experience. Not only are you able to enjoy the scenery as you drive, you can also take advantage of the freedom to travel on your schedule. If you will be shopping, a car also makes it much easier to carry and transport your purchases back to your hotel or apartment.

Fortunately, renting a car in Spain is not difficult nor should it take a drastic toll on your pocket book. You can find great bargains and choices in vehicles. Whether you are looking for a sporty style or a roomy family size car, you will find what you are looking for and at an affordable price. Online is a good place to start in finding good deals by car hire companies. However, you find your car of choice at the price for you, the cost of driving throughout the country will be a much better value for your money. When you have your own car, you can explore the area when you want and at the pace you want. It will be much easier to travel throughout the area to get a taste of all of the culture, history, attractions and sightseeing available making for such a memorable vacation. You will not need to rely on public transportation or the continual incurrence of cab fares, but rather enjoy each drive and destination in an air-conditioned car on the timetable you set.

Planning ahead is a good idea and, as mentioned earlier, browsing car hire services online is a good way to find discounts on cars. The internet is a great solution for every traveler, whether new to Spain or a regular tourist. You can take care of all the details online, from making the payment arranging insurance needs. You will then only need to get the car once you have arrived in the area, but you will find that many car hire companies will even pick you up from the airport. Be sure to check on this convenient service when making the arrangements. At that point, all you have to think about is the freedom you have to explore when you want and in the comfort of your own car.