Acura of Pleasanton Blog: Compact vs. SUV

Acura of Pleasanton Blog: Compact vs. SUV: It’s hard to go a day without reading or hearing about the cost of living, rents being raised and the concept of “quality of life”.  Most...

Compact vs. SUV

It’s hard to go a day without reading or hearing about the cost of living, rents being raised and the concept of “quality of life”.  Most of us wake up every day with a list of bills and responsibilities that we need to honor and uphold, spending all of our time battling the growing debt we acquire through living beyond our means. 

Personal experiences have placed me on both ends of the spectrum.   I’ve been able to have a lot of money at my disposal, but I’ve also experienced poverty and the reality of living pay check to pay check.  What I learned by being in both situations is this.  You don’t have to over extend yourself and your finances to live a rich and fulfilling life. 

I will admit whole-heartedly that I love nice things. I love expensive, quality pieces that last a lifetime and bring beauty into my environment.  That doesn’t mean that I need to rack up a handful of credit card debt and take out that second or third on my house or condo.  It simply means that I need to budget for the items I know will cost me the most, and find creative alternatives for the “would be nice to have, but I really don’t need” items. 

For me, driving a luxurious car with all the bells and whistles is one of my “MUST HAVE” items.  My job requires me to travel quite a bit, all while lugging around bulky production equipment.  Being in a vehicle that has good gas mileage, full surround sound, navigation and plenty of storage room are my requirements. 

I’ve found that for my in-town events, The Acura ILX is my car of choice.  A zippy compact with a 8-speed dual-clutch transmission giving me quick but incredibly smooth transitions which make for a fun drive over the bridges and onto the city streets.  The sleek, stylish design keeps me looking sharp as I cruise down the Embarcadero.  But it’s the A-Spec appearance that that really sells me.  Knowing I get the sporty look without compromising the power and speed I’m so addicted to makes this a millennials dream car.

When I need to go on longer road trip, the all-new Acura RDX is my SUV of choice.  As I’ve mentioned before, my road trips require Tetris level packing skills with all the luggage and equipment I need for my job.   I found that the RDX offered me AcuraLink for real time traffic updates, parking assist and remote engine start, perfect for my on-the-go days.   While I love a compact car, the RDX gave me the ample room to load even the bulkiest of tri-pods and lighting equipment.

Both cars offer me the hybrid experience, the price for each is just low enough for me to justify the spend and still have money left to take myself out for dinner when my work is done.  Living the big city dream only works when you have the right tools, and for me, the car I drive is a huge part of that. 

To learn more about the ILX or the RDX, click on the link below!

http://www.acuraofpleasanton.com/new-inventory/index.htm

Top Five Cheap to Free Things To Do This Weekend!

Summer has arrived! What are a few thoughts that come to mind when you think of summer?   If you are single and childless it means beaches, bonfires, and road trips with your best friends. If you happen to have children, summer becomes an endless effort to keep the little ones busy and entertained. 

School has let out, and what once was a quiet and clean home and car,  are now filled with beach toys, travel bags and friends and family coming in and out of town. 

With visitors and kids to entertain, we have compiled the best CHEAP TO FREE things to do here in the bay area.   We know that just because everyone else is on vacation, doesn’t mean you are, and we are here to help!  

This weekend in The Presidio, The Presidio Kite Expo is happening from 12 Noon until 5 pm.  This is a FREE FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT with option for a free Kite Building Class (RSVP to reserve your free Kite making kit!). 

If you are kid free this weekend, there is the Women’s World Cup: Outdoor Watch Party and Soccer Festival happening Friday June 12, starting at 4 pm. Watch the best women soccer players from around the globe battle it out to see who’s the best during the Women’s World Cup. Cheer along with a big crowd in San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza as the games are simulcast live from Canada. 

There is also the 2015 International Parkour Jam: AKA the Urban Ninja Festival.  Yes, it is as cool as it sounds.  Watch a bunch of Jackie Chan wannabes performing amazing ninja stunts and tricks. 

If these sound like fun, or if you want to check out some of the other amazing cheap to free things to do in the city this weekend, check out the link below!

http://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/