The Circus

Kerry Plowright asked:


If you have a large family and you’re on a tight budget, then you may want to take a close look at a one owner Kia Carnival. The Kia Carnival is a people mover in the same vein as the Honda Odyssey, the Chrysler Voyager and the Mazda MPV. However, the Kia Carnival is available at a much more affordable price for the growing family on a tight budget.

The Kia Carnival represents good value for money as, unlike many other Asian people movers, it is powered by a V6 engine while comfortably seating seven people. With the new car price at around $30,000 a good used Kia Carnival will represent true value for money for anyone needing to lug around a growing family on a tight budget. Of course, you will not get the same car as you would with one of the more expensive people movers from Chrysler, Mazda, Honda or Mitsubishi. For example, the ride and handling may not be up to the same standard as the more expensive people movers however this is to be expected from a vehicle that sells for a lot less. This also goes for the finish on the interior. But if your young kids are sitting in the back for long periods, then you may not want anything too fancy on the inside anyway. A bored kid can be quite destructive!

Some of the features available on the Kia Carnival include:

·Dual sliding doors for easy access

·Power steering and power mirrors

·Dual zone air conditioning, and

·Six speaker CD.

Looking for a one owner Kia Carnival

If you are considering buying a good one owner Kia Carnival, then look for one that was built from 2001 onwards. The 2001 models have a far better seating arrangement so anyone in the back will be riding in more comfort. Also, you’ll need to check for cylinder head gasket problems so have the vehicle checked thoroughly before buying. And while you’re at it, check for any problems in manual transmissions for smooth gear changes from third back to second and for autos, check for noise or problems with shifting into gear. Some Kia Carnivals have had to have engines replaced so check this also.

You will also want to check the interior for any damage or excessive wear and tear from passengers riding in the rear, especially damage caused by younger children.

When it comes to driving the Kia Carnival, there are several issues that you need to be aware of. Although powered by a 132 kw V6 engine, the Kia Carnival is relatively slow off the mark and is at its best when cruising along the highway. The turning circle, as should probably be expected from such a bulky car, is quite large and parking in the street may also present some issues.

Overall, if you are in need of a people mover and you do not have a lot of money to spend on one of the Japanese models, then it may well be worth taking a Kia Carnival for a test drive with the whole family. Remember though, you won’t be getting the same car as the more expensive people movers so it’s probably not fair to compare.



WESTON

Jimmy Plant asked:


I was walking down the road one ordinary day when suddenly, I saw her.

I was totally blown away. For the first time in my life I was in love. No, it wasn’t a girl, it was a car. And not just any car—the most perfect car in the world— a cherry red Mustang.

I had just turned 17 and was envious of all my other friends who had already been driving for a year. Whenever I had to get somewhere, I had to walk, and so it hurt my ego to suddenly have to dive into a bush to avoid being seen when one of my friends whizzed by.

One day as I passed the Mustang I wanted it more than ever. I had to get some quick cash – but how?

Luckily, the circus had just come to town and I passed several workmen who were clearing a large area to set up tents and exhibits. I was intrigued. I had always loved going to the circus when I was younger and was drawn to the colors, sounds and excitement of being a spectator.

So I walked inside the grounds and up to the nearest tent. Outside there was a wooden placard on which was written “Help Wanted – Glamorous Internship Position Available”. “Ah ha!” I thought to myself. This is surely fate at work. A few weeks on the job would put me well on the path to zooming down the highway in my dream car.

I walked into the tent and up to a desk. Behind a stack of ledgers was the manager who was busily counting piles of money. He ignored me, but when I cleared my throat a few times he looked up. “I’m here about an internship,” I said.

His face lit up and he rubbed his hands together. “Excellent,” he said. “We have a position available, and I think you might be perfect for it”

I had visions of stepping into the center of the ring, twirling my magnificent moustache and cracking my whip as the crowed roared. Or perhaps I could manage the freaks! I would feed the thousand pound man, or become the bearded lady’s stylist. It was the circus after all, a place of endless dreams.

The manager stood and regarded me critically.

“The position requires someone who laughs at danger!”

“I’m your man,” I replied calmly.

“Someone who can tame even the most fearsome beast, and can withstand what no ordinary mortal could bear to face!”

“No sweat,” I said with growing confidence.

The manager smiled.

“Excellent, you’re hired,” he said, “Report back here tomorrow at 4 AM.”

The next morning, I woke excitedly and ran all the way to work. But I was in for a surprise.

It turned out my job was to follow the elephants around with a bag and collect their massive droppings.

The manager tried to cheer me up. “This state has very strict laws on pollution,” he would say, “If we don’t keep the local community happy, we lose our license to perform. So in a way, you are single handedly responsible for the success of this entire enterprise.”

Needless to say, I grew disillusioned pretty quickly. The elephants grew to recognize me and my bag and they were always ready for a fresh deposit. Even the clowns were laughing at me.



NORMAND