Auto Magazine

Foreign Cars: Fix ‘Em Up Or Throw ‘Em Out

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/06 in Foreign Cars with Comments Off

When you own a foreign car, you may have a piece of junk on your hands. Other times, a foreign car is great for your wants and needs. Either way, if it starts to break, you need to either cut your losses or invest more in the vehicle. With this in mind, here are four ways to get your foreign vehicle fixed on the cheap.

Online auctions:

If you want a high-end part, you should head to online auction sites like Ebay. When going with this option, you can buy a part meeting your unique wants and needs. Simply put, when you own an older car, you will want to buy great parts and you can do so by heading to an online auction site. Again, while you will pay a higher price when compared with a salvage yard, you can get the item you want. And know for a fact that it is the right part for the issues you are experiencing, and it will be in perfect new condition. This is a great option when it comes to the actual mechanical issues of a car. After you have purchased the actually parts, then you can either take it into an auto shop, have a knowledgeable friend work on it, or learn how to make the repairs yourself.

Online salvage yard:

Believe it or not, if you want, you can head online to find a salvage yard. This is a more expensive option than doing it at the site. However, if you have an obscure car, you can find the part you want, just at a higher price. Without a doubt, if you want the item quickly and without doing much work, consider an online salvage yard.

Local paper or classifieds:

By heading to Craigslist or your local paper’s website, you can find that part for your vehicle. This is not a great option if you have an obscure car and have a need for lots of parts. But, if you want one or two items, head online and check your local classifieds. Especially if the repair isn’t an urgent one, this can be a great option to take your time, find the right part and for the right price. So this can be a great option when it comes to the more cosmetic issues with a vehicle.

Salvage yard:

If you own an older automobile, you can head to a local salvage yard. Here, you can get the right part for your needs. This is true whether you need an old carburetor or plastic piece on your bumper. Since a salvage yard is self-serve, this is the perfect option if you are busy and want to get in, grab the part, and move on with your life.

With these four options, you can get your vehicle fixed on the cheap. Otherwise, if you do not have access to inexpensive parts, you may think about getting rid of your old automobile.

Information Credit:
Looking for a part? You should head to a salvage yard such as All Japanese Auto Wrecking Services. They are experts at fixing foreign cars as well as having replacement parts. When doing so, you can get the part you want for a fraction of the cost.

The Five Most Futuristic Cars on the Market Right Now

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/05 in Auto Design with Comments Off

You probably grew up seeing futuristic cars in the movies, and you probably hoped that you would one day be driving one of those cars. While flying cars may not be available there are still plenty of futuristic options you can start driving. Here are a few cars that you should check out if that is the kind of car you are looking for.

McLaren MP4-12C

This vehicle can be purchased at select dealers and is available as a rental car for high-end business clients. TopGear reports that the MP4-12C tops out at a max speed of 205 mph and can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in a little over 3 seconds. Despite being an elite vehicle, its reported mpg is surprisingly mediocre: 15/22 for city/highway driving.

Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

These vehicles are priced at slightly over $500,000 depending on mileage and the local market. Like the McLaren MP4-12C, it is not renowned for efficiency, clocking in only 11/19 city/highway MPG. If you can pay for that kind of millage you will get a very sleek looking car.

Aptera 2e

The “Aptera” class of vehicles was first developed by Aptera Motors. A few years ago, that business formally failed. However, the vehicle design went on and is now under further development by Zap Jonway. Despite its obvious function as a car, there is some legal ambiguity over the Aptera’s classification as a “car” because it has only one wheel in the back. This has consequences for safety and emission standards. Available for roughly $30,000-$40,000, the Aptera gets approximately 200 mpg. That’s right, 200 miles per gallon.

Terrafugia Transition

Finally, a flying car. Aside from the approximately $300,000 price tag, the Terrafugia Transition requires several licenses and certifications to operate. The vehicle’s legal future and market appeal is also very unclear. As Popular Mechanics outlines, a vehicle that is roadworthy and airworthy simply requires different design priorities. Currently it seems that improvement in flying performance will almost certainly come at the expense of important driving variables, and vice versa.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

This small personal transport is designed to run efficiently on an electric engine, vastly reducing dependence on petroleum. Though great for urban transport and short commutes, the U.S. version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has a limited range of approximately 62 miles. This means an effective maximum radius of 31 miles from a given charging station. Though it has much appeal for city driving, this car will have trouble competing without comparable infrastructure that supports electric cars as gas stations support petroleum-fueled cars.

So start living in the future and get one of these awesome cars as your next mode of transportation.

Author Bio: Annette is a freelance writer that suggests using Fastlane Window Tint after getting a new car. Annette often writes about finances and ways to save money.

Hollywood Hogs: Five of the Greatest Motorcycles in the Movies

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/02 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Ever since Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper jumped on their Harleys in 1969’s Easy Rider, the motorcycle has been an icon of American cinema, albeit featured more prominently in action blockbusters than character driven road trips. Here’s five of the coolest bikes.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Within minutes of arriving from the future, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator commandeers a 1990 Harley Davidson Fat Boy, whisking John Connor away from the clutches of the shape-shifting T-1000 and leading him on a thrilling urban chase through L.A. At one point, the Terminator jumps the 650 pound bike down into a storm drain, throwing off sparks as it lands. This stunt, performed by Peter Kent, was accomplished by using wires to suspend the bike. The wires were then digitally removed in post production.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

While probably not at the top of anyone’s list of favorite movies, this franchise spin-off nevertheless features a fantastic early action set piece where our hero, played by Hugh Jackman, manages to jump his 1963 Harley Davidson Duo Glide into a helicopter.

The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Ever since it burst out of the battered shell of Bruce Wayne’s jet black Tumbler, the BatPod has captivated audiences as a crucial piece of machinery for the Caped Crusader in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Custom built for the film by Nolan and designer Nathan Crowley, the BatPod’s engines are actually mounted inside the wheels instead of on the frame, and the driver must actually lean his entire body to steer it.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

The Wachowski Brothers’ Matrix trilogy is wall to wall with great action scenes, but perhaps none more hair-raising than when Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) turns her 2001 Ducati 996 around on a busy highway and races against the flow of traffic. Known for its speed and maneuverability, the 996 is the perfect bike for Trinity to evade her pursuers as she dips and weaves between minivans and tractor trailers.

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

In this incredible true story, New Zealand native Burt Monro (Anthony Hopkins) races his custom built 1920 Indian Scout to a land speed record of 190 mph. Indian, founded in 1901, made the first motorcycles in America, and the Scout’s polished, torpedo shaped hull give it a look unlike any other bike in film.

Informational credit to Immix Racing motorcycle racks who provide everything from skid plates to a Yamaha wr250r rack.

How to Handle an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

by Anica Oaks on 2014/05/01 in Auto Accident, Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

The consequence from being involved in an accident can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious, life-altering problem. The challenges are magnified if the other driver is uninsured. When this happens, you’re forced to seek compensation from a person who may not be able to pay for your property damage or medical bills. Here’s what you should know about handling an accident involving an uninsured driver.

Call the Police

It is important to call for the police and obtain an official record of the accident. This will help you later when you’re trying to get your expenses covered. In most states, driving without insurance is against the law, so the other party may also be facing criminal charges. This is a vital first step for protecting yourself, so make this your first call.

Exchange Information

When dealing with an uninsured driver, you need to make sure that you have a means to reach the other party later. Collect information from the other driver’s license. Take pictures of their license plate. Ask for a cell phone number, home number and work information. Gather as much information as you can about this individual to facilitate contacting them later.

Get Checked Out

Take care of yourself. Visit the doctor or hospital to be examined. When adrenaline is coursing through your body right after an accident, you may not feel the pain of whiplash or other potentially serious injuries. However, the pain and red flags can show up a few hours or even days later. While your insurance may cover your injuries, you ultimately want the person responsible to cover the bills. Documentation is key to any accident, so ask for personal copies of any medical checkups and bills.

Work with Your Insurance Company

Your insurance may not cover you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. However, there are riders that you can invest in so that you’ll be covered even if the other party cannot reimburse you. Even if you don’t have this coverage, you should still work with your insurance company. They can provide you with valuable advice, and they’ll want to know what repairs have been made to your car.

Review Any Settlement

Whether you’re working with an insurance company or an individual, you can expect the initial offer to be low. This is because the other party will work hard to minimize their losses by reducing payments to you. They may try to claim that some injuries or property damage were present before the accident, and they will almost certainly try to minimize your pain and suffering. You may want to consider working with a professional to help you review offers. It is possible to have a settlement reviewed and increased when you know the law and have an experienced attorney on your side.

Being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist can cause a great hardship. It can be more difficult to recover damages as the uninsured driver may have minimal assets and no way to cover the damage. You may want to consider investing in a special rider with the insurance company, and work with professionals who can help you review any settlement offers if you are trying to collect damages from an individual.

Information Source: Law Offices of Savin & Bursk

Performance Vs. Style: Five Cars That Give You The Best Of Both Worlds

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/04/30 in Auto Buying Tips, Auto Design with Comments Off

When selecting a new car, drivers don’t have to compromise on style and performance. Getting the car you want doesn’t have to cost a fortune or require you to sacrifice something else you love about the vehicle. The following five cars offer the best of both worlds so you can have the vehicle you’ve always wanted:

Nissan Juke

With a distinct sporty design, the Nissan Juke has one of the sleekest exterior profiles in the crossover SUV class. The aerodynamic profile of this model is inspired by a compact hatchback. The Nissan Juke is loaded with a turbocharged 1.6 Liter engine that delivers up to 188 horsepower.

Dodge Challenger

A true All-American muscle car, the Dodge Challenger has a design inspired by this model’s early years. The iconic exterior includes traditional style double round headlights and striped decals. The side mirrors are inspired by a classic bullet shape design of the 1960s. The tremendous capabilities in the Dodge Challenger are possible thanks to a 5.7 Liter 8 cylinder engine that yields 375 horsepower. A six speed TRAMAC manual transmission offers smooth handling of this classic Dodge sports car.

Cadillac CTS-V

Inspired by stock car racing, the Cadillac CTS-V combines sporty styling with luxury. A center mounted exhaust, red Brembo brake calipers and fender mounted air extractors are some unique exterior features of this Cadillac coupe. The double honeycomb front grille cannot be mistaken for anything but the work of Cadillac. The CTS-V coupe is capable of running at a whopping 556 horsepower thanks to the supercharged 6.2 Liter V8 engine. In exactly four seconds, the awesome engine block can accelerate this Cadillac from zero to 60 mph.

Mazda3

The 2014 Mazda3 is introduced as an affordable four door sedan that’s loaded with premium exterior and interior features. The aggressive sporty stance in the Mazda3 results from the extra long hood that creates a dramatic visual contrast with the short trunk. A signature 2.0 Liter SKYACTIV engine block generates 155 horsepower and an impressive fuel economy of 41 mpg on the highway.

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy has a contemporary four door sedan design that’s appealing as a family car. This affordable Subaru can be customized with premium leather upholstery and power moon roof. Standard symmetrical All Wheel Drive in the Subaru Legacy is combined with a signature 2.5 L or 3.6 Liter Boxer Engine. The Subaru Legacy offers a fuel economy of up to 32 mpg on the highway.

Modern cars are all about attractive styling and mechanical capabilities. Sleek exterior profiles contribute to aerodynamic designs in vehicles. Innovative engine blocks deliver efficient performance in contemporary cars. With these ideas and a little research, you can find a car that first your needs.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, auto, family and business. She enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to Overland Park Mazda.

Image source: http://www.saidaonline.com/en/newsgfx/man-driving-saidaonline.jpg