Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Grand Prix

The Formula One series continues ...

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

So you see, I’ve been ...

Busy with other things… or was it that my satellite service died on 1 April? I think both! That did mess things up with me keeping up on the Formula One Grand Prix as I wanted to, and thus keep you all informed on the events thereof. It was just over three hours before the start of the Australian GP in Melbourne, and boom, satellite be gone :-( , that sort of hinders my coverage doesn't it?

I would be good to know what interests YOU regarding Motorsport, as there are many angles you can approach it from. You see Drifting is catching on in the states in recent years, though it’s been around about 20 years. But then again, most people in the U.S. don’t know anything beyond NASCAR and INDY, *what’s WRC ?!?*. Unless you’re really into Motorsport and pursue it, there’s a whole universe that’s unknown to you.

I’m not knocking NASCAR, I think NASCAR has been the greatest thing to help the advancement of other Motorsports, in the areas of interest and media coverage. NASCAR coverage has raised the standard for Motorsports coverage, though I’ve seen higher technology coverage used in WRC, NASCAR has raised a form of Motorsport (even if it is roundy-round) to where the common folk actually enjoy watching it. Now if you could just get the NASCAR coverage that Canada has into the States, it would be much better for the fans. Odd isn't it, that Canada gets better coverage than the country that hosts NASCAR. With constant in-car cameras on separate channels…, while there still isn’t a NASCAR race in Canada. What’s up with that?!?

So if you’re not up on the multifaceted world of Motorsport, and you’re finding your way in, you’ll find a lot of changes taking place. Major F1 rules changes this year. There’s been a lot of deaths in Motorsport this year, I plan to have future articles on these and many more recent changes.

Stay tuned, tell your friends, tell me what you like, keep your eyes on the road, and your hands on the wheel.
Keep the Faith! Cheers. -Liam

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Getting a Fair Price For Your Vintage Parts

by Dave Carter

Vintage car restoration could be described more accurately as a passion than a simple hobby – little beats the thrill you get after hunting down and fitting that special car part. But passion or no, restoration can be a costly pastime, as sellers understandably try to take advantage of your enthusiasm and get the best price for the part you want so badly. There’s no denying that the right vintage car part is worth a lot to you, but don’t get ripped off. Here are a few tips to help you get a fair price for the part you need.

Before you make that trip to the wrecking yard or vintage parts dealer, be sure to do your research. Check online to see what the going rate for similar parts are. Find out how difficult the part you’re looking for really is and be prepared to pay a little more for rarer pieces.

Try to find a reputable salvage yard or dealer and ask them what their pricing structure is. While you might be better choosing a seller with a formalized pricing plan – some dealers value parts at a percentage of what a new part would cost, for example, while others have a set price for the same part from any car – those who are willing to barter might ultimately offer you the chance to make fantastic finds. Compare a number of parts sources if you can, to try to ascertain where you might get the best deal.

When a price structure is not in place, remember not to give away too much – your obvious enthusiasm for a particular car part might just jack up the price. Express your interest in the part you want, but don’t act as though your life depends upon it: car part shopping can be a treacherous game! The dealer will obviously try to get as much as he can for the part you are after, so bid low, and go up only reluctantly. Play your cards close to your chest, and don’t give away anything that might suggest you are willing or able to pay more – leave the expensive watch at home!

When you finally agree on a price, be sure you know what you are paying for. Is the casing and so on included? Some yards will charge an extra fee for removal of a part that is still in a car, so ask if you can remove the item yourself. Unless the part is deeply embedded in the existing car’s structure, this could save you quite a bit of money, but if the job is complicated you might be best having it removed for you. Saving money pales when personal injury is a real risk! Have fun bargaining, but remember to stay safe.

Dave is the owner of http://car-body-parts.info a website providing information on car parts.

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Saturday, April 08, 2006

The Renowned BMW 325i


by Terry Brown

The BMW 325i is a part of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series is a line of sports sedans that have been crafted to be midsize. This line of sports sedans has been continuously manufactured since May of 1975. This line actually replaced the BMW 2002 coupe. It held a greater portion of the styling of that vehicle model yet it held more power like a much more power capacitated 2.0 liter engine that could produce some 110 units of horsepower.

Take a ride inside the BMW 325i and one would find that there is a wonderful inside it. The style is avant-garde. Yet everything is smooth and flowing and has ergonomics. The controls have been specially mounted and crafted that the effect becomes a simple and straightforward control panel. One would notice that, indeed, these have been crafted from quality materials. The sports seats have been known to be very supportive. They also contain side bolsters that could be adjustable. If you are concerned about safety, you could say that BMW is also concerned about that. That is why the company made sure that the BMW 325i has given the vehicle standard safety features like the electronic traction and stability control system, front side air bags, and full length head curtain air bags. The main bodyshell has been crafted to be much stiffer than before.

The present version of the BMW 325i holds a 3.0 liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine with 24 inline valves and six cylinders. It is made from composite magnesium and aluminum. Other features of the vehicle include a six speed manual transmission system, extensive aluminum componentry, double pivot type front suspension systems with dual forged aluminum lower arms, an engine speed sensitive variable assist power steering, 16 inch double spoke light alloy wheels, a flat tire warning indicator, halogen high and low beam headlights, heated dual power mirrors, front seatback storage nets, auxiliary audio input for portable music players, and a six disc CD/MP3 changer among many others.

With all the changes and additional technology upgrades there are in the automotive industry, Auto Parts Informationstands by its commitment of delivering excellently engineered BMW parts, performance parts, replacement auto parts, and accessories that would certainly go well with BMW’s efforts of sustaining production of powerful and performance-driven vehicles. Interested parties may simply browse through Auto Parts Information’s website for all of their BMW auto parts needs and from there, they could easily access the online store’s stock of high quality and well crafted BMW accessories and auto parts like bumpers, carpets, door handles, hoods, sound deadeners, spoilers, tail lights, towing mirrors, and wheel covers among many others. Auto Parts Information adheres to rigid tests for utmost quality control and sees to it that their BMW parts do not bring down the performance of BMW vehicles.

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

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Thursday, April 06, 2006

Motorcycle vs. Car - Myth or Madness

by Landon Prescott

Motorcycle riders often get an unjustified reputation as being reckless, risk takers, and that they generally disobey traffic laws. This perception is unfounded and there are many statistics that back up the fact that most motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcycle rider, but that of another driver.

A major study conducted by the University of Southern California (USC) found that approximately three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involved a collision with another vehicle, usually a passenger automobile. It was also found that in the multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents. Further the study by USC found that the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.

These findings go to show that the motorcycle rider has unjustly received a bad reputation from the general public as well as from insurance companies that cover motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are inherently prone to accidents caused by other drivers because of their small size. Motorcycles easily fit into the blind spot of typical passenger automobiles. The truth is that most motorcycle riders are very good drivers and keep an eye out for motorists who do not see them. This awareness of other drivers however does not prevent all accidents.

When accidents such as these happen, the insurance company of the driver who is at fault will go to great lengths to keep from giving the motorcycle rider the money he or she deserves. Insurance companies will frequently rush the victim to make a quick settlement as a way to save money. Most people in the general public are not insurance experts and do not know if they are getting a bad deal from the insurance company or not. When a check is stuck in front of them it can be quite tempting to sign.

Taking the insurance companies first offer is usually a mistake. Other times the insurance company of the other driver will try to not pay at all for the accident and resulting injuries. They often try to make it appear that the motorcycle rider was at fault in the accident. It is not hard to convince a jury of this since motorcycle riders have this unjust reputation of being less than careful.

This is why it is critically important to have a qualified and competent lawyer on your side if you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident. A qualified lawyer will help make sure that you get the settlement that you deserve; a settlement that will cover your medical bills as well as paying for the damage to your motorcycle. Not having a lawyer to stand up for you will cost you more than just money, it will also cause you a great deal of headaches and heartache. Trying to fight an insurance company on your own, while at the same time dealing with physical injuries can be an overwhelming task.

A qualified lawyer is the only one who will be on your side in case of an accident. A lawyer works for you and only you. The insurance company works for their shareholders and will try very hard to keep from getting you the money that you deserve.

Landon Prescott writes on topics related to insurance and health.
For over 30 years Michael H. Silvers, A Law Corporation has worked on over 10,000 cases, with a 98.6% success rate. Our California car accident attorneys specialize in handling car and motorcycle accidents, wrongful death cases, and other personal injury motor vehicle accidents. 24 offices in California. MichaelHSilvers.com

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Tuesday, April 04, 2006

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks

by Amit Laufer

Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our life.

There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste and style, our economic status and our character. Some women even claim that a car is a man’s extension of his reproductive organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they ”fall in love” with a certain car model.

There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.

In our modern life it’s almost impossible to function without one and it’s expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.

Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a brand new car is a great feeling.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!

How and where to search for prices:

Invoice price – what the dealer pays the manufacturer – has become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere between sticker and invoice.

Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and in most cases their buying tools automatically add option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the process.

Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in a stronger negotiating position.

Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various parts of the country. http://www.Edmunds.com/

for example, reveals the True Market Value: http://www.CarsDirect.com/, which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed CarsDirect price http://www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.

The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:

After you made your research via the Internet, it’s important you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.

You would be much better off selling your old car yourself rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer will have to earn some money on it as well.

Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.

There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales courses, it’s called “throwing a lowball”, in this tactic a customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out, extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows, customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice they have now made.

Then something happens. All of a sudden an “error” in the calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price...

The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they let the bank handling the financing find the “mistake”, other times the boss is not approving the deal because “we’d be losing money”. They make it look as if it’s not that big mistake as it’s a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.

The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.

If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers scams and how to avoid them go to: http://www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm

Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection, anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.

Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement (known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.

MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University - C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two Children.
Owner Editor of: http://www.Cars-I-Like.com

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Sunday, April 02, 2006

Australian Grand Prix

Alonso wins Melbourne GP.
Saturday, April 1 was the Foster’s Australian F1 Grand Prix of Australia at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia.

Winning was Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who dominated the dramatic Australian Grand Prix in his Renault, giving him the lead with 14 points.

Ralf Schumacher for Team Toyota, who started pole 7th, finished in 3rd.

American Scott Speed finished 8th, but was given a 25 second penalty for passing under yellow that bumped him to 9th for Team Toro Rosso-Cosworth.

The Melbourne GP is 58 Laps, 191.110 miles. Lap Distance = 5.303 km (3.295 miles)

The Melbourne Formula One circuit is made up of public roads with 17 total turns. Melbourne made its F1 debut in 1996, and now for the first time in 10 years, the Australian Grand Prix is not the FIA World Championship season opener. This was the third race of the 2006 Formula One World Championship season and the 3rd of 18 races on the program for the 2006 F1 season.

Michael Schumacher has won in Melbourne four times, started Saturday with Team Ferrari at Pole-6, but pushed too hard and crashed after 25 laps ending his hopes at Melbourne this year. Schumacher was 2nd in the 2006 standings with 11 points.

Keep up on the continuing action this year on SPEED-TV.

BMW M - Not Just Another Sports Car


by Shane Morgay

What is a sports car? There have already been quite a few personal definitions to what a sports car sounds to them. However, for most people, a sports car is a BMW.

BMW now adds up yet another product to their still growing family of vehicles. And right now, the new addition is the 2006 BMW M. It is a roadster. And it just goes to show that BMW meant business for this car. Its past shows a colorful BMW tradition as well as an in-depth research before it was actually constructed. Just go through its stretched engine compartment, its long wheelbase, its short tail, and its two low set of seats that all in all provides a high powered and very passionate driving experience, and one would be able to picture that, indeed, BMW is yet on the road, again, to success.

What are the features of the BMW M roadster? Well, for power, it has a front engine and a rear wheel drive system. Its engine is a DOHC in line engine with 24 valves. It is an iron block with an aluminum head. It can displace 192 cubic inches or some 3152 cc. It also has the capacity to produce some 240 bhp at 6000 rpm. Aside form that, it also has a five speed manual transmission. The suspension is provided in two options. The first is the independent front suspension. It has damper struts, lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. As per the other one, it is an independent rear suspension with dampers, semi-trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars.

How large is the BMW M? It measures some 96.8 inches for its wheelbase. Its rear is 55.0 inches. It has a curb weight of 3084 pounds, plus a fuel capacity of 13.5 gallons. If you want to put in some cargo, you can always do so for it has a meager cargo capacity of 5.1 cubic feet.

The steering of this roadster is a rack and pinion one with variable ratio and is variable power assisted. It has a turning circle of 34.1 feet. The brakes are vented discs for both the front and the rear. There is also the anti lock braking system. As per the wheels and tires of this vehicle, the BMW M comes equipped with 17 x 7.5 inches front and 17 x 9.0 inches rear cast aluminum wheels. There also are 225/45ZR-17 tires for the front and 245/40ZR-17 tires for the rear. These are both Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tires.

As BMW ventures into high and advanced technology as well as great performance in their sports cars and other upcoming vehicles, Auto Accessories Giant never stops delivering top of the line BMW replacement parts as part of its commitment to its loyal customers worldwide. Rallying behind BMW’s philosophy of producing only the best in the industry, Auto Accessories Giant with its wide array of impressive BMW accessories gives it customer’s genuine quality BMW products at guaranteed low prices.

Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.

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SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship


LIVE on SPEED from St Petersburg Sunday April, 2nd 4 pm Eastern

The SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship is the top ultra-high performance production car racing series in North America, with as many as 10 different manufacturers represented in any given race.

Featuring the thrilling standing start, SPEED GT is the series for true automotive enthusiasts, taking the cars you drive, or wish you were driving, with some of the world’s the top road racers in a non-stop 50-minute sprint to the finish.

The SPEED World Challenge is “everything you dreamed road racing should be.”