Cherryl Anne Cruz
There really isn’t any doubt that H.I.D. bulbs are gaining a lot of appeal in the automotive industry. Ask most luxury car owners and it’s one of the things they have included in their “To Buy” list. In fact, some even prefer to buy cars with installed HID lamps already. These bulbs have slowly become a household name in the industry — thanks to the right combination of style and safety that it is becoming known for.

Due to its popularity, a lot of manufacturers are also starting to install these lights in their vehicles. Here are some known brands that use HID Xenon Conversion Kits.

Acura

When you buy xenon lights, ask for the “xenon package.” HID Kits only introduced in their factory recently, that’s why they mostly deal with aftermarket Xenon conversion kits. Some models who can carry these kits are Acura Integra, Acura RSX, Acura MDX, Acura TL, Acura RL, Acura RDX, Acura EL, Acura TSX, Acura Vigor, Acura CL. Acura NSX, are now able to have xenon Kit installed onto them, even if they were not equipped to do so.

Audi

Audi HID Kit easily found on the market compared to other cars. You can choose from different bulb sizing to fit your headlights, low beam or high beam, and also your fog lights.

BMW

Xenon Kits have been placed in BMW’s since mid to late 90’s, and it has been a pattern for most of their models ever since. BMW installs offers HID kit options on their following vehicles: BMW E36 1992-1999, BMW E46 2000- 2006, BMW E90 2005 to present, BMW E32 1987-1994, BMW E38 1994- 2001, BMW E34 1987- 1996, BMW E60 and E61 2004- present, BMW E65 and E66 2002- 2007, BMW E63 and E64 2004 – present, BMW Z1, BMW Z3, BMW Z4, BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW X6.

BMW also offers HID upgrades for many of their new cars. But they don’t offer xenon for older cars. This is the reason why the aftermarket industry offers BMW Xenon kits in the market today. They are designed to be a complete plug and play kit, so it would be easy for drivers to install it themselves.

Cadillac

Cadillac xenon lights are now available through an aftermarket supplier. The Kit is ready to install, and uses the plug and play system.

Chevy

Chevy models that have these kits include the Tahoe, Silverado, Malibu, Surburban, HHR, C-1500 Pickups and other great cars made by Chevy.

Jaguar

The Jaguar models you can install these kits into are the S-type, X-type, XF, XJ6, XJ6, XJR, XJ8, and XK8.

Mercedes

Mercedes introduces these kits as an OEM upgrade on certain models of their vehicles. Aftermarket Mercedes Xenon Conversion Kits are designed to be a complete plug and play for Mercedes cars, SUVs, and minivans. They come in many different bulb sizes such as; H1, H3, H4, H7, h13, 9004, 9005, 9006, 9007, D1S, D2S, H1, H3, H4-1, H7, 9004-1, 9005, 9006, 9007-1.

HID Conversion Kits lights are definitely making its presence known in the automotive industry. Many car aficionados and manufacturers agree: The combination of style and safety that these kits offer truly gives them an edge in bringing quality and substance to the forefront of modern technological innovation.



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Robin Hamilton
When you purchased your Mustang and drove it home, you felt so good, didn’t you? Well now that you have had it at home for some time, you’re ready for a change. Maybe you have noticed a lot of Mustangs looking just like yours. Well in this world today, you will see the same exact car you are driving. It’s inevitable and going to happen. Well there is something you can do about it. It’s all in aftermarket auto parts. Yes, you to can make a change to your automobile. Mustang or not, you can still make that change, its really as simple as adding some aftermarket items, from interior to exterior and even performance items.

One of the best alternatives to stock automobiles is a set of nice wheels and tires. This is one way you can add your personality and give your ride that distinctive look. A few items to keep in mind and that is, the size of tire and wheel you are running on your vehicle now vs. what you want to put on it. There are restrictions to the size of wheel and tire you can mount. So make sure you do some research. There are a lot of forums about wheels and tires as well as you local tire company. All you really need is the make, model and year of your car and the current tire size that is mounted on your vehicle. The last thing you want to do is spend the money on some wheels and tires and find out they won’t fit on your vehicle. Make sure you do some research on the types of materials that the wheels are made of. Some take extra care in keeping them clean, where some do not! I also like to mention to take a look at what type of tire your mounting. Is it going to handle the type of driving that you are doing? Another recommendation is if you change out your wheels and tires, hold on to your stock set and run the stock set in the winter, if you drive it in the winter and if you live in the north.

Interior accessories are always a nice way to add some change to your interior. Mustang has a great billet package. Door handles, door locks, accessory control knobs, shifters, pedal covers and door runners. There are also a lot of different types of instrument panel colors and gauges if you want to get that far into it. Some also go as far as changing out the seats to a more racing style. If this is what you are looking for, they make some nice custom seats available for the Mustang.

Exterior accessories are another alternative to a different look. You can start out with some aftermarket headlamps or tail lights. Or you can get exotic with body kits. Most are performance driven as well. What I mean is most body kits are designed to help in the handling of the vehicle. Rear spoilers are very good at getting some more down force on the rear end. Where front and rear body kits can help out with wind resistance. All change the look and enhances the handling capabilities. Hoods are also a nice way to change the looks. You have the option of changing out the hood complete, or you can order a nice hood scoop already painted and ready to be mounted to your stock hood. Some are functional and some are pure looks. Functional would be for added air intake, like ram air. Keep in mind that most body kit parts need to be painted, so make sure you budget for this. Talk to a local paint shop to get an estimate so you know what it is going to take.

Now we can get into the performance side of it. I know you want to make that Mustang rumble a little, right? Well from headers, to H pipes, cat back systems, and high flow mufflers, you can purchase them all. How about checking out a supercharger. You can upgrade your horsepower greatly and still use it as a daily driver. This gets a little deep as to installation, but most kits come complete with everything you need. And to be honest it really isn’t much of an issue to install yourself. If not a supercharger, then maybe a cold air induction kit. A note on cold air intakes. Make sure you purchase a real cold air kit. This means the air filter typically mounts outside of the engine compartment and or is contained from the engine compartment. I have seem so many people run a short tube off the mass air unit and the filter is under the hood. Well if you think about it, you are pulling hot air into your intake. Not good. You want cooler air. Cooler air, more power! Now don’t get me wrong here, if you build it to run the strip that’s fine, but if you are going to be driving it around all day, get a true cold air induction kit. Most will mount to the fender well area and the filter sits up inside the fender. Do a little research online, many forums have tons of information available. I highly recommend if you never attempted doing any installation on performance parts, go see an authorized mechanic. After all you want to dive your Mustang, not wrench on it all the time.

Aftermarket auto parts for your Mustang or any of your blue oval rides are a great way to make a change. Mustangs are so popular that you almost have to personalize it yourself. Remember to always make sure your purchasing the parts you need for your make, model and year of your Mustang, or any of your rides as far as that goes. There have been so many models of the Mustang that it gets scary. So make sure you do your research and get some ideas, and ask questions! This is one of the best ways to understand what that part is going to do for you before you purchase them.



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Hailey Kerr
Ah, the perks of owning a BMW. Driving your BMW 325, with its excellent performance, style, safety features and its quality BMW 325 parts– you just know that you made the right decision when you drove out the showroom with this engineering masterpiece for the first time.

So you made an excellent decision. How about if you want to buy another car? With the myriad of choices available today, all hailing their products as the best in the market, how do you know which one is the real deal?

Well maybe Which? Car can help you.

Which? Car has recently named the ten Don’t Buy cars you’d be better off leaving on dealers’ forecourts and 20 Best Buys you can drive with confidence.

You don’t see a lot of car magazines telling people which cars not to buy, but Which? Car has identified three new cars with such poor safety ratings it may be best to avoid them like a plague.

There are also seven used cars in the list.

Don’t Buys

The ten cars to avoid are:

Chevrolet Matiz (new)

Chrysler Voyager (new)

Dodge Caliber (new)

Citroen Saxo (1996-2003)

Fiat Punto (1999-2006)

Peugeot 106 (1996-2003)

Rover 200/25 (1995-2005)

Citroen Xsara (1997-2004)

Renault Megane (1996-2003)

Land Rover Freelander (1997-2006)

According to Which? Car Editor Richard Headland, “Arthur Daley may have gone out of business, but there are still some pretty dodgy motors out there. We think motorists should steer well clear of these ten cars which are either unsafe, unreliable, or both.”

Of course when there are worst choices for cars, there should be the best buys, right?

Which? Car 2007 Best Buys (new)

Superminis: Honda Jazz, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris

Medium cars: BMW 1 Series, Mazda 3, VW Golf

Large cars: BMW 3 Series, Honda Accord, Lexus IS, Toyota Prius

Luxury cars: Audi A6, Jaguar XJ, Lexus GS

Mini MPVs: Nissan Note, Renault Modus

MPVs (people carriers): Ford S-Max, Honda FR-V, Toyota Verso

Sports cars: Mazda MX-5, VW Eos

Which? Car 2007 Best Buys (used)

Superminis: Toyota Yaris (1999-2005), Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006)

Medium cars: Toyota Yaris Verso (2000-2005)

Large cars: Ford Focus (1998-2004), Honda Civic (2000-2005), Toyota Corolla (2002-2006)

Luxury cars: BMW 3 Series (1998-2005), Honda Accord (1998-2003), Lexus IS (1999-2005)

Mini MPVs: Toyota Previa (2000-2005)

MPVs (people carriers): Mazda MX-5 (1998-2005)

Sports/coupes: Honda CR-V (2001-2006)

For complete information regarding Which? Car’s Don’t Buys and Best Buys check out their website at https://www.which.co.uk/.

About Which? Car

Which? Car is largest consumer body in the UK, with over 650,000 members. Now on its 50th anniversary this year, the organization continues to tackle the issues that matter to all consumers, from testing household products like washing machines and digital cameras to confronting important consumer issueslike mis-selling to hospital food. Which? Car is committed to providing unbiased advice to consumers, and has spearheaded some great new initiatives including their Best Buy Icon and the inaugural Which? Awards.



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saikyouX

Electronic Fuel Injection my ***! …

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kbb

FOR PRICING & SPECS ON THIS CAR VISIT: http://www.kbb.com/KBB/NewCars/Acura_TL.aspx 2009 Acura TL. The styling of the Acura TL may not appeal to everyone but we think most buyers will appreciate the improved interior space, comfort and advanced technology of the latest generation. To meet the varying needs of customers, the TL is offered in two flavors, a front-wheel-drive base model and a sportier all-wheel-drive model. The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class still dominate the class …

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Ross Hinton
How about a credible classic as a second car, runabout or something to kick-start the hobby off… and all for under a thousand pounds?  The classic car enthusiasts at Sureterm Direct came up with this list that they thought might start you dreaming.

Hillman Avenger

Why buy – It’s a stylish, low cost runabout that does the job as good as any rival and is a lot cheaper than most. Miles better than the old Minx and Hunter, there’s a wide range of two or four-door saloons and roomy estates, plus GT and luxury GLS offshoots.

Best bits –  Lively performance (especially 1600 and all GT’s) and good, clean handling mark this Hillman out as one if the better saloons of the 70’s, and this goes for the trim levels too, especially the GL and GLS.

Best buys – GTs and GLS models, 1500GL, and some good special editions.

Spares and Support – Bearable but you will need to look far and wide. Club support better than most thanks to the official Association of clubs.

Triumph TR7

Why buy – The TR7 is a misunderstood and overlooked TR and yet it’s as accomplished as any of the earlier icons and far more sophisticated, especially its suspension. There’s a good number around going cheap and can only rise in value.

Best bits – The TR7 drives much better than it looks with TR6 pace, far better handling and good refinement, especially the coupe. There are loads of cheap and effective upgrades to refine the car further.

Best buys – Nice coupe or a pretty average convertible if you can get one in the budget but the latter are rare.

Spares and Support – The former is pretty good – club support to usual TR standards and there are TR7 specialists now sprouting up, some are even remanufacturing bits.

Jaguar XJ40

Why buy – There can’t be a cheaper more accessible way to own a classic car and while the XK40 has been derided, it’s now starting to gain respect. It has all the good points of the old XJ6 but in a more modern package. Loads around, it’s a great ‘first step’ Jaguar.

Best bits – The XJ is a genuine Jag with sublime handling and a cosseting ride that’s even better than the old S3. The pace and grace is there while top models come with everything, especially Daimlers.

Best buys – Always on condition and avoid the 2.9, or leather-less models

Spares and Support – No real worries plus there’s a good spread of specialists to contain costs. Club support not as good as older jaguars, but it’s improving by the month.

MG Montego

Why buy – If you’re after a modern sporty saloon with a raffish charm for general duties, then the MG Montego wins. It’s the new age Magnette in every way and you’d be pressed to pay £1000 for even the best example. And it’s a car we can see creeping up in value and respect.

Best bits – The Montego wears the MG badge with ease care of good performance (towering in Turbo form), and pleasing civility. It’s a very roomy saloon that was well equipped for its era and tasteful

Best buys – A nice well looked after 2.0Efi

Spares and Support – Not as good as ‘trad’ MGs but not too bad. Usual array of MG clubs ensure that strong support will always be there.

Porsche 924

Why buy – There’s no cheaper, sleep-easier way to get into pukka porche ownership – despite the 924’s image! VW/Audi parts ensure inexpensive running and although the 924 is no supercar, the performance is nothing to grumble over either. Dead reliable and lots around going cheap, but values are intensifying.

Best bits – Nice packaging with great weight distribution makes the 924 a fine driver’s car. Pace just adequate on early models but pretty rapid on 944-powered 924S. Hatch provides day to day versatility or they make good cheap racers.

Best buys – Anything honest and original, but five-speeders or later 924S best.

Spares and Support – WV/Audi parts means few probs (beetle bits too) and plenty of scrappers around for spares. Good club and specialist support.

Vauxhall Chevette

Why buy – If you’re after old school economy fun that’s simple to keep and fun to drive, then the Chevette is for you. With its Viva engine married to an Opel Kadett chassis it goes a treat plus there’s shed loads you can do to improve it.

Best bits – Rear wheel drive, the chevette is a classic handler while the Viva 1256cc engine is fairly peppy. Handily-sized, the Vauxhall feels small next to a new supermini. Simple mechanics couldn’t be easier to service.

Best buys – Condition counts above all else, but go for hatch or estate models launched in 1975 as a hatch with saloons and estates for ’76. Top GLS model and hot 16-valve HS and rally bred HSR join range by ’78. Various specials, such as E and ES, and 1980s facelifts before axe in ’84.

Spares and Support – Most mechanical parts are obtainable but body panels are not, so it’s autojumble time! Club support generally okay, but will never be Ford good.

Ford Capri MK2/MK3

Why buy – Despite being 40 in 2009, Capris are still promising and the less popular Mk2/Mk3 hatchbacks are still cheap. Hatchback versatility, decent drive with easy spares and mods make the Ford a practical proposition and we reckon prices will rise soon.

Best bits – Rear wheel drive, lively 1.6/2.0 Pinto engines and huge potential for modernising, Capris are sensible second car classics. Easy to drive, fairly refined and neatly trimmed in top Ghia forms.

Best buys – Condition counts most here but go for 2.0 in GL, LS or Cabaret trim if you can.

Spares and Support

Being a Ford the oily bits are very easy to source and repair while body panels seem fairly available. As expected, there’s very strong club/aftermarket support.

BMW 3 Series

Why buy – It was the yuppie’s transport 25 years ago and now the 80s 3 series is fast becoming a classic – specially the quick ones. Sturdy, classy and with classic rear wheel drive handling, these cars are highly practical and useable and simple enough to maintain at home.

Best bits – Cleanly styled, this BMW has timeless good looks. Sport versions are worth hunting down and the estates, through tiny, are handy holdalls.

Best buys – Anything original and cared for; 320i, 325i, 318iS especially.

Spares and Support – Well served by independents and general aftermarket (so cheapish spares) with strong support from a variety of BMW and tuning clubs in UK and Europe.



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Edelbrock SuperMachOne

This is my new edelbrock 600 4bbl carb, so much power difference …

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Louie
A number of accessories are added to a car after purchase. There is a big market of these accessories. Body kits come almost at the *** end of this exercise. They are as important as any other equipment. A number of pros and cons have to be considered before acquiring them.

When a car is driven it moves through atmospheric air. Though invisible, air does exert pressure on the car as it moves. It offers resistance to the motion of the car. Effort should be made to reduce the pressure. Body kits have an important role here. Suitably designed bumpers, skirts, and spoilers can reduce the resistance. It will increase the speed of the car marginally.

Body kits can change the overall look and contours of a car. A wise selection of body kits can impart an entirely new look to your car. You can give it a look of your choice.

Formerly body kits were made of metals. Now a days poly urethane and fiberglass are predominantly used. Consequently now body kits are available in a wide range of shapes and colors.

Proper installation of body kits is equally important. Any fault in installation would adversely affect the utility of body kits or it may even cause damage. It is presumed that you would have ensured beforehand that the body kits that you have purchased are not damaged.

Body kits are available in auto stores. There is a wide variety of them. You can also search for them and buy them online. It would save your time and lessen your trouble. For further information you can go to www.ilovebodykits.com.

A properly equipped car is something of which you can be proud. It will impress those who look at it. If you have judiciously selected body kits and other parts you can make your car stand out amongst other similar cars. It will publicize itself and you as well.

It is said a thing of beauty is a joy forever. The time and money you spend on choosing, buying and installing body kits will be well worth the effort.



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teletim99

Lance talks to Vic Edelbrock Jr. at Vic's Garage, a museum at the Edelbrock site in Torrance, CA. They take a look at a Kurtis Kraft Midget Racer, a 1940 Ford, and a famous Camaro SS 350. …

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Robert
Purchasing a used car can be a risky proposition for a variety of reasons. For starters, unless you buy a certified used car, then you really have no idea how well of a condition the car is in and even if you buy a used car from a dealer, you can’t be sure that the car won’t die the minute you sign the contract. Another issue is false mileage readings and previous accident history. Although there are services that can help you address this problem, you need to make sure you are aware of them and use them. To help you, I’d like to tell you step by step how you can decrease your chances of getting ripped off and increase your chances of finding the used car of your dreams.

The two most common places to buy a used car are at car dealerships and in newspapers, although eBay is becoming very popular as well. If you are dealing with a private owner, you should always ask for a CARFAX vehicle history report, which will tell you the vehicle’s mileage and accident history. If the owner is unwilling to show this to you, then the chances are very high that they have something to hide, at which point you should walk away. Most car dealerships will offer this without any hassle, but again if they refuse, then you need to walk away.

The second thing that you need to do is to try and trace the owner history as far back as possible. Knowing how many owners have owned the car will be great help in making your decision. If there have been a lot of owners, then it will be difficult to know the overall condition of the car or could signify the car has had a history of problems. If a vehicle has had very few owners then it is much more likely to have been treated well and sold in good condition.

If you are buying from a private owner, you will definitely have a hard time getting a warranty from them, but you can always purchase an aftermarket warranty from another company. However, at a minimum you want to make sure they have kept and maintained vehicle service records. Car dealerships often provide a minimum of a 1 year warranty, although often you can find one up to 3 years. Try to find a car with the longest warranty possible in the event that there is a hidden problem.

Lastly, make sure you check the used vehicle’s value in the Kelly Blue Book, which should offer both private and dealer values. You are much more likely to get a fair price if you know what the car is worth beforehand.

Buying a used car can definitely be a very risky proposition if you don’t know what you are doing, but if you are armed with the tools necessary to do it right, then you are much more likely to end up with a steal rather than a dud.



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