Manita PD asked:


How to Start Bidding for Online Auctions

Auctions have been around for many years and even before supermarkets and stores, one of the most popular means of getting rid of items was to auction them off to the highest bidder. Today, the popularity of auctions is increasing once again with the climbing interest rates and the accessibility to auctions via the internet.

There are tons of auction sites online that offer anything and everything you can imagine, from automotive parts and cards to jewelry and dolls. When you are looking for the most popular categories online you will find that clothing, furniture and appliances rank highly as do cars and auto parts. People are constantly looking for a good deal on Urban Outfitters or Abercrombie and Fitch apparel and no mechanic can pass up a good bargain on a Corvette water pump.

At various auctions sites you can get items like Stihl chainsaws, Air Compressor Miata window, Urban outfitters, Abercrombie Forever 21, Crusader, Abercrombie and Fitch, Flstn, Accel distributor, Carvin, Corvette water pump, Small block chevy intake manifold, Unimog, Axo, Bose radio, Mopar intake manifold, Snap on pliers, Camaro cd, and Vortec engines Astatic for really cheap prices. They will not only be cheap because of the nature of the auction, but obviously many of the items will be second hand. This does not mean that they will be in terrible conditions, but you will have to make sure there is nothing wrong with any items before you place a bid on it.

Bidding on the popular online auction categories can be hard because there are so many other people eyeing the same thing you are and sometimes with the popularity of an item, the price can actually go higher than expected and sometimes higher than it is worth. This is why if you are going to start bidding on that Bose Radio, you must learn how to bid carefully and strategically so that you can win the item at a good price. One of the first things you should do is set aside a certain amount that you will spend as your budget and do not deviate from it at all. The nature of the game is that you will win some and lose some, but it is also that there will always be lots of items that people are auctioning off that you can get next time. When you start bidding, look to see if there is a reserve on the item. If there is, then it usually means that the item is going for a higher price and the owner wants to make sure that this price is met.

When you start bidding, try to only start your bidding towards the end of the auction. Keep an eye on it and watch until you get down to the last minute or so. There will usually be a count down timer so you can see every second and then right at the last possible moment you can place your bid. Some auctions will restart from 1 minute again so ensure that everyone has a fair chance, but most will simply end, giving you the advantage if you bid very late. It also ensures that you don’t push the price up unnecessarily by going up against another bidder.



Dolores

Uchenna Ani-Okoye asked:


What simply can be more appealing than driving a convertible? Convertible sports cars, with their sleek and sophisticated looks, are much in demand in the market. For someone who is hoping to snag his own top down, here are some of the models he or she may want to consider:

1. 2005 BMW Z4

Sure, this baby is expensive - hey, it’s a BMW - but its dynamics and features pretty much explain the price. This German sports car makes a statement as it speedily cruises along the highway.

2. 2005 Audi TT

High-performance, power-engined and invigorating, the 2005 Audi TT always garners an excellent rating in car reviews. With its awesome windscreen, roll hoops and headlamps, the driver cannot go wrong with this one.

3. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

Over time, Chevrolet Corvette has proven itself with its remarkable power. Now in its sixth generation, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is smaller than its older counterparts, but better. With a horsepower of 400, it can go from zero to 60 mph per hour in four seconds. Unbelievable! This makes the Corvette a staple in any summer.

4. 2005 Lexus SC 430

The Lexus SC 430 is inspired by, no less than, the French Riviera. This car can go from coupe to a raging roadster in a span of 25 seconds. It is stylish, glamorous and powerful.

5. 2005 Mazda Miata

This model is pretty affordable for its look and power. This is very dependable and dynamic and it will knock the driver ‘off his feet’. With its reactive suspension and immense horsepower, this convertible sports car is one for the books.

6. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle

Charming and cute like any other Beetle, this monster-engine convertible promises an adventurous ride on those lazy summer afternoons.

7. Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Great design, awesome interior, and technologically-advanced, this convertible can bring out the best in every driver. Its speed can go up to 155 mph per hour and the acceleration? Zerp - 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. Now that’s truly incredible!

8. 2006 Cadillac XLR

This is a top-of-the-line convertible sports car, which promises “capacity like no other.” It is almost $78,000 but who cares? This is probably the best in the market now.

9. 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

You should consider test driving this car, just to see how much more amazing this car is from its predecessor.

All these convertible sports cars are undeniably worth the money and the effort to maintain them.



Richard

Okeoma Okogbue asked:


Diablo door is the other name given to the lambo doors and vertical doors. These Diablo doors are the universal fitted hinge system that can convert your vehicle doors to open up in lambo style. These Diablo doors aren’t actually replaced on the door hinge, so the car doors open vertically instead of the standard opening. 

The traditional diablo doors open vertically using a unique type of hinges. These diablo door kits uses specially made brackets and gas shocks to open the doors slightly outward and then upwards.

Most of the people can do anything for enhancing the look of their car as some of them use diablo doors which are opened vertically and adds the uniqueness to your car. For conversion of your car doors to Diablo doors you need to buy complete diablo doors kit which includes the special hinges and bolts as the door differs from the way the normal doors open. These Diablo doors can be opened in various degrees, ranging from 70-120 degrees. A complete diablo doors kit contains door hinges and gas shocks.

Only front doors of the car can be converted to Diablo doors as you may haves noticed in most of the cars. The rear two doors can’t be converted to diablo doors.

These Diablo doors are available in two categories differ from the method of their installation, named as welded Diablo doors and bolted Diablo doors. The bolted ones are very easy to install thus they are so popular also.

We offer you legion of diablo door kits including 97-04 Corvette C5 Bolt-on Diablo Door Kit, 90 Degree Universal Diablo Door Kit, 99-04 Mustang Bolt-on Diablo Door Kit, 91-96 Caprice/Impala Bolt-on Diablo Door Kit and many others at very reasonable prices.

97-04 Corvette C5 Bolt-on Diablo Door Kit includes pair of diablo door kit, a pair of heavy duty gas shocks, all installation hardware, extended wiring harness. And it doesn’t need any cutting, welding, drilling and painting and doesn’t provide any leaking, the doors will close and seal like factory. These are lifetime warranty on kit and 6 months warranty on shocks.

05-UP 300/300C/300M Bolt-on Diablo Door Kit includes pair of diablo door kit, a pair of heavy duty gas shocks, extended wiring harness when applicable. It has also complete reversible installation.

So if you want to give a new look to your car you can choose fantastic diablo doors at lamboverticaldoors.com as we provide you a varied range of  improbable diablo doors kits that make your car attractive and unique.

www.carlambodoors.com



Terri

Anthony Fontanelle asked:


Traffic safety has been one of the top priorities of car manufacturers in designing and producing their mass market vehicles. Nowadays, it is common to find a long list of safety features on vehicles. While the most recognizable car brand in terms of safety is Volvo, other car manufacturers have also provided their consumers with the latest in safe vehicle technology.

General Motors’ division Chevrolet is one of these companies which offer a long list of safety features. The company’s safety features are divided into three parts namely before, during and after an accident.

Safety before an accident is composed of features which allow drivers to have total control of a vehicle to avoid accidents at all costs. One of the Chevrolet’s safety before features is the ABS or the anti-lock braking system. This feature is commonly found on new vehicles and almost all of Chevrolet’s auto models. The ABS reduces the risk of a wheel lockup on hard braking. This ensures that the driver would not lose control of the vehicle. This also reduces braking distance by allowing drivers to brake heavily without risking wheel lockup.

Vehicles equipped with ABS are the Chevy Aveo, Cobalt, Corvette, Impala, Malibu/Malibu Maxx and the Monte Carlo for cars. For SUVs, the Equinox, HHR, Suburban, Tahoe, and the TrailBlazer are all equipped with this safety feature. Trucks equipped with this are the Avalanche, Colorado, and the Silverado. These trucks can be equipped with aftermarket Chevrolet pickup pedal covers to make the vehicles not only safe but also aesthetically sound.

The ABS feature is also used to complement another safety feature which is the Traction Control System. This system reduces wheel spin especially on slippery road surfaces. This feature uses the same sensors used by the ABS to determine the power that the engine needs to deliver to a particular wheel. This feature is available on the Colorado and the Silverado Classic trucks. For cars, the Cobalt, Corvette, Impala, Malibu/Malibu Maxx and the Monte Carlo are all equipped with this safety feature. For vans, the Chevy Uplander is also equipped with traction control.

Another safety feature that allows drivers to avoid accident is the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System. This system uses electronics to help drivers take control of the vehicle. It automatically adjusts the vehicle’s power output to complement the steering input of the driver. The feature’s sensor gathers data from the steering wheel’s position and how the vehicle actually reacts to it. If the onboard computer sensed that the driver is under steering or oversteering, it will correct it automatically by activating the brakes or adjusting the engine torque. Chevrolet auto models equipped with this feature are the Corvette for cars; the Equinox, Suburban, Tahoe, and the TrailBlazer for SUVs; the Avalanche, Silverado and the Silverado HD for tucks; and the Express and the Uplander for vans.

Aside from this, all Chevrolet vehicles are also equipped with daytime running lights. This feature makes vehicles visible even through fog and rain. This feature reduces the risk of traffic accidents caused by the inability to detect the vehicle’s presence by another driver.

Safety during accidents for Chevy vehicle occupants is ensured by a variety of safety features which includes the safety cage. The design of the frame is aimed to protect the occupants from front, rear, and side collisions. The cage which is made of reinforced steel is complemented by crush zones. These are areas which absorb the energy of an impact therefore reducing the impact on the occupants of the vehicle. The safety cage is used in the construction of all Chevrolet vehicles. The protection of the occupants is also ensured by the safety belts that come with every Chevrolet vehicle. It has been proven that seat belts are the most effective safety technology in protecting motorists in cases of crashes. Seat belts are complemented by airbags which also comes with every Chevrolet auto model.

Chevrolet offers a complete menu of airbags for their vehicles. These airbag systems are: front air bags (standard), dual-stage frontal air bags, side-impact air bags and head-curtain side-impact air bags. These safety features give Chevrolet auto models five-star frontal crash test ratings. These vehicles given the highest safety ratings are: the Aveo 5, Impala, Malibu Sedan, Malibu Maxx, Monte Carlo, Equinox, HHR, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Avalanche, Colorado 4-Door, Silverado 1500, Express 1500, and the Uplander.

The safety of Chevrolet vehicle occupants is ensured by OnStar. With this GPS-based feature, an activated airbag can be detected. An Advisor will then call the vehicle, if the driver or passenger is able to answer the call, the Advisor will then request for emergency assistance to be respond. Aside from this, OnStar also features remote door unlocking and vehicle diagnostics.



Bessie

Jim Harris asked:


As a female child of the 60’s, I grew up in New Hampshire when a sports car was just the thing for those super-cool young men or the balding, Aqua-Velva wearing, slightly paunchy, middle-aged Peter Pans out there. Women racecar drivers were practically unheard of, and my mother drove a nice, respectable Ford station wagon, while my older sister drove a rather nondescript, beige 1968 Chevy Nova, hardly anything to make my pre-teen peers stop and gaze in awestruck, open-mouthed wonder.

My older brother, however, drove a 1968 Rally Red Corvette with T-tops, which, according to my ten year old brain was the epitome of cool. He shopped around at the used car Dover dealers and used car nh dealers until he found the right one. The deep-throated rumble of that 327c1 350hp engine when he roared off down the street was music to my ears. I remember marveling at the hidden windshield wipers and the unmistakable smell of the black leather upholstery heated by the midday sun. I remember how that same black leather upholstery would sear the backs of my shorts-clad legs during the summer on the rare occasions when I did get to ride in that magnificent vehicle (which was only when my mother forced my brother to take me to swim lessons at the pool when she got too busy.) But I didn’t care. The wide-eyed stares and envious remarks from my swim class more than made up for the pain when I got in with a flourish and shut the door I’d give my friends a lofty wave as we made our way out of the parking lot, that magnificent engine purring away. My brother knew what he was doing - he would back out of the space, then proceed slowly and nonchalantly to the stop sign at the corner, at which he would look both ways, then floor it. The engine would roar like a tiger as we peeled out into the road, and we would exit in high style, him smirking and glancing in the rear view mirror while my friends all stood stock-still, visibly impressed. The memory of that sweet slice of automotive heaven will stay with me for the rest of my days.

Fast forward 30 years later. I am now a married, professional businesswoman with a husband and three kids, one in college and two not far behind. I drive a minivan (only when I have to) and a 1997 slightly upscale red Eagle Talon ESI, which boasts a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder with 16 valves. It’s only 140 horsepower, but it still looks good for its age (like me I hope) and it’s paid for. Men and boys often stop me at the gas pump and ask if I want to sell it. I always say no.

But my real baby is garaged 9 months out of the year, isn’t driven in the rain, and never except in summer. It’s my 2003 garnet red Mazda MX5 convertible. It’s a five-speed (let’s admit it, an automatic transmission in a sports car is a travesty.) It has a 1,839 cc 1.8 liter 4 in-line front engine with DOHC, and at 142 HP, it’s affordable (remember those three kids and the mortgage) and fun to drive. And, like any woman of good breeding, I tactfully ignore the neighbors’ smiling tongue-in-cheek references to my “second youth” when I drive that baby down the street. And sometimes when nobody’s around, I peel out, just for fun.

It seems I am not the only woman in love with the sports car. Times certainly have changed. According to recent statistics, some 25 percent of Corvettes are bought by women - not bad for a car that typically stickers at anywhere from $44,000 to $65,000. And I see more and more boomers like myself driving sexy retro-styled cars these days. Hmmm…I’m driving a Miata in my forties, will I be driving a ‘68 Corvette in my 60’s? I sure hope so.



Randy

Tracy Dawson asked:


Headlights technology is entertaining new intensities, shapes, safety and styling. It is aimed at making the future of headlights brighter and beneficial.

Earlier, Honda has unraveled its ASM concept of minivan. The latter is equipped with distinctive light-emitting diode LED headlights. The same can be used to boost conspicuity while driving. The automaker is also using such technology for ambient lighting of the ASM interior.

Other remarkable headlights include that of Jaguar’s and Chevrolet’s. Jaguar R-D6 concept car uses the usual twin-lamp shape headlights. The latest addition though is the use of LED. This time around, Chevrolet Corvette will also be using all-new high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Same type of headlights is incorporated in the façade of Lincoln Mark X concept. The latter features two headlamps that utilize arc capsule to ensure quick response. The HIDs used have the capability of doubling the amount of light generated by traditional headlamps.

According to Visteon, headlight maker of Chevrolet Corvette, the headlights can double the light output produced by the average halogen headlight. Corvette uses 42-watts power-saving lamps which are also capable of enhancing the car’s system.

To illuminate the future of cars, HID is also used by great names of automakers. Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Infiniti and BMW headlights are just few of the trusted headlights in the automotive arena. Infiniti QX56 and Mercedes ML500 are examples of vehicles that integrate said type of headlights.

HIDs, otherwise known as xenon headlamps, have another edge for the car owners to take advantage of. Said headlamps draw less power from the electrical system of the vehicle. Headlights play great roles in augmenting the styling and appearance of the vehicles.

However, the greatest contribution of headlights is that they prevent crash during nighttime. According to the statistics reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Washington D.C., about 42 percent of all crashes and 58 percent of fatal crashes in the United States take place at night when the visibility becomes poor or degraded.

Other automakers have divulged their vision to use the recent breakthroughs in vehicle headlights. Further, digital lighting is anticipated to invade the industry in the coming years. Mahendra Dassanayake, staff technical specialist at Ford Motor Co., said, “Instead of talking about a lot of light all over [the road], we want to put smart light out where you need the light.” Hence, it is expected that Ford headlights will soon be utilizing digital formatting.



Ann

Richard Crittendon asked:


Since their introduction convertible cars have generated their own fan club, mainly comprising of people young at heart who like talking with the air while driving. Today almost all the major automobile players have jumped into this segment and many of them can boast of having a bunch of eye catchy convertibles in their product lines with many to follow in near future. In case you are in the look out for new convertibles that will be burning the roads next year then hang on to us as we run you down through a list of most anticipated models.

The action starts with Cadillac which seems to be focusing on its stylish XLR range. The company will improve the XLR and XLR-V Base Roadster model by bringing in substantial changes under the hood. In addition to its power, the company is making some noteworthy changes in the designs of these models.

Chevrolet will spruce up its Corvette range in the upcoming year. It will also bring upon some vital modifications in its Corvette Base Convertible model. The new edition will have improved designs and performance, and its price tag will also increase accordingly. The new model will include V8 front engine, and it exude tremendous potential for delivering unmatched driving experience to its owners.

Ford is not doing much in terms of new launch next year, besides it is concentrating on its Mustang and Shelby convertible models. The company is doing some serious changes in its designs of convertibles. It will include the sturdy V8 front engine, and is claimed to deliver great performance to its users.

When it comes to convertibles, the name that spontaneously strikes our mind is Jaguar. Jaguar is also working on its existing XK series to entice its fans. With a compression ratio of 10.7, and 4,196 cc, 4.2 liters engine, its new improved XK series is all set to sway the market with its astonishing looks and performance. The company is working on both XK and XKR series of its convertibles.

Lamborghini is globally renowned for its appealing looks and breath-taking on-road performance. It’s Gallardo and Murcielago models have internationally acclaimed, and have generated huge followers. To appease its followers, the company is concentrating on these models, and expecting to bring splendid changes into these, next year. The new improved Murcielago will be fitted with V 12 middle engine, and have an amazing compression ratio of 11.0. It can deliver an amazing 471 kW, 631 HP SAE at 8,000 rpm.

Mercedes Benz is also all set to join the party next year, with a number of improvements in its SL and SLK class. The company is targeting the youths with a huge bunch of eyeball catchy and robust machines.

In 2009, Porsche is transforming its 911 Carrera Convertible models in next year, and is expecting to roll out some spectacular designs of new convertibles. It is expected to make significant changes in designs and performance of 911 models. Stay tuned for more New Convertibles Coming Out In 2009.



Jeff

Mike R asked:


Both cars are excellant condition and about the same price. The Corvette belongs to a good friend and I know its history. The Mustang is owned by an unknown seller. I prefer the Corvette but am concerned about its age (8 yrs). Should this be a concern?

Susan

Jimmy Plant asked:


I am a big game show enthusiast. I love watching all the old favorites: The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and even reruns of the Gong Show.

One day I was chillin’ at the pad and it suddenly hit me—why shouldn’t I be a contestant? It would be a dream come true and there would be a chance for instant fame and even a jackpot of prizes.

So the next time my favorite came show “So You Want to Win a Corvette” came to town, I was first in line and sure enough I was selected! I used all my wiles and guiles answering question after question until I came to the final round. The host looked me in the eye and asked me the difficult jackpot question:

“General Motors produces the Corvette under which brand?”

I racked my brains for 10 straight minutes but finally spoke up in a trembling voice:

“Chevrolet?”

The audience roared with excitement and confetti rained down upon the set.

I had won a fully equipped ‘vette of my own!

I parked the beauty in my driveway and went inside to watch some TV. I felt quite content as I flipped through the channels—after all I had a sportscar of my own and thus a place of honor among the big ballers.

At 11:00pm the local news came on with a special alert. A rare bird had escaped from the zoo earlier that evening and was on the loose somewhere in my part of town. The bird was easily recognized by its colorful plumage and acidic droppings. I started to doze off as the anchorman’s words echoed through my head….acidic droppings…acidic droppings…

I woke with a start in the midst of a nightmare.

“Acidic droppings!” I shrieked. “Nooooooo!”

I leapt off the sofa and ran out the door. There in the driveway sat my beloved prize, but there was something wrong. The entire car was sizzling and giving off smoke from its surfaces. I heard a loud ‘squawk’ and beheld the culprit taking wing after so devastatingly performing its unholy act.

It took a fortune to restore the car to its former glory, but I learned my lesson and bought a car cover. Though perhaps nothing in the world would protect against unprovoked acts of bird, a car cover it would surely keep my Corvette safe from the normal elements in the future.



Kelly

Asian Loner asked:


I want to buy a red 2009 Corvette ZR1 (I think that it is the supercharged one that looks like the Z06. I also heard that it is only around $100,000). Or should I buy something else (I prefer a car that has more horsepower and looks sexy.)
Buy a red corvette (the sexy red corvette - that’s what I like to call it), or should I wait for another new corvette to come out in the future?

Vanessa