Top Cars of Top Marques Monaco

Now in its ninth year, Top Marques has evolved into a major date on the motor show calendar. A boat and watch show has joined the fray, and it has spawned a second event in Macau. What sets it apart from the standard shows is the complete lack of humdrum econoboxes -- everything that glitters seems to really be made of gold, or some other shiny precious metal. 

Then there's the test drive area. Potential buyers can take passenger rides in the world's best supercars around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and compare them with likely competitors. OK, so the roads aren't closed, there's heavy traffic, and the drivers are limited to short bursts at full blast, but those few squirts of power have sealed million-dollar deals. As a lightweight Sperrer KTM X-Bow hounds a Koenigsegg CCX through Monaco's famous tunnel at massively illegal speeds, it's as if the noise alone could threaten the structural integrity of the walls. It's a bit hairy at times, but it is awesome to watch. The police, however, are not amused. They visit several exhibitors to discuss their driving, and even threaten to impound Hamann's SLS Hawk.

Rimac brought its Concept_One electric car to the show, and it is perhaps the most exciting machine of the year -- if it lives up to the hype. With a claimed 1088 horsepower courtesy of four independent motors, it has just as much power as a Bugatti Veyron with pure electric propulsion. It's a $1.3 million car, but it will hit 190 mph and 60 mph in less than 3 seconds if the official figures are right. There's an element of doubt, because surely a car like this should come from Bugatti or Porsche, rather than a start-up from Croatia. But if this car does what it says on paper on the tarmac, it is going to be epic

 

Tips for Connect Your MP3 Player to Your Car Stereo

Car Mp3 players make it possible for you to listen to your favorite songs wherever you may be. The good news is that you can connect your mp3 player to your car stereo so that it can play songs while you are in the car. Here is how to do just that.
Connecting your mp3 player to your car stereo requires a basic level of knowledge regarding radios and electronics. If you don't know much about these topics, read about them in articles or books or ask someone to help you.
Buy your equipment at radio or electronics stores. You could also find them in online stores. You may require a stereo cable, an RCA cord, an FM transmitter and a cassette tape adapter. If you don't plan on buying, find out whether you already have these or borrow from friends.
Use an input/output cable. If your car has an Aux-in jack with its stereo unit, you could plug the cord of the Mp3 player into it. Make sure that your Mp3 is fully charged and turn it on. Go to the menu where you are asked to select the input device: you can find options such as Aux, AM, FM, and CD player. Choose the Aux option. You could also connect your Mp3 player using an RCA cord. Remove the stereo from its console. Look for the red and white ends at the back of the stereo, and plug these into the red and white ends of the RCA. Plug the RCA cord into the Mp3 player and turn it on.
Use a cassette tape adapter. Plug the cord of the cassette tape adapter into your Mp3 player. Slide the cassette into the cassette deck and play it. The volume may sound a little bit softer than usual, so adjust the volume of your mp3 player and your car stereo as well. Just make sure that you insert the cassette properly to avoid getting your tape stuck.
Use an FM transmitter to play your Mp3. Plug the cord into the Mp3 player's headphone jack. Turn the transmitter on and select an FM channel that you can program. Choose a channel that is not used frequently or silent so that you will hear your songs clearly. Tune the stereo to the equivalent FM channel to hear your Mp3 songs in the airwaves. Take note that these take up power so buy a charger that supplies power to your FM transmitter and your Mp3 player.
Research other ways to connect your mp3 player to your car stereo. There are a lot of technological developments in the radio, electronics and automobile industry, so there may be newer methods of connection available.

HID Mot Failures

High Intensity Discharge Xenon headlights are now under Ministry of Transport and VOSA scrutiny. Many suggest HID’s are too bright and cause other road users dazzle; an argument that has brought an enforcement of law
HID Xenon lights have been around unregulated since the early 90’s, Fitted to the highest Marques. HID lights became regulated in 2010, ensuring that all new vehicles with an HID system must have automatic shutdown, self levelling system and headlamp washers.
Many cars were built prior to the 2010 legislation with a factory HID system. These vehicles are not required to have Washers and Levellers, however if fitted they MUST be in full working order to pass the MoT.
Cases have arisen where testers are failing vehicles manufactured with HID’s prior to the 2010 legislation as they did not have washers and levellers. VOSA states in its regulations ‘A car with HID lights MAY also have headlight washers and self levelling which must be checked and in working order if fitted’
This confusion may be caused due to the ready availability of spurious HID systems that fail to meet VOSA regulation. These ‘Kits’ are what testers should be looking for as many safety features are omitted, features which are a standard on factory fitted HID systems.
Xenon technology standard fitment bulbs are readily available as an alternative to retro fitment HID lights. These fully road legal bulbs closely mimic HID lights without the outlay and potential MoT failure.

What Websites Sell Good used cars?

Many people are familiar with eBay.com, the popular online auction site. A separate section of the web site called eBay Motors  conducts online vehicle auctions. Sellers might be individuals or dealers. What are the benefits? There are thousands of cars to choose from, in all price ranges, and eBay has a good buyer protection program. Some parts of the program are free, some cost you money. What's the disadvantage? It's an auction. There may be many other bidders for the car you want. Unless you are willing to pay more than the car is worth, you may not win. Furthermore, the car might not be close to you. You can't see it, you can't inspect it, and you can't drive it – until after you buy it. It can cost you extra to have it inspected and shipped to you.
Another popular site for buying and selling used cars is Craigslist. It is a classified ads site, not an auction like eBay. Sellers are primarily individuals but dealers advertise there as well. You can search for cars in your city and talk via email with buyers. One big caution – scammers love Craigslist, which has no buyer protection program as does eBay. See Car Seller Scam for more details.
Other sites such as AutoTrader.com, Edmunds.com, and Cars.com primarily feature dealer cars and have full-featured search capability. UsedCars.com is one of the largest and most popular of this type of site.
Many new-car and used-car dealers have their own web sites on which they list and display used cars for sale. Use Google to search for used car dealers in your city or town.
Many newspapers that have classified ads also have web sites on which the classified ads are shown. Find your local newspaper's web site and look for the automotive classified ad section.
Another excellent place to look for used cars online is on enthusiast web sites and forums. If you know the vehicle brand you want, use Google to search for owner/enthusiast sites. Most have buy-and-sell sections. For example, the BMW enthusiast forum, BimmerFest, has a classified ad section where members can buy and sell.

Tips On Buying A Used Car

There is a high demand for used cars because of their affordable prices like an older BMW car. The price difference between new cars and used ones is huge. If you’ve ever dreamt of owning a dream machine and wake up to the harsh reality of its price each day, you’re one unhappy soul. You can own the car of your dream if you opt to buy a used one. By buying a used car you can save a huge sum of money. Although there are a lot of used cars available for sale one has to shop around before buying a car. There are several factors that you need to consider before buying a used car. Several dealers have a variety of used cars but it is difficult to determine the condition of the car. Make sure you investigate and check every detail that covers the VIN history of the car. 

Vehicle history provides consumers a record of the used vehicle. These reports give a detailed indication of the condition of the car. Consumers get to know how many owners have previously owned the car, the extent of use and mileage. The VIN report also indicates the extent of damage, whether it’s minor or moderate. In The US and UK car dealers purchase vehicle history reports and put them up on their internet sites. Potential buyers of used vehicles are offered these reports free. Although a lot of pre-owned car dealers offer customers numerous test rides before purchase of the car, you can’t be sure about the engine or transmission problems. You need to do a thorough research before you buy a used car. Information from friends and colleagues helps a great deal in getting a good deal. If you know a car dealer personally or have a friend who is a close acquaintance of a car dealer you will get a car in excellent condition. 

Most individuals buy pre-owned cars from friends as they are aware of the condition of the car. When you buy a used car make sure that you negotiate with the actual owner of the used car. If the person negotiating the car deal is a proxy that’s acting on behalf of the car owner ask for his ID and make sure you meet the owner of the car before you seal the deal. There have been plenty of instances where individuals have been foxed into buying stolen cars. When you purchase a car from a dealership acquire the documentation or any promissory agreements regarding free repairs and service. Sometimes car dealers may make verbal promises and refuse to repair the car for free if a problem occurs. Try and avoid buying extended warranties on a used car from a dealership as it hikes the overall costs. Discuss the terms of agreement with car dealers before you sign the deal. Always feel free to ask questions about the car you want to purchase. Employees with car dealers can be smooth talkers, so make sure you don’t blindly succumb to their recommendations. Personally inspect the car and get friends to test ride it and get opinions from different individuals