Autoglym Product Discounts plus Coupon for $15 off

April 21st, 2011 No comments

If you are looking to buy Autoglym products, now it is the perfect time!  Canadian Tire is having a sale on all Autoglym products.  Every Autoglym item is 25% off.  On top of that, you can get $15 off  if you purchase 3 Autoglym products with a coupon.  The $15 off coupon can be found here.  The coupon is only valid from April 1 to May 1, 2011.

I did not use the coupon since I already bought the HD wax back in September.  But if you can find two other friends and buy any 3 products together, each of you can save 25% plus $5 off per person – which is a good deal with the double discounts.

Check out my AutoGlym HD wax review here.

[Disclaimer: I do not work for Canadian Tire nor AutoGlym, and this is not a paid commercial.]

5 Best Cars to Modify: What They Are and How to Modify Them

March 30th, 2011 No comments

[ Guest Post by Miles Walker ]

1. Honda Civic

Thanks to platform engineering, nearly any Honda engine and transmission can be placed in the Civic. The CRX HF remains the gold standard for racing with its dual-wishbone suspension and low curb weight. Those looking for something a bit more modern or luxurious have the option of newer Civics or Acura’s Civic-based Integra and RSX.

While exotic powerplants are popular, even a 4-cylinder out of an Accord can be made fast with the addition of a supercharger. Add to this the high-spec suspension systems in most Civics and you have a car that can easily be built for the track or the dragstrip.

2. Ford Mustang

The Fox Body platform and its update, the SN-95, underpinned Mustangs from 1979 to 2004. A favorite of tuner companies, nearly anything offered on high performance versions is still available for individual customization.

A 5.0L V8 can be dropped into a four-cylinder Fox body with ease, while V6 SN-95 ‘stangs are ideal donors for the 4.6L “Mod” motor. If the solid axle seems archaic, Ford still offers the independent rear suspension used in the Cobra as a direct bolt-on system for later cars.

3. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda Miata is the best selling roadster in history and has become a perennial favorite for both SCCA races and autocross. Chances are if you have a local track there’s at least one race dedicated to the marque, if not several for each generation of this inexpensive sports car.

While most car enthusiasts all about horsepower, Miata enthusiasts concentrate on weight. Information is readily available for the removal or exchange of every part on the car for improved performance. Supercharging and turbocharging kits are available for better straight-line performance, or the four-cylinder can be replaced with a Mazda rotary engine or even Ford’s 5.0L V8.

If you prefer the style of older British roadsters, guides exist to place the drivetrain and suspension from a Miata into an old MG or Triumph giving you a classic car with the reliability and drivability of a modern vehicle.

4. Subaru WRX

While the Miata rules autocross and track events, the WRX is the dominant force in rally racing. Power can be increased by changing the turbo’s boost pressure, although the transmission will require modification to handle the large amounts of power the boxer-4 can produce.

5. BMW 3-series

The 3-series is the most popular performance car in Europe with aftermarket support there matching the Mustang state-side. Tuner cars from companies like Dinan, Korman, and Alpina may be hard to find here, but their performance parts are readily available.

Miles Walker is a freelance writer and blogger who compares car insurance deals over at CarInsuranceComparison.Org. His most recent review looked at the best car insurance quotes.

Categories: BMW, Comments, DIY, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Subaru Tags:

Nissan 370Z in Bright Red

February 7th, 2011 No comments

I went grocery shopping and unexpectedly picked up this die cast model from a local supermarket for $9.99.  This 1:24 model is quite detailed for the bargain price.  Not only that, it is an official licensed product of Nissan which is impressive! Buying a similar model from the dealer would probably cost quintuple the amount.

The wheels are very detailed, except the emblem is missing.

2009 Special Edition unboxed

Doesn't this look like a Porsche Boxster?

Categories: Maisto, Nissan Tags:

Top 5 most reliable and not-so-reliable cars

January 25th, 2011 No comments

Recently I came across an article from MSN, titled “Five machines mechanics hate, five cars mechanics love“.  (I am not a mechanic, but I wouldn’t be too happy to see this title if I am one)  It lists the top 5 most reliable and the 5 least reliable cars based on surveys conducted by Consumer Reports.  There is no mention of the year of  make, so I am assuming they are 2010/2011. models  The winners and losers are:

Vehicles with Top Dependability Rating:

1. Toyota Yaris (80% above average)
2. Honda CR-V (65% above average)
3. Lexus LX 570 (60% above average)
4. Honda Fit (60% above average)
5. Scion xD (57% above average)

Vehicles with Worst Dependability Rating

1. Jaguar XF (143% below average)
2. Audi A6 3.0T (142% below average)
3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (100% below average)
4. BMW 135i (100% below average)
5. Mini Cooper Convertible (100% below average)

The results are confirming the popular belief that most Japanese brands are more reliable than their European counterparts.  Based on my personal experience of owning cars like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen, I would have to say I do agree with the results.

Source: [MSN]

Five machines mechanics hate, five cars mechanics love

Categories: Audi, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Review, Toyota Tags:

AutoGlym High Definition Wax Review

September 4th, 2010 4 comments

The AutoGlym High Definition wax is probably one of the very few top-end wax products that is made in Britain and it is approved by her majesty The Queen. At $49.99 CAD, it is one expensive 150g (5.3 oz) pot of wax. Is the AutoGlym High Definition wax really that good? Or is it “just another fancy wax product”? Read more…

Kia Soul stands out from the crowd

July 21st, 2010 2 comments

Kia Soul tuned by Stillen

The Kia Soul has caught my undivided attention ever since my neighbour purchased one. The first thing that caught my attention is the dragon decals (a $309 CAD option from the manufacturer). Read more…

Honda Indy Exhibition at Dundas Square

July 14th, 2010 No comments

The Honda Indy event at Dundas Square was also a charity event for the Make a Wish Canada.

There are lots of promotions happening for this year’s Honda Indy in Toronto (formerly known as the Molson Indy). At Dundas Square, people can get up close to the race cars and try out the race car simulation games. For a $1 donation to the Make a Wish Canada, people can also take the Honda Pit Stop Challenge to see how fast they can change the tires.  Today’s record time was 6.83 seconds which is pretty impressive. Read more…

BMW Innovation Drive Events

July 9th, 2010 8 comments

Few weeks ago, I was invited to BMW’s Innovation Drive event in Toronto. During the event, I got a chance to test out various BMW cars like the 335i (which has a new engine), 335d (the super torque monster), 135i, and the all-new 5 series. Read on to find out why the BMW 5 series is better than ever. Read more…

Ford Mustang – Hot Wheels Colour Shifter

June 29th, 2010 No comments

This colour shifting Ford Mustang was spotted in Toronto today. This Mustang is in when it’s dry. Once the kids started squirking water and scrubbed the paint, the colour changed to white. That’s some cool stuff!

Read more…

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 1:24 Model

June 23rd, 2010 No comments

I love collecting model cars. Recently I got this Lamborghini Gallardo at a local store for a very reasonable price. This 1:24 model is pretty detailed – it closely resembles the real Gallardo; the doors and the engine compartment can be opened; best of all, it is actually a licensed/authorized product by Lamborghini.  The Gallardo is in my short list of dream cars. Maybe one day I can get a real one if the LottoMax ticket works out! Meanwhile, check out the photos here. Read more…

2011 VW Jetta – Looking Good

June 18th, 2010 1 comment

The all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has made its debut in New York this week. The sixth gen Jetta is bigger and better in many ways. Best of all, the new Jetta is no longer a “Golf with a trunk”. Read more…

2010 Ford Mustang – Coolest Lighting Winner

June 11th, 2010 1 comment

The rear signal lights of the 2010 Ford Mustang is the coolest of all cars.

If there is an auto award for the “Coolest Lighting” category, I would most definitely vote for the 2010 Ford Mustang.

“Cop Style” Rear Signal Light

The 2010 Mustang’s rear signal lights remind me of the Lamborghini Reventon and an aircraft. I supposed they can be used to divert traffic too. Check out these stock signal lights. Read more…

Infiniti G35 Cannot Open Trunk (SOLVED)

June 9th, 2010 19 comments

G35 Coupe: The trunk release wiring is broken after 5 years.

After repeatedly opening and closing the trunk four times a day for the past five years, the trunk release module has officially stopped working for my G35 coupe. Pressing the trunk release button from under the dashboard and remote fob can no longer open the trunk. There is no key hole to open it either. When the buttons stop working, it is impossible to open the trunk from the outside of the G35. How inconvenient. What happened was that the wire was completely cut into two pieces. Fortunately, the problem can be fixed for under $30 and takes about an hour. Read more…

Driving at 171 km/h with Two Kids on Board

June 6th, 2010 2 comments

How fast do you drive when you are driving alone? What about when there are kids or other passengers on board?

When passengers are on board, it is more frequent that I get cut off by vehicles from behind – a sign that my driving behaviour has changed. I tend to drive slower when there are passengers in the car. It is as if the brain is doing a real-time braking vs. stopping distance analysis with the added weight of passengers. Hmm, that sounds kinda awkward, so to rephrase it: To ensure the safety of the passengers. Read more…

Why Low MSRP can be a Bad Thing

May 31st, 2010 2 comments

Can you tell which one is the 335i ($51,400 CAD) and 323i ($34,900 CAD)?

The Acura CSX Type S, MazdaSpeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and BMW 335i are all fine cars. They have good performance, above average handling, and somewhat upscale. There is only one thing common amongst them – all of these sought-after cars have a base variant with low MSRP. A bare-bone version with a lucrative price that suddenly made them affordable to more individuals.

In a way, having a low entry price is a good thing for those who are considering the base models. How about for people of are planning to get the upper-end model? Read more…

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