Use Lift Kits to Enhance Your Vehicle’s Performance

If you have already invested on your vehicle of choice and wants to ride in it comfortably with the assurance that you are also protected, then getting lift kits is the answer.

Getting your vehicle the appropriate lift kit is a wise choice in order to have ground clearance that will enable a smooth, comfortable and safe ride. There are different types of lift kits available in the market. The two most popular kinds are the body lifts kits and suspension lift kits.

1. Suspension lift kits – is composed of a system of springs that can be used to make your car higher than its original height. It works by suspending the body, frame, engine and powertrain of the vehicle above its wheels.

2. Body lift kits – instead of springs, this type has a system of blocks to make the car higher and works by suspending the car’s body above its frame.

The main purpose of installing these performance accessories is to reduce the impact on a car when driving by uneven, bumpy roads. While having a suspension lift kit is very much recommended for people who seek optimum performance of their cars, body lift kits are recommended for those who are budget conscious because these types of implements are quite cost-effective compared to the former type.

Nowadays, it has become a trend for an owner to install lift kits if he wants a classier and brawnier look for his vehicle. The springs used in the suspension types are comprised of air springs, torsion bars, coil springs and leaf springs.

On most automobiles, the front wheels are separately suspended, while in others, it is the rear wheels. If any of this conditions are present in a vehicle, then it would mean that either its front or rear axle has finished or done away with.

The most prominent feature of a suspension lift kit is the hydraulic shock absorbers which is usually used in holding down the springs and avoid them from shaking up the vehicle too much after a crash or collision.

If you plan to install them on your vehicle, the package also comprise of a comprehensive system of various mechanical data. Such system helps you in positioning the body of your car accurately according to the wheels during braking, steering and accelerating.

Whether you want a muscular or sturdier look for your vehicle, improve its performance, or increase its ability to tow big loads, installing either body or suspension lift kits is the ultimate answer. You will find all types of such performance accessories on the market. They are highly in demand in the present world of automobile fanatics.

Even people who use of their cars for going to and from work prefer having them installed. Off-road driving enthusiasts are the most viable market for this sort of performance implements, though.

Different types of lifts are available to suit different makes and models of vehicles. There are specific lift kits for popular vehicle brands like Ford, Hummer, Jeep, Mazda, Chevy and Nissan. If you are going to buy lift kits, avoid striking a deal with shady or unknown dealers.

Remember to buy them only from recognized companies or authorized dealers/suppliers. Fabtech suspension lifts and Eibach lift kits are among those very well known in making quality stuff. Certified companies, dealers or suppliers always make sure that every lift kit package is guaranteed.

Top 10: Beatles’ Rides

Aside from their great looks, style and music, the Beatles are also known for their collection of sweet cars. AskMen.com listed some of Beatles’ head-turning street machines.

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There’s no need for us to use this space to tell you about the Beatles. These four men from Liverpool have been a worldwide cultural institution for over 40 years. To this day, nothing has been able match the Beatles’ body of work, cultural impact or their lasting legacy. Trying to encapsulate what made them so great in 100 words or less is impossible; lucky for us you already know what makes Paul, Ringo, George and John so special.

While the Beatles may be known and loved for a great many things, only a select few — car guys, mainly — know that the Beatles have always liked to ride in style. These men have owned some great machines, and we sure as hell aren’t talking about the Yellow Submarine. Click on ahead to see our top 10 favorite Beatles’ rides.

No.10 – Paul McCartney Edition Lexus RX400h

The cute Beatle is as known today for his activist work as he is for is musical output. However, perhaps it is his music that makes his activist work seem that much more important. Anyway, a few years back, Macca teamed up with Lexus to create a one-off custom RX400h. Designed to commemorate Lexus giving money to McCartney to tour, this hybrid soft-roader boasted a custom wood grain paint job inspired by the ex-Beatle’s 1962 Hofner Bass. This one of a kind ride also came with a reissue of the 1962 Hofner Bass, a VOX amplifier and a collection of McCartney’s music. The vehicle was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Adopt-A-Minefield charity.

No.9 – George Harrsion’s Aston Martin DB5

Who knew that the “quiet” Beatle was a massive petrol-head? George Harrison was an avid car nut who was privileged enough to own some of the world’s most desirable automobiles. We could do an entire top 10 list based on George’s car collection alone. The first Harrison-mobile we got our minds set on is his classic 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Harrison took delivery of his silver DB5 in 1965, and likely spent his time with the car enjoying its niceties including the Connolly leather interior, Motorola radio and power antenna. This Aston traveled to a museum in Tokyo, then Germany, before being sold at a public auction in England for almost half a million dollars.

No.8 – Ringo Starr’s Radford Mini de Ville

Ringo Starr bought a very clean two-tone Radford Mini de Ville from Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein on June 15, 1967. Radford Minis were custom cars built by Harold Radford Coachbuilders, LTD, from 1963 to 1971. Radford transformed standard Minis into luxury vehicles, adding things like leather seating surfaces, wood trim, revised gauges, Rolls-Royce-inspired two-tone paint schemes, and other luxuries. Ringo’s particular Mini was a hatchback, and it is said that he transported his drums in this tiny machine. This car didn’t stay with Ringo for long; he sold it after just two years.

No.7 – George Harrison’s Light Car Company Rocket

The Light Car Company’s Rocket is not a well-known vehicle. It was an F1-inspired street-legal car, powered by a 1,000cc Yamaha motorcycle engine that is the spiritual successor to extreme lightweight machines like the Ariel Atom. Oh yes, we should also mention that it was designed by famed Formula 1 car designer Gordon Murray, and built by former racing driver Chris Craft. Harrison was one of the many celebrities who owned and loved this early hyper car.

No.6 - Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS600h L

Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS600hL is the eco car that caused a ruckus as it was flown from Japan to England just for Sir Paul. The car should have been shipped by conventional means, but Toyota thought it would be a good idea to fly just the one car to McCartney. Obviously, this method of transport was incredibly wasteful of fuel, kind of negating the point of buying a hybrid in the first place. It is said that Macca was “horrified” by the whole ordeal.

No.5 - Ringo Starr’s Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 AMG

Forget Thomas the Train, the sweetest ride owned by the former Mr. Conductor is the blacked-out 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E sedan tuned by AMG. It looks badass, but it packs only a tuned 2.3-liter four-banger under the hood. Though weak by today’s standards, this motor was able to rocket the car to a top speed of over 130 mph. This is definitely the toughest-looking car of the bunch, and it’s definitely one of our personal favorites. You can currently see this ride at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Germany.

No.4 – George Harrison’s McLaren F1

Designed by renowned Formula 1 car designer Gordan Murray, the McLaren F1 is one of the most exclusive cars in the world. It was, for a while, the world’s fastest production car, cost over $1 million new, and only 100 were built. George Harrison owned one of these limited-edition machines; chassis No. 25, to be exact. Harrison’s McLaren F1 is painted Dark Purple Pearl, though many people confuse it for the aubergine (eggplant)-colored chassis No. 16 car. Though it was rumored Eric Clapton wanted to buy this car, it remains within the Harrison family.

No.3 – The Beatles’ 1965 Austin Princess Limo

Everywhere the Beatles went at the height of Beatlmania, their ‘65 Austin Princess went with them. Used as their personal limousine, there wasn’t anything particularly extraordinary about the vehicle, just that it was and is synonymously “Beatles” through and through. After the Beatles’ ownership, a man named Rod Pitman, in Portland, Oregon  took possession of the vehicle and proceeded to “lose” it somewhere in Arizona. That was nearly 23 years ago. The search is on to help Rod find his lost Beatles’ ride — and if you want to help the search head to

No.2 – George Harrison’s Mini Cooper from Magical Mystery Tour

While car guys will likely drool over Harrison’s DB5, McLaren F1 or Rocket, most Beatles fans would want to get their hands on his old Mini Cooper. But this isn’t just any Mini, Harrison owned the psychedelic Mini made famous in the Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. BMW-owned MINI built a one-off modern interpretation of Harrison’s classic magical and mysterious Mini Cooper. It was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Material World Charitable Foundation.

No.1 – John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce

Lennon bought his Rolls-Royce Phantom V new in 1965. Lennon modified the Rolls heavily, adding things like a fridge and a rear bench that could turn into a bed. Lennon also had the entire car painted matte black — odd in 1965, currently all the rage at shows like SEMA. The story goes that while filming “Sgt. Pepper,” Lennon grew bored of the flat-black color scheme and gave it the psychedelic paint scheme it still has today. Though thought of as an eyesore in the ‘60s, it eventually fetched almost $2.3 million at an auction in 1985. It now resides in Canada and does the North American museum circuit.

Cars Most Loved by Thieves

Afraid your car may interest thieves? Not really secure if your car is safe from being stolen? Then, make sure that your choice of car is not among this list of most loved cars by thieves according to Forbes.com:

Here are the top 5 cars thieves love most:

1. 1994 Honda Accord

–55,170 total Accords stolen nationwide

–Most stolen vehicle in Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington

–Second-most stolen vehicle in Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin

–Third-most stolen vehicle in Louisiana and Oklahoma

2. 1995 Honda Civic

–48,073 total Civics stolen nationwide

–Most stolen vehicle in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Utah,

–Second-most stolen vehicle in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Washington

–Third-most stolen vehicle in Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island and Texas

3. 1989 Toyota Camry

–26,245 total Camrys stolen nationwide

–Most stolen vehicle in Kentucky

–Third-most stolen vehicle in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington

4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup

–17,416 total F-150s stolen nationwide

–Most stolen vehicle in Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia

–Second-most stolen vehicle in Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas

–Third-most stolen vehicle in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and New Mexico

5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

–17,405 total Rams stolen nationwide

–Most stolen vehicle in Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming

–Second-most stolen vehicle in Oklahoma

–Third-most stolen vehicle in Kansas and Montana

Top Movie Pickup Trucks

Here are the top 10 pickup trucks featured on a movie. This feature article is from pickuptrucks.com:

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It wouldn’t be summer without blockbuster movies, and it wouldn’t be a blockbuster movie without a featured car or truck. Already well into this summer’s movie season, here’s our list of the Top 10 Movie Pickup Trucks.

10. 1986, ‘89 and ‘91 GMC Sierra 3500 Dually, “Lethal Weapon,” “Lethal Weapon 2″ and “Lethal Weapon 3″
Notable features: Can pull down houses under construction
This three-quarter-ton, heavy-duty rig (a new model year in each movie) is driven by detective Martin Riggs, a comically reckless homicide cop played by Mel Gibson. With its giant profile and dual rear wheels, the truck didn’t have any special powers or neat tricks, except that it helped boost sales of big trucks to guys who wanted to pretend they were comically reckless homicide cops like Mel Gibson.

9. 1995 Dodge Ram 2500, “Twister”
Notable features: Self-healing, evades flying cows, V-10 power
True story — Ford and Chrysler vied for the opportunity to show off their latest pickup trucks in “Twister,” but Chrysler won after its PR firm leveraged a personal relationship with the movie’s producers.
The Dodge Ram in the film is known for its uncanny ability to suffer fatal damage in one scene but continue to haul its tornado chasers and their gear in the next. Who needs an unlimited powertrain warranty if your truck can do that?

8. 1978 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne, “Red Dawn”
Notable features: Runs on urea, kind of
When the Soviets, Cubans and Nicaraguans invade the United States in passenger jets, which vehicle is going to save you and your friends? A red-blooded Chevy pickup truck, of course. Patrick Swayze pilots this short-wheelbase K10 through the backroads of Colorado as he and his high-school buddies take on the entire Red Army. Wolverines!

7. 2003 Toyota Tundra, “Terminator 3″
Notable features: Built as tough as the legendary Top Gear Toyota HiLux, turns into a convertible – the hard way
The way this pickup was driven around the streets of Los Angeles, you’d think Shia LaBeouf was behind the wheel (what, too soon?). The SR5 Tundra in “T3″ proves nearly as indestructible as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character. Toyota even sold special edition “Terminator 3″ Tundras for people who couldn’t get enough of the truck on screen. It was perhaps the best product placement of all time: If Toyota doesn’t get a truck right the first time (or second or third), like a cybernetic organism, they’ll be back.

6. 1963 Jeep Gladiator J20, “Tremors”
Notable features: Actually reached production, unlike the recent Gladiator Concept
Once upon a time, mighty, full-size Jeep pickups called Gladiators roamed the earth. They could drive almost anywhere and carry almost any load. If giant, intelligent worms with a fondness for human flesh got in the way, they helped crush the subterranean monsters before they could touch your sweetheart. Compared to modern Jeeps, like the Compass and Patriot, what hero wouldn’t want a Jeep Gladiator?

5. Mater, “Cars”
Notable features: Talks, has prominent front teeth
Inspired by a 1951 International boom truck, with a few GM pickup design cues from the same era mixed in, this anthropomorphic work truck runs “Tow Mater Towing and Salvage” in the rural desert town of Radiator Springs on Route 66. During his off hours, Mater (“Like tuh-mater, but without the ‘tuh’”) likes to go tractor-tipping (“Tractors is so dumb”) and hone his skills driving backward (“Ain’t no need to watch where I’m goin’; just need to know where I’ve been”). If we were stuck in Radiator Springs, we’d want Mater to be our best friend, too.

4. 1972 Ford F-100, “Mad Max 2 – The Road Warrior”
Notable features: Wraparound, boat-style windshield, bed-mounted four-bolt crossbow-launcher, non-Ford-SVT-endorsed cobras painted on the doors
In post-apocalyptic Australia, where oil is hoarded or hunted at any cost, shoulder-pad-wearing marauders deep in the Outback use this weaponized F-100 to try to steal gasoline from Max Rockatansky and his allies. Then he gets mad!
With fuel prices near all-time highs and pickup sales falling harder than the bodies in this flick, will Ford nostalgically refer to the “Mad Max” F-100 if it resurrects the badge for its rumored 2011 EcoBoost-powered midsize pickup? Um, no.

3. 1986 Ford F-350 (aka Bigfoot No. 7), “Road House”
Notable features: Six-foot-tall tires, weighs 28,000 pounds, takes more than one parking spot – you gotta problem with that?
We wish we could take credit for this quote, from agonybooth.com: “What makes ‘Road House’ such a great movie? The answer is easy: It’s quite simply the most implausible film ever made. Compared to ‘Road House,’ ‘Star Wars’ is a documentary. This is a movie that expects you to believe a man can be famous the world over for being a bouncer (played by Patrick Swayze, with a mullet). This is a movie that wants you to believe a small-town crime lord can afford a Bigfoot 4×4 monster truck, and that he’ll actually use it to intimidate local businesses.”
Oh man, we miss the 1980s.

2. Ironhide, 2007 GMC Topkick C4500, “Transformers”
Notable features: Weapons specialist, can imitate Clint Eastwood
Aside from Optimus Prime, is any Autobot cooler than Ironhide? He’s got cannons for arms, for crying out loud! Can summer movie characters get any better than that? Let’s just hope that now that diesel fuel costs 20 percent more than regular unleaded, his robotic pals don’t trade him in for a hybrid in the next movie.

1. 1985 Toyota Pickup SR5, “Back to the Future”
Notable features: In 1985, nothing was cooler
This is the truck many of us still dream about – the one we were supposed to drive when we got our license. Even if we could have a DeLorean-based time machine, alter the course of history and stop nuclear terrorists, we’d still want to park this black 4×4 in our garage — freshly waxed by Biff Tannen, of course.

Ten Cheapest Cars to Operate and Own

We all know that owning a car is an investment that is quite heavy on our wallets during its lifetime. It is important to make sure that the car you are going to buy is not that costly.

Here is an article from Yahoo! Finance that can be a great help for us:

Research is the key. Every additional piece of information you have increases the likelihood that you will negotiate a fair price, lock in the best financing available and drive away in a car or truck you can afford. The emphasis here is on “afford.” Affordability involves much more than down payment and monthly installments. It encompasses other costs such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and depreciation. You must factor these costs into your annual vehicle-ownership budget as well as into that magical dollar amount you feel you can afford monthly.

All of these factors, of course, may vary depending on the way you use and maintain your car.

Edmunds.com, a leading automotive Web site, features an interactive tool it calls its True Cost to Own calculator, which computes an estimated total five-year cost and the cost per mile based on driving 15,000 miles per year.

Here are the 10 cars that top Edmunds’ current list of the most frugal cars to own and operate:

Hyundai Accent GS:

Starting price: $10,690
5-year total cost: $25,958
Cost per mile: 35 cents

As basic transportation, the Accent GS three-door isn’t so basic. Its 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers decent fuel economy with an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The interior is relatively roomy and comes with power accessories and air conditioning.

Nissan Versa Base

Starting price: $10,710
5-year total cost: $27,196
Cost per mile: 36 cents

Nissan Versa: A sedan for the frugal, Versa’s stingy fuel consumption earns it an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission ushers the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine’s 107 horsepower to the front wheels. Its relatively roomy back seat is a major attraction in this segment; otherwise, its cabin is devoid of frills.

Chevrolet Aveo5 LS

Starting price: $12,685
5-year total cost: $28,360
Cost per mile: 38 cents

Chevrolet Aveo5 LS: Chevy beefed up the Aveo’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder for 2009 and it now produces 107 horsepower. EPA estimated fuel economy is a very respectable 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Among its short list of standard features is a four-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input jack.

Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Starting price: $13,994
5-year total cost: $28,965
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Suzuki SX4 Sedan: A number of trim levels let consumers increase content in smallish dollar increments. In its base form, though, the SX4 offers full-power accessories and a tilt steering wheel. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway earned by a 143-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder engine.

Pontiac G3

Starting price: $15,055
5-year total cost: $29,049
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Pontiac G3: Compared to the first four entries on this list, the G3 is positively loaded with standard equipment. Air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack, and a tilt steering wheel are all standard. A 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission earns it an EPA rating of 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Mazda3 iSport

Starting price: $15,360
5-year total cost: $29,271
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Mazda3 iSport: Six airbags, anti-lock brakes and a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack are all standard in this sedan. A 148-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder engine collaborates with a five-speed manual transmission to earn EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Honda Fit

Starting price: $15,460
5-year total cost: $29,420
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Honda Fit: Nicely appointed, even the base Fit has air conditioning, full-power accessories and a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack. Its performance is on par with this group and is provided by a 117-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Its fuel economy is among the best with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

Pontiac Vibe

Starting price: $16,735
5-year total cost: $29,512
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Pontiac Vibe: Fraternal twin to the Toyota Matrix, the Vibe in its base form is fairly Spartan. It does come with a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Power arrives via a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is acceptable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Toyota Yaris

Starting price: $12,955
5-year total cost: $29,595
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Toyota Yaris: You have to step up a trim level to get an audio system, but the base Yaris three-door hatchback does have air conditioning and a tilt steering column. Its power comes from a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With an EPA rating of 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, its outstanding fuel economy earned it a spot on our list of top 10 fuel misers.

Nissan Sentra

Starting price: $16,070
5-year total cost: $29,623
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Nissan Sentra: With the most standard equipment of any entry on this list, the Sentra sedan comes with air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack, and power windows and locks. Its 2-liter four-cylinder engine generates 140 horsepower. Its EPA rating is 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.