How to Clean Rust From Motorcycle?

June 13th, 2008 MarkusSkupeika Posted in Automotive No Comments »

What do you do when you see your bike getting rust after the winter?

There is no doubt that bikers are mad about their bikes and hardly want to get down from it. It will not be an exaggeration if I say that a true biker’s dream is to keep on biking. And most of the time seasonal changes cannot hamper their dream to keep on biking. And the end result is lots of rust in the bike.

I know what you are thinking – important parts of the bike are created with aluminum and steel to protect it from rust as much as possible and more importantly to keep the bike light. If you ask any seasoned biker you would definitely come to know that, no matter how well the bike is built, rust is unavoidable. You will have to fight with rust and live with rust.

Does this mean that bikers have nothing to do but watch the bike being tearing down by rusts? Not exactly; good bikers and those who love their bike a lot, take every possible measure to save their bike from rusts and clean every reachable area for a proper cleaning.

But, irrespective of their meticulous approach to keep their bike healthy in an economical way, a lot of bikers find it impossible to keep things clean and rust free. They have tried every possible way to keep the bike rust free but they agree that it is an impossible task to make it rust free forever; all you can do is to clean the rust whenever necessary.

In most of the cases, for a deep cleaning, the bikers depend on hose and car washing detergent. But they are not enough to fight with rust. And to add to the rust problem, soaps often remain stuck with the bike and causes more harm to attract rust. If you are using car washing detergent, you must be careful to properly clean the bike and make sure that it does not have any detergent residue. Some bikers use and recommend wax to keep the exterior away from rust. But this is too a temporary measure and not very effective in the long run.

You would also get a lot of rust cleaning products in the market. And some of them are really good to clean the rust properly. They are necessary to clean rust from those places where you cannot reach. For example, how would you clean the rust deep inside the oil tank?

In such situations, these liquid rust removers are very effective. All you need to do is to dip the tank into the solution or put the solution into the tank and they will work to clean the rust. They are just perfect to clean rust in the easiest way and most of them do not leave any residue that may reproduce rust in washed area.

However, while selecting one of these rust removers, you must be extra careful. Most of the rust removers are acid based and they have the potential to cause harm to your bike; especially in those parts where you have mixed material (steel and rubber or plastic).

Thus it is always recommended to use organic solutions or organic rust removal products to keep in the safer side. There are some great quality cleaners available in the market that can effectively remove rust from metal items. All you need to do is to select the best one for you.

Whichever rust cleaner you select, do not forget to read follow the user manual or instructions provided in the cleaner carefully.

Do you want to know more about rust removers or tips to remove rust from metal? Click on the links for more information.

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Should You Convert Your Car To A Hydrogen On Demand Vehicle?

June 12th, 2008 MikeHickmon Posted in Automotive No Comments »

Gas prices are going through the roof, and the fuel economy question is getting get very serious. Gas prices near me, in Los Angeles, are now pushing or over $4 per gallon for regular unleaded, OUCH. Gas Prices may soar to between $7 and $10 a Gallon. Get ready for another economic shock of major proportions. A virtual doubling of prices at the gas pump to as much as $10 a gallon. By the time that we cash our pay checks, we pretty much start calculating how much we will be spending on gas. We are pretty much just working for taxes, bills and gas.

So then it is a no brainer to convert your car to run on water or HHO gas. Doing so can save you over from 25% to 100% in fuel costs. Less than one gallon of water provides over 1800 gallons of HHO gas, which can literally last for months and significantly increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiently, improve emissions, and save you money. It has already helped me save tremendously on fuel costs. And it only requires you to make a 5-minute maintenance check every week to make sure that everything is working correctly. Not only will you save money; you’ll reduce your carbon footprint to help the planet.

Interestingly, converting your car to run on water was one of the most searched for terms last year. Converting cars to burn water is not new. While running your car on water 100% of the time is very complex, converting your car into a water hybrid is really quite easy. The simplicity comes from its being an “on-demand” system requiring no fancy storage or plumbing. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently. It also decreases the noise and wear and tear of the engine.

The system is composed of simple parts that you can purchase over the counter at the local hardware store, and that are easy to mount to the engine. The HHO Electrolyzer uses the process of electrolysis to convert water into a hydrogen/oxygen gas, which is then introduced into the intake of the internal combustion engine. It is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine. Also, this hybrid system does not require you to make any direct modification to your cars engine itself.

Kits designed to convert a car to run on water have made the conversion process a whole lot simpler. Most of the parts can be bought at your local hardware store, automotive store, or off the Internet. The easiest way to convert your car to run on water is to use a pre-made kit. There are more and more people in the marketplace that makes and sells these systems. As for me I made my own systems. I have a lot of experience in these areas so this is just plain fun for me. If you want to find someone who sells the pre-made system you will have to hunt them down, they are out there.

There have been many skeptics that do not believe in the efficiency of the system, but doubts soon vanish after seeing the system in operation. I’m getting people wanting me to install this system on their car after they see my car. I guess that a V8 getting 29.88 mpg is pretty good. Also what I found is that when you go to actually buy the parts you come in contact with many success stories of people already using the system and saving money on gas. This thing is going viral.

I hope that this article has proven useful to you so that you can convert your car to run on Water.

The author has created a review site that provides you with the most in-depth analysis of Water Conversion Guides on the Internet. go to: www. water-for-gas-reviews.com or www.squidoo.com/water-for-gas-reviews

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Fixing a Flat on a Budget

June 12th, 2008 TomTessin Posted in Automotive No Comments »

Have you ever had a flat tire with payday still a week or more away? This has happened to countless people and they are in a bind that they do not know how to get out of. Not having money saved for emergencies is a problem most Americans have and they simply hope they never have an emergency to deal with! However, when one comes along, like a flat tire, something must be done. Fortunately, fixing a flat on a budget is easier than you might have thought. The following suggestions are a few ways to help you fix your flat tire without breaking the bank.

Fix a Flat

If the flat tire is not severe, there is a bottle of air that is called a Fix a Flat. It costs about $5 for the can and it really works to help you pump up your tire and back on the road. This will not last you more than a couple days, and in some cases just a few hours, but it is enough to get you to work or wherever you need to go. It is a good idea to always keep a bottle of Fix a Flat in your car for emergencies just like this.

Used Tires

Few people are aware they can buy used tires for cheap, but that still have plenty of tread on them. There are many people who get new tires before they actually need them. They may do this because they are just used to, because they want new tires for whatever reason, or they do not want to risk a flat tire by letting their tires get any older. You can benefit from this by buying a used tire at a really cheap price. There will certainly be enough tread on it to get you until payday when you can buy a new one. Or, you could just ride the used one until it actually needs to be replaced.

Credit Card

Use your credit card to buy a new tire and you will be able to get the tire you need without breaking the bank. You will have all month to pay the card off, and in many cases longer than that if you do not mind paying interest. If you have no other option, using your credit card is a great idea. And, if you only have a gas credit card and you visit a gas station with a mechanic you can put the tire change right on your gas card!

These are just a few suggestions to help you pay for a flat tire in an emergency situation when you have no funds. More often than not people are unaware of their options and they are not prepared for a situation like this, and they go into panic mode. Just follow the suggestions outlined here and all will be well.

When you’re on the hunt for your new tires, make sure you check out at least a few tire shops. You may find that the first person you go to is offering a bad rate. Be sure to shop around, it never hurts!

Find gas rebate credit cards and more of Tom’s work at FINDgascards.

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What To Do When A Car Breaks Down

June 12th, 2008 TomTessin Posted in Automotive No Comments »

When your car breaks down you probably do not know what to do. It is quite stressful because car repairs are expensive and many times you will not have the money up front to pay for the repairs. In addition to this, when you do not have a car to drive to work you cannot make more money to pay for the repairs. It is a vicious cycle, but one that many people deal with on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are some options to help you deal with your financial problems when your car breaks down.

Tip #1 Use Your Gas Credit Card

The easiest and fastest way to deal with the problem is to use your credit card to pay for the repairs. The problem with this is many Americans have all of their credit cards maxed out so when an emergency situation arises they do not have any money to fall back on. That is why it is so important to always have one credit card that is for emergency purposes only. Or, have savings in the bank that may be sued should an emergency occur.

Tip #2 Get a Payday Loan

Another option for you is to get a payday loan. This is an unsecured loan that is given to you based on your income and you repay it on your next payday. Many people have found that a payday loan is a great option in financially difficult situations. The interest can be high on these types of loans, but in dire situations they are worthwhile.

Tip #3 Borrow a Friend’s Car

Most of us know someone who has an extra car we could borrow. Sure, we do not like to bury our pride and ask someone for a favor, but in some situations it is necessary. So, if you have a friend with an extra car then consider asking them for help. If they are a true friend, they will have no problem helping you out in your time of need!

Tip #4 Buy a New Car

If the vehicle is old and working on it would only be patching it until something else falls apart, then you may want to consider buying a new car. Most people can qualify for a car loan with little or even no money down. In this case you would be able to get a new car, or a new used car, and have wheels again without having to waste money on an old car. You could potentially even sell the parts from the old car and make more money than selling it as is.

These are just a few things you should consider when your car breaks down. None of them will magically solve your problem, but you will be able to handle the problem through one of the solutions outlined here.

When you car does break down in the long run, make sure you don’t panic. With the right research, you’ll be able to find a ton of good deals out there, just think of how many cars are on this planet! The next time your car breaks down and I hope it doesn’t, make sure you keep these options in mind.

Find the best gas credit cards and more of Tom’s work at FINDgascards.

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Corvettes Memories Are a Blast From the Past

June 12th, 2008 JerbobJohnson Posted in Automotive No Comments »

It was made a legend in songs and performance. The Chevrolet Corvette was lovingly known just as the “Vette”. The Vette was and still is a high speed performance car. It started out a a little sports car and now is grown up to a relatively large sports car. The earlier ones were made out of fiberglass. Come to think of it, the light weight would help save gas today. Unfortunately, the fiberglass didn’t offer much protection and you could easily punch a hole in it. The 1967 Stingray was born were an engine that taught you what it was like to pull G’s while still on the ground.

Factory Hot Rods became real in October of 1963, when the GTO was born. At this time, the Corvette began to grow in size and weight. It was truly becoming an American hot rod/sports car with looks to kill and performance to match. The Vette came in the 409 engine and then later move up to large horsepower engines. These powerhouses package included a 400-horsepower V8 with dual exhausts, a Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor, a mild hydraulic camshaft, and the kind of whip lashing neck pain street-grabbing torque that left a smile on your face. Other standard features included a manual three-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter (in those days the Hurst shifter was not only very good but also very cool), a heavy-duty clutch (very much needed), heavy-duty suspension, US Royal red-line tires, a 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, and the famous Corvette emblem. The Vette emblem itself was just as famous as the car and was easily recognized.

What Made The Chevy Vette So Coveted? Some things you never forget such as my 1967 Stingray and Jan & Dean Dead Man’s Curve. It was a good thing it had a windshield because I would have had bugs stuck to my teeth from grinning so much. The thrill of standing still, shifting into first gear, revving up that sweet engine and letting out the clutch and being plastered to the back of the seat was pure adrenaline pumping. That was my first experience of “pulling G’s”. Last time I felt that type of adrenaline rush was during chopper auto-rotations in Nam. That was 40 years ago and I still love my Vette. Maybe it is the legend. Maybe we have gotten the legend mixed up with reality. All I know is I can’t help but smile when I remember my little Vette.

It is hard to explain to my children why it was so special. I owned a 1955 Ford though it was pretty it just didn’t have the appeal of the legendary Corvette. The royal blue was my favorite. I have a friend whose color was plum. Can you remember vinyl seats? I can! They were cool looking and very hot functionally. I remember leaving my skin on the seat many times getting out that car. Getting in the summer meant either cooking your legs or trying to keep a towel in the car to sit on. Once you started up that 409, you were transported to another world. The purr of that engine, the feel of the Hurst shifter and watching the gas needle drop was worth all the pain of sitting on a hot seat. What hot seat? Oh yeah, 4 mpg! It was a good thing gasoline was only 15 cents a gallon back then.

Jerbob Johnsen owns the “Smoking Hot Corvettes” or “Corvette Auction House” specialing in bargains on corvettes. If you are ready to buy your Vette, visit http://www.corvvetAuctionHouse.com or Http://www.smokinghotcorvettes for a bargain on the corvette of your dreams.

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Used Car Supermarkets – Everything But the Vegetables

June 12th, 2008 MarkBright Posted in Automotive No Comments »

This summers must have drink in my household is pear cider. It comfortably alleviates the fizz that accompanies a traditional brew and yet is still refreshing and tastes like pear drops. In fact I can think of no more pleasant an experience that sitting in the sunshine outside my local watering hole supping pear cider.

This then was the scene last Saturday when my idyllic afternoon turned into a heated debate where I feared for my cider. Throughout the afternoon a few of us had been putting the world to rights, ranging from politics to football to why pirates wear eye patches. Then the subject of buying a used car cropped up and I happened to mention that a used car supermarket is the place to go. Cue uproar and verbal jostling. The state of our economy or that Manchester United were going to win the Champions league paled in comparison to the used car supermarket debate.

It appears that a lot of people have a problem with supermarkets per se claiming they strangle local businesses and I guess there’s some truth in the argument. Where for example do you buy your fruit and vegetables from? I know it’s going to take twice as long to go the butchers and greengrocers than it is to walk down adjacent aisles and pick up my weekly 5-a-day supplies. In fact my life is bought from supermarkets – hence why they’re ‘super’ presumably. Petrol, CDs, home wares and food all come from the same source, because it’s not only convenient but a darn sight cheaper than going to a dedicated music shop or petrol station.

It’d be nice to use a local shop but time just doesn’t allow. Buying a used car is also a time-consuming and expensive exercise, hence my declaration that a used car supermarket will do for your car buying what a regular supermarket does for your home. The first thing to consider is the price of your used car and how much more metal you can usually get at a used car supermarket.

A main dealer is always the most expensive option, with a warranty and nicely valeted selection of nearly-new cars awaiting you. A private sale is the cheapest option but you obviously have no warranty and the worry that the police will be knocking your door, advising not to buy a stolen car in future and then taking your £10,000 purchase away with no refund. There are mechanisms in place to reduce this risk, such as AA and HPI checks and a logbook, but the risk remains for some.

This is where the used car supermarket comes to the fore. Meeting your wallet and your buying concerns halfway, you get a years warranty and a wide selection of vehicles to choose from that are cheaper than at the individual dealer. The reason for the reduced cost is that cars are bought in bulk and are priced to sell with the supermarket generally having a ‘no-haggling’ policy. If you like what you see, that’s the price you pay. It’s no secret that with a sea of Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Vectras in attendance, high mileage fleet cars abound in these supermarkets. Personally I don’t have a problem with this as a modern day Ford or Vauxhall are not only well styled and good to drive, but reliable too. A few thousand commuter motorway miles are not testing to the suspension, engine or gearbox – just the commuter’s sanity as they drive the same tarmac over and over and over…

Ok, so I’ve addressed the high mileage issue – although remember much like a cheap designer clothes shop, there’s always a real diamond whilst looking through the less popular styles to be found. Another myth of visiting used car supermarkets is that customer service is poor and you face opposition if you want a test drive. Now I’m occasionally na

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The Number One Way to Save on Gas

June 12th, 2008 TomTessin Posted in Automotive No Comments »

With gas going up every single day people are starting to really focus on ways to save gas. That is because gas is really putting people in a financial crunch. That means people need to get creative and find ways to save money so that they do not have to feel the full effect of the rising gas prices.

Carpool

One of the easiest ways of all to save gas is to carpool. Not everyone likes carpooling, but with gas prices going up and not appearing t slow down any time soon more people are open to the idea. The best way to go about carpooling is to find several other people who work with you that would be interested. You can have up to four or five people, depending on the vehicles people drive. This allows everyone to drive every fourth or fifth week, which is pretty good when you think of the price of gas.

Maximize Outings

Many of us go to the grocery store and then back home. Then, an hour or two later we remember that we need to run out and pick up something else and so on and so forth. Over the course of a year, this adds up to a lot of wasted gas. That is why it is so important to make a list of everything you need to do in the period of a week and try to do it all at once. Take a Saturday, for example, and run all of your errands. It will free up time the rest of the week and allow you to make the best use of gas.

No AC

If you are really trying to save gas then stop using the air conditioner. This is especially challenging during the summer months, but doing so could really save you a lot of gas. When you are on a tight budget every penny counts and not using the AC will really help in the long run.

Tune-ups

Getting regular tune-ups are really important as far as gas saving goes. Keeping your car in the best condition possible will allow you to get the best gas mileage. This will save you money in the long run because your car will be in better condition, you will get better gas mileage, and you will see more money in your bank account!

These are just a few ways to help you save gas while gas prices are soaring. In addition, if you incorporate them into your daily life you will be able to really save a lot of money over the course of your lifetime. So, take advantage of the expensive gas prices and learn to start saving. It is better for your bank account and for the planet!

These are just a few things you can do to save on gas. Use your imagination like you would anything else. There are always ways to save on any product you buy. It just takes time and effort to save that extra penny! In the long run, it’s worth it.

Find gas credit cards and more of Tom’s work at FINDgascards.

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Saving on Gasoline With a Gas Card

June 12th, 2008 TomTessin Posted in Automotive No Comments »

Did you know you can save money with a gas credit card? Many people equate credit cards to high interest rates and spending unnecessary money. However, if you are responsible then you will be able to save money with a gas credit card. The reason why you can save money is because there are advantages to buying gas with a credit card that shopping with cash does not have. Check out some of the benefits of shopping with a gas credit card.

Benefit #1 Lower Price of Gas

Many gas credit cards will charge you a lower price for gas when you use the card. Therefore, you could expect to save a good deal of money over a year’s period of time simply by shopping with your gas card. Many people are unaware that gas cards offer discounted gas prices, however this is the case with most gas credit cards. Do the research to find the gas credit card that offers the best rates.

Benefit #2 Buy Now, Pay Later

With a gas card you can buy the gas you need when you need it and then pay it off at the end of the month. This will give you more purchasing power throughout the month and then when you pay your balance in full you will save money because you will not be charged any interest. This is really important to keep in mind and it is a definite benefit to buying gas with a gas credit card.

Benefit #3 Earn Points

You can also earn points when you use a gas credit card. Different lenders offer different points programs, but in general you can get some pretty nice deals simply by using your gas card. All you have to do is use your card every time you fill up for gas. Then, in time, you will accrue points that you can use for free items, airline tickets, cash back, and more. Anything you can do to make a little bit off of the high gas prices is certainly worthwhile.

There are of course many other benefits to buying gas with a gas card. These are just a few of them that will help you see that you really can save money on your gas. Of course, in order for you to benefit from a gas card and save money you will need to pay the card off in full each month. As long as you do that you can save money all the while having your car full of gas. Since gas prices continue to rise you need to do all you can to save money on gas. Consider a gas card today to help you get something back for what you spend.

Saving on gas with a gas card is the way to go, just make sure that you do your research and you know what you’re applying for before you fill out that application. If you use your credit card properly, you can really save a lot of money!

Save on gas with a fuel card and find more of Tom’s work at FINDgascards.

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The Ford Mustang Auto Was Not The First American Pony Muscle Car

June 12th, 2008 TerryZ. Posted in Automotive No Comments »

Some auto and sports car enthusiasts will insist and swear on their life that the sports car that got it all going in America was the Mustang. After all the Ford Mustang was fast cheap and popular and got the whole “Muscle Car” era going. On top of that they may insist that if there were no mustang there would have never been any Camaro or the other whole host of “Pony Cars” It may well be true that buyer demand in the muscle car market segment had been and was created largely by the Mustang car but actually this had all started long before the Mustang ponycars arrived on the American automotive landscape.

Interest in sporty ,close-coupled compacts that could seat two comfortably as well as four in a pinch goes all the way back to 1956. That was the first year when Studebaker fielded its first “Hawks” – nimble, fast road machines that looked different and performed considerably better than the average family sedan. Then later in 1958, Ford punched out its two-seat Thunderbird out to a four-seat configuration which also introduced a radically new body design that met with overwhelming acceptance. To the response, the dominant American automotive manufacturer replied with the Pontiac Grand Prix in 1962 as well as the stunning four places Buick Riviera the following year.

Similar concepts followed in the wings such as Oldsmobile’s Tornado in 1966. The race was now fully on and underway.

Until Mustang however, four seat “personal” cars had been mainly upper-price luxury models which were not affordable by the masses of car buyers. This was especially true for young men just starting out with their work careers or working part time after school. However it was not only Ford that was eyeing and evaluating of what became the Mustang’s appreciative and enduring target market. Stylists, engineers and the marketing crew were thinking about some car product in the lower-price segment and class a good six years before the Mustang made its entry and debut in 1964. In the end the fly in the ointment of this project to bring a similar automotive product to market was a lack of real corporate interest. Talk about opportunity lost and not seeing the trees from the forest – or in case the highways and interstates from the roads.

Interestingly enough G.M. had missed the boat when it failed to notice the excitement by the general public of its accidental development of an inexpensive “Sports Car” to the American automotive market. It can be said that the first low priced “personal” car was the Chevrolet Corvair. Chevrolet had subtly introduced bucket seats to its Corvair sports coupe in the 1960 model year. Compared to its other lineups in its stable the Corvair sports coupe sold like hotcakes. The expression regarding the sales of Mustangs was they sold like donuts, Corvair sports coupes sold like hotcakes. The offering was a hot product – a real eye popper. These cars were offered in color-keyed interiors, the trademark comfortable vinyl bucket seats and in the 1961 model year the option of a fast four speed gearbox.

The marketing message may have eluded General Motors and their top executives but it sure was not lost on their competitors. Ford and Chrysler, both taking the cue rushed to equip their similar products in a similar way. For the Ford Motor Company it was time to dress up their “compact “car the Ford Falcon. In the case of Chrysler the Valiant line got the treatment.

The Mustang was not the first of the “Pony “muscle cars. Indeed Ford was even the originator of the concept. The concept and market did not originate overnight. While it took time for fruition it was Ford’s fortune of both bringing the product to market. The lessons may have been lost to others but Ford was both focused enough and nimble enough to accomplish the task. In terms of absolute cars sales the Ford Falcon based Mustang cars sold 100,000 units in their first month and a full million cars in their first year. What an auto sales record and accomplishment.

Terry Z. Voster Fortuna California Muscle Cars Winnipeg Manitoba North End Autobody Dealer Winnipeg Manitoba Auto Finance Financing

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Your Honda Dealer Won’t Give You an NSX, But a Civic Type R Will do Nicely

June 11th, 2008 TonyHilton Posted in Automotive No Comments »

It’s funny what you remember about your childhood. Ask me what I had for my eighth birthday or where I went on holiday when I was eleven and I honestly cannot remember. Despite forgetting the large, important milestones in my life however, I can still remember the night I closed my eyes and thought I’d opened them two seconds later only to have slept for ten hours, or when I scored a dipping volley off the crossbar playing football up the park.

Another useless memory is accompanying my dad around every conceivable car showroom on his quest to find the latest family car. I remember getting very excited about a Volvo with pop up headlights, a Chrysler Neon because it accelerated far quicker than it had any right to and a Honda NSX which the dealer informed me I could have if I worked hard at school. Well Mr Honda dealer I did and it appears you’ve forgotten my NSX because my driveway is looking sparse.

The Honda dealer must’ve impressed my dad though, because once we’d clambered out of the NSX my dad bought the next best thing to a Ferrari rivalling super car – a Honda Civic. I must admit that despite this drastic step down the car ladder I was over the moon. The Civic in question had leather seats, electric everything, alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD player and Pearle sent paint that glowed green, purple, blue and everything in-between.

As we left the Honda dealer I’m sure you can picture the scene, my dad sitting tall and proud behind the wheel with me looking up at the great man, swinging my legs as I teetered on the edge of the leather upholstery, straining to peer over the dashboard. And then it happened. The drive to see my grandparents yielded approximately fifteen Hondas, mostly Civics, that were all driven by post retirement folk.

“Dad, why is everyone in a Honda grey?” came my cry to which my dad could only twiddle some electric buttons to cheer me up but it was too late. Honda was soiled, Honda was un cool and Honda was not a boyhood dream anymore.

It takes a lot to win back my faith and trust but a few years ago I was watching television and saw every single part that makes up a Honda Accord clunk and clatter into one another in a domino/crazy inventor’s laboratory way and was blown away. Another advert had a diesel engine being smashed to smithereens by cartoon rabbits and then there was Jacques Villeneuve, my favourite formula one driver. His car was a Honda and he was really cool, the adverts were cool and at the age of eighteen my love of the Honda brand was restored.

The power of the brand is one thing, having the cars to match is quite another. Happily your local Honda dealer can oblige with the simply stunning Honda Civic Type R. Originally a Japanese edition, the Civic Type R (that’ll be Type Racing) finally made it to our shores in 2001 and became one of the biggest selling and best performance hatchbacks not only in the noughties, but in the history of motoring. A bold statement yes, but a truthful one. A 2.0 litre VTEC engine gave 197bhp and 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, all for £16,000 and things have just gone space age with the latest offering.

The only criticism with the older model was that if you looked past the 17 inch alloy wheels it essentially looked like the standard car. The new Civic Type R however cannot be missed. It’s still all triangles like the base model, but features deep front and rear bumpers, huge 18 inch alloys, and a growling bonnet bulge. Racing seats hold you in place and there’s plenty of ‘Type R’ badges dotted around in case you forget you’re in a special car. A high roof spoiler does just that to your rear view but looks fantastic and the car also features twin triangular exhaust that gracefully emerge from the rear bumper.

My favourite feature has to be the speedometer which changes colour the higher the revs go, and boy does it rev, all the way onto 8,000rpm. The exceptional VTEC engine remains the same 197bhp as before, which means that the only grey haired people you’ll see driving one were turned that colour with the whiplash inducing acceleration.

Jake Delur has long been a fan of Honda and is now delighted to be promoting Bath Honda, a Bath based Honda dealer.

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