Tokyo Rods

Tips for Test Driving a Car

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:15:42 +0000

Buying a car is a HUGE investment. So it only makes sense to be as careful and meticulous as possible when trying to select your next new or used car. And one important step in the car buying process is the test drive.

Still, many car buyers do not know what to look for during their test drive. Luckily, we at Tokyo Rods are here to help!

Tips for Test Driving a Car

Comfort: How do you feel in the car? Do you have enough leg room? Is there enough head room? Is there enough room for passengers? Without comfort, you have nothing!
Consider Use: What will you use this car for? If you need this car for business, does it have enough storage room / cargo room for all of your business supplies? If you plan to use this as a family car, do you have enough room to comfortably fit every member of your family?
Blind Spots: Are there any blind spots that would jeopardize your safety?
Performance: How does the car perform? Does it handle turns well? Is it a smooth ride?
Comfort of Your Passengers: Always bring a significant other or a friend along with you. How do they feel? Be sure to check both the passenger seat and back seats.
How Does it Sound: This is particularly important when buying a used car. Does it sound funny? Are there any unexplainable noises? Those could be warning signs of a much bigger problem.

Most Importantly, could you see yourself driving this car for the next several years?

If you have any questions about Test Drives, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

We at Tokyo Rods are Tuner Car enthusiasts dedicated to providing a classified listing service for new and used import Tuner cars, parts and accessories. Our goal is to support the Tuner community by making it easy to buy and sell all things reflecting the Tuner lifestyle. Join us and Rod it Tokyo Style!

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Car buying tips: Buy a used Japanese car versus a new one

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:08:30 +0000

When people buy new cars, they automatically think that a new car surpasses an old car in style, quality and value. This concept may be true for some cars but not always with a Japanese one. There are older Japanese cars that have better attributes than newer Japanese cars.

Buyers of older Japanese cars know that older Japanese cars behold singular designs that newer designs lack. Newer designs don’t always stand out and are often lacking from previous designs when it pertains to visual appeal. Nonetheless, there are other reasons why it’s wise to select a used Japanese car versus a new one.

Benefits of buying a used Japanese car

Collector’s item: Depending on the car you find, it may cost more than a newer model if you refurbish it with new parts. Even damaged Japanese used cars may be valuable to collectors if they are able to buy them, fix them up and then put them up for re-sale.

Value: Patience is a virtue. If you wait long enough, a used Japanese car can eventually turn into a vintage one; A vintage car can multiply in value.

Brings families together: You can pass your love for antiques to future generations. Once a Japanese car gains value, you can pass it along to your children—or even to your grandchildren. Even if your Japanese car is missing parts, families can work on them together and bond over their adventures in working on cars.

Unique history: Your car can become a conversation piece if it was owned by a prominent person. Japanese cars previously owned by a famous owner can command a high price and only grow in value over time.

Easier to find parts: You may find it easier to find parts for your car if you have a good repertoire with other Japanese used car owners. If you contact TokyoRods, we can give you advice on how to fix-up your used Japanese car.

Many say “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but there is definitely credence behind that statement; especially if we’re talking about a vintage Japanese car that has seen a lot in its time.

If you have any questions about Japanese car parts, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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Why should I buy used Japanese cars versus new ones

Troubles Arise with 2012 Baltimore Grand Prix

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:15:28 +0000

In 2011, 160,000 fans packed the Charm City streets to witness the three-day Baltimore Grand Prix. Fans and Drivers alike raved about the event. The event seemed like a success. But when looking deeper, the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix was a disaster, its organizers racked up millions in unpaid debts to the city, state and vendors, few of which are likely to be repaid.

Still, with an entire year to work out the “kinks,” city officials would easily have things ready for the 2012 Baltimore Grand Prix, right? IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard even sent two of his top executives to Baltimore to meet with city leaders and 2012 race organizers, Downforce Racing, to help resolve the issues that plagued the 2011 race.

Sorry race fans, things are not looking good for 2012. The Baltimore Grand Prix may have to be put on hold, at least for this year.

Tickets have yet to go on sale. For the 2011 Grand Prix, ticket sales began in December of 2010.
No marketing has taken place for the 2012 Baltimore Grand Prix.
The 2012 race organizers, led by Downforce Racing, have yet to line up a title sponsor for the event.
In an effort to avoid the debacles of the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix, city officials insisted on a series of deadlines and benchmarks for 2012. None have been met.

Unless the city and Downforce Racing can resolve their issues soon, then Baltimore will not be hosting a Grand Prix on Labor Day.

Sorry Grand Prix fans!

If you have any questions about the 2012 Baltimore Grand Prix, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

IndyCar: Can Baltimore Save Their Grand Prix? We Will Find out Soon

Grand prix: Forget 2012

Car Buying Tips: Choosing to Buy a New or Used Car

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:02:07 +0000

Owning a car is part of life. A car means freedom. A car means being able to go wherever you want whenever you want. Not having a car means relying on others for rides or waiting for the bus.

So if you are financially able, it only makes sense to buy a car. But when it comes time to buy a car, do you buy a new car or do you buy a used car? Well, there are pros and cons to both.

Benefits of Buying a New Car

Happiness: There is nothing quite like buying a new car and smelling that new-car smell.
Warranty: A new car comes with a warranty, providing you some much needed extra protection.
Safety: New cars tend to have better safety ratings than older used cars.

Disadvantages of Buying a New Car

Cost: You will definitely pay more for a new car.
Depreciation: Your new car drops significantly in value asd soon as you drive it off the lot.

Benefits of Buying a Used Car

Low Price: Used cars are often substantially cheaper than new cars.
Less Depreciation: Used cars depreciate less than new cars.
Lower License and Registration Charges: You don’t need to pay high license and registration fees as you would with a brand-new car.

Disadvantages of Buying a Used Car

Maintenance: Used cars will typically require more frequent maintenance than new cars.
Lifespan: A used car will typically not last as long as a new car.

So what makes more sense for you?

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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New or Used Car? Main choice for first time car buyers

Tips for Buying a New Car

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:07:07 +0000

Buying a new car requires a significant amount of planning, research, and persistence. It is not as simple as walking up to a dealership, spotting the car of your dreams, negotiating, and driving the car off the lot. There is a lot of work you need to put in before you even get to that point…

Tips for Buying a New Car

Budget: What can you afford? This is an EXTREMELY important question to ask yourself before you even consider shopping around for a new car. And budgeting for a new car requires more than thinking about the monthly payments. You have to also consider gas, maintenance costs, and car insurance.
Can You Afford To Buy New? After going through your budget, do you still think you can afford to buy a new car? If not, there are plenty of quality used cars available.
Determine The Car’s Function: Will this car be a family car or a personal car? Do you need lots of passenger or storage space? Or can you get away with a small sedan with great gas mileage?
Research The Car: See what other people are saying about the car. Is it getting good reviews? What was its safety rating? Buying a new car is a big investment, so it pays to do as much research as possible.
Consult a Mechanic: This will help you better understand the car features, maintenance cost and preventive measures for the particular car.
Warranty: Different manufacturers provide different length warranties. Try to select car manufactures with the longest warranty period as this might cut down your car maintenance cost in the long run.

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Buy New Cars – 10 Useful Tips for Buying a New Car

Finding the Best Used Cars for the Money

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:56:05 +0000

Finding a good used car can be tough. After all, you have several factors to consider, including: look (both exterior and interior), year, condition, mileage, average miles per gallon, and, of course, price. And finding a good used car for a good price is even a tougher task.

Benefits of Buying a Used Car

You don’t have to sacrifice reliability and overall condition just to get a good deal on a used car.
You get comfort, safety and luxury at a much cheaper price than buying new.
You can find those features you have always wanted – a sun roof, leather seats, etc. – without having to pay crazy additional fees.
When you drive a new car off the lot, it immediately depreciates in value. You avoid this when you buy a used car.
You also save thousands of dollars when you buy a used car.

How to Find a Quality Used Car

If you need help locating a quality used car, Tokyo Rods can help!

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Help Finding Good Used Cars

Buying a Used Car: Why it just makes Sense

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:32:03 +0000

What is the difference between a new and used car? About $7,000.

Many people avoid buying used cars claiming they are unsafe, rundown, or not worth the money. While this may be true for SOME used cars, it is not true for the majority of used cars. As long as you avoid that dreaded lemon, buying a used car actually makes a lot of sense!

Tips for Buying a Used Car

1. Dealerships: In order to ensure that you are getting a safe car, it is typically a good idea to buy from a dealership. Dealerships have their vehicles inspected from top to bottom to make sure they are selling you a quality used car.

2. Do Your Research: There are plenty of websites that can give you invaluable information about the used car you are thinking about buying. Be sure to check safety ratings, price estimates (Kelley Blue Book), reviews, etc. The more you know, the better!

3. Don’t Take Their Word for it: Don’t rely on salespeople (especially a private owner) to tell you everything about a car. Take it upon yourself to thoroughly inspect a used car before ever thinking about buying it. Take it for a test drive, look under the hood, and examine every single nook and cranny of that automobile.

4. Don’t be Afraid to Walk Away: If you are uncomfortable buying a used car, then don’t do it!

5. Search Tokyo Rods: We at Tokyo Rods are Tuner Car enthusiasts dedicated to providing a classified listing service for new and used import Tuner cars, parts and accessories.

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Why It May Not Be a Bad Idea to Buy a Used Car

IndyCar is Coming Back to Maryland: Baltimore Grand Prix 2012

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:11:59 +0000

The IZOD IndyCar series is coming back to Maryland on Labor Day weekend 2012. This will be the second year of the city’s 5-year agreement with Downforce Racing to run the Baltimore Grand Prix.

“Last year’s racing event generated $47 million in economic impact for Baltimore, and proved very valuable in terms of positive media exposure for our city,” Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said. “We have worked hard to learn from past experiences to ensure that this new agreement is in the taxpayers’ best interest and will bring a successful, world-class sporting event that Baltimore can be proud of for years to come.”

Highlights of the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix

The event generated $47 million in economic impact for Baltimore.
Organizers estimated that about 160,000 fans attended the 2011 event.
2011’s event took care of all the necessary roadwork, meaning no additional road improvements will be needed for the 2012 Baltimore Grand Prix.

“IndyCar is extremely excited about returning to Baltimore in 2012,” said Sarah Davis, senior director of business affairs for IndyCar. “We are grateful to the mayor and her staff, as well as the residents and businesses of Baltimore, for their support of the event, and are confident in the ability of Downforce Racing to conduct a successful event.”

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

IndyCar: Baltimore Grand Prix 2012 won’t require roadwork

Baltimore Going Another Lap With The Grand Prix

Tips to Increase Your Gas Mileage

admin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:31:30 +0000

Gas prices. Don’t get us started!

With gas prices soaring, more and more drivers are searching for ways to increase their gas mileage. And, believe it or not, it is not as difficult to do as you may think. In fact, we at Tokyo Rods have compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of each and every tank of gas.

Keep Your Tires Inflated: According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), having tires with the correct amount of pressure can improve your gas mileage by a maximum of 3.3%. And fort every 1 psi you lose, your fuel economy drops by .3%.

Drive Safe: No, driving safe doesn’t just keep you out of harm’s way, it can also help increase your gas mileage. The DOE reports you can reduce your fuel economy by 33% on highways if you drive dangerously (suddenly stopping, speeding, etc.).

Regular Maintenance: A well maintained vehicle is an efficient vehicle.

Travel Light: A lighter car is a much more fuel-efficient car. So don’t keep heavy items in your car any longer than they need to.

Buy a Fuel-Efficient Car: If you want a more fuel-efficient car, but a more fuel-efficient car. Now isn’t that simple!

If you aren’t happy with your car’s current gas mileage, try one or all of these ideas to improve your fuel economy and make the most out of each tank of gas you pay for.

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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Essential Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Electric Cars of 2012

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:21:31 +0000

The future of the auto industry is here – the electric car. And 2012 seems to be the year that large automakers start mass-producing these electric wonder machines.

While we do not expect the electric car to dominate the automotive world in 2012, this is definitely a good sign for the future. In fact, projections indicate as many as 5.2 million electric vehicles will be sold globally by 2017.

Best Electric Cars to Hit the Market in 2012

Ford Focus EV: This car will be able to run 70 miles on a single charge (3-4 hours to fully charge).

Toyota Rav 4 EV: The Rav 4 EV boasts the overall measurement and design of the original Toyota Rav 4.

Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV: Coming in at just under 28 grand, the compact 2,600 pound bubble shaped car is not only the lightest EV car introduced, but also the cheapest. Mitsubishi has already released the i-MiEV in Japan, England, and Australia. And the tiny electric compact has be met with rave reviews.

Volkswagen Single-Seat Electric Vehicle: This is one of the only EV cars to be sold with a renewable power source.

So what do you think? Are you ready to turn in your gas-guzzling SUV for an electric compact car?

If you have any questions, please contact Tokyo Rods by clicking here today!

About TokyoRods.com:

Tokyo Rods members are innovative auto enthusiasts who represent the cutting edge in the international automotive world. Explore our world of unique custom vehicles. We want to be of service to you!

Make sure to check Tokyo Rods out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Electric Cars of 2012