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Let's All Go For A Cyber Drive! Tom T  |
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 The Internet is a great resource, with a wealth of information; and from the automotive standpoint, it's on the grow! Huge Web sites are popping up all over the Net, offering automotive information. There is so much out there, it can be confusing for the user, especially if you're new at it. I've spent numerous hours researching various sites, and I want to share with you some of the more valuable Web sites that are literally at your fingertips.
* www.theautochannel.com I call this site the "Godzilla" of the automotive sites. Cybercasts (both video and audio) can be downloaded here. Topics include automotive news (domestic and international), racing news, commentaries by leading automotive experts, reports on trends in the automotive industry, and MUCH MORE!
* www.womanmotorist.com This site is dedicated to educating women about automobiles. Whether it is buying new or used cars, auto racing, or getting answers to automotive questions, this site delivers.
* www.nascar.com this site is what it says ... NASCAR racing on-line. What more can I say? If you're a fan, then you need to bookmark this site.
* www.nhtsa.dot.gov Here you will find the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's stake on The Web. This site has the most complete searchable recall database I have ever seen. It includes such things as recall information on child safety seats, as well as vehicle safety information.
* www.off-road.com This site is for all you 4-wheelers! Vehicle reviews, an event calendar, and truck accessories make up the content of this site, which was voted the #1 SUV and Truck Web site on the Web.
You're thinking, "He didn't mention my automotive interest." This concern is easy enough to address. You can do keyword searches that will give you hundreds of sites with your interest at heart. Go exploring!
Are you considering purchasing a used car? It can be risky business these days. For example, consider natural disasters such as floods. When a flood occurs, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of cars are damaged. Insurance companies usually total these cars, as "flood victims." Wholesalers purchase these "flood victims" at salvage price (usually a fraction of their original cost) with the intention of rebuilding for re-sale. Once rebuilt, the car's title is "washed" by running it across state lines and re-titling it. This is how a "clean" title is obtained so the vehicle can be re-sold at the going auction or retail price. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to spot problems of this nature with a car's title?
Good News! There's a company on The Net that offers vehicle title history reports, protecting you from title fraud... it's called CARFAX! All you do is submit the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and CARFAX will search its database of over 1 billion electronic vehicular records (gathered from insurance companies, state DMVs, dealerships, and car auctions) for any discrepancies on the car's title. Such things as odometer rollback, rebuilt junk cars, flood victims, recycled lemons, and insurance "rebuilds" can be uncovered. The fee is just $20.00 (cheap insurance). You can log on to CARFAX through www.carshowtomt.com (just click on the little lemon with wheels).
I would be doing you a great injustice if I didn't tell you about a great resource you have at your disposal on The Web right here in WNY... www.carshowtomt.com When you first enter the site, you will see a picture of your favorite automotive columnist... ME!
This site includes a searchable archive of advice columns, automotive links, a searchable Q&A section, a reader's forum, and an automotive glossary. It's clean, easy to navigate, and (best of all) it's dynamic! The site has recently undergone a complete graphic overhaul to create a friendly, professional, "classic car" atmosphere.
Among the new interactive features, the Reader's Forum allows listeners of THE CAR SHOW around the country to trade maintenance tips, comment on local service technicians, and even share car-related humor. In addition, you can listen to the radio program (several are archived) by clicking on the "Listen To The Show" icon. Meanwhile, the keyword-searchable Q&A section lets you post your questions directly to THE CAR SHOW's panel of experts - or search the Q&A archives for answers to your automotive questions. THE CAR SHOW's list of Sanctioned Facilities and advertisers is also searchable by keyword, helping you find a shop specializing in what you need. You can also get a free "Lemon Check" at the site, compliments of CARFAX. Phew! I'm cybered out how 'bout you?
'Til next time...Keep Rollin'
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 With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime your automobile.
Email Tom
Click here to visit the America's Car Show website
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