Friday, July 22, 2011

Fundrasing Car Wash Can Do Havoc on Your Cars Finish!

It's a normal occurrence and a great money maker for schools and groups to make a quick buck by offering a car wash -- and it seems as if there are always lines of people at these events too. However, MB Motorsports fans should know that you may be donating to a great cause but might be better off just giving the group the few dollars and drive away which could save your cars finish.

If there is any place to get scratches and swirl marks it would be one of these road-side car washes -- and especially with a black Honda -- I simply say No Thanks! How many times do you think those sponges have hit the ground or picked up dirt from other cars which will end up leaving your finish looking like a warzone. 
I remember when I was in high-school I took part in a car wash and saw someone with a sponge that was on the ground with a small stone in it that left a nice sized scratch in the hood. From that day on -- I will donate the money to the cause but won't let them touch my car. Of course, the choice is yours but I like my mirror-like finish and work hard to maintain it.

Have you had a bad experience with one of these fundraiser -- share your story with MB Motorsports!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

MB Motorsports celebrates National Junk Food Day -- well, kinda.


I'm not so sure MB Motorsports is actually celebrating the day by promoting junk food -- but I supposed if there is one day to eat some bad food and it is nationally recognized -- then let today be the day!

I would never call myself a health food fanatic or anything but I would much rather eat vegetables or fruit over junk food -- unless it's Herr's Salt and Vinegar chips then you will have to fight me for them.

So you ask yourself who would make this a nationally recognized day? Well the origins are unknown but it is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau which sent out an  Daily Feature alert that read: "On the one hand, there's increasing concern about obesity, diabetes, and the quality of the diet of many Americans, underlined by pronouncements of anxiety from doctors and public health officials.  On the other, junk food shows no sign of waning in popularity.  In fact, today is National Junk Food Day.  Its theme song might be the hit of years ago, "Junk Food Junkie," which sang the praises of such items as "Dr Pepper and an old Moon Pie."  


So MB Motorsports fans -- what is your favorite junk food?

Monday, July 18, 2011

Crabbing at the Jersey Shore with MB Motorsports

I would consider my wife and I pretty avid crabbers and it is one of our favorite things to do in the summer months at the Jersey Shore. If you have never tried crabbing, and I don't mean with traps, I mean dropline, bait and sinker then I highly recommend giving crabbing a try to all of the MB Motorsports fans in or visiting the Garden State.

If you have never crabbed before you can either rent a boat or you can crab from many area piers and lagoons but we always find a day out on the boat to be much more fun and relaxing. There are many spots through-out the state but two of our favorites locations include the Oceanic bridge in Rumson and the Causeway bridge in Long Beach Island -- however we do find that the Rumson crabs are a little more aggressive -- so watch your fingers.   So how do you catch the NJ Blueclaw Crabs -- well we prefer to use cut up Bunker fish but many also like to use raw chicken wings or chicken necks -- it really is personal preference.  What ever you do when you pull them up and catch them don't put them into a cooler with water -- you will kill them. Keep them in a bushel or  a cooler with some seaweed or wet paper towels and in the shade. If you put them in water they will deplete the oxygen and die -- no good!

Finally, cooking crab is up to you. You can steam, boil bake or grill them. I like to boil them first and then transfer to a stream pot for another few minutes with some spices in the water. Then I will remove them -- clean them and the saute them in a garlic, butter and old bay sauce quickly -- and they are delicious! But it is all up to you!  Give it a try and let us know what you think MB Motorsports Fans!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

MB Motorsports is now on FourSquare

Did you know that MB Motorsports is officially on FourSquare! When ever you are at our car or truck lot you can check in and receive exclusive discounts, specials and tips from NJ used car dealer, MB Motorsports. For those of you not familiar with FourSquare . For the MB Motorsports fans not familiar with FourSquare it's a smart-phone application and website that gives you & your friends new ways to explore your city. Earn points & unlock badges for discovering new things.  Check In to MB Motorsports on Foursquare today.

Monday, July 11, 2011

The Flying Car Approved for the Road

I'm not sure how many readers remember but about a year ago I wrote on the MB Motorsports blog about the Terrafugia Transition -- which is said to be the world's first flying car.It is still pretty amazing to think you could be driving down the highway and roll right into the local airport, be cleared for departure and take-off to a distant destination.  One of the biggest issues for this flying vehicle was waiting for the final approval from the NHTSA . There are still many issue that the flying-car needs to fix which many should be address in the newest model However despite a helpful weight exemption from the aerial feds, according to the new spec a fully-fuelled Transition will be able to lift only 330lb of passengers and payload. That said it would not be able to take off with two average sized men.Additionally the price has dramatically increased from $148k to $250k.

Terrafugia is almost there and when the do finally work all the kinks out I think they will be the leaders in this new market of flying automobiles.

Friday, July 8, 2011

How loyal are you to your car brand?

Recently after purchasing my pre-owned Honda Accord I realized that I have absolutely no brand loyalty whatsoever! Thinking back I have owned a Nissan, a Pontiac, a Mazda and now a Honda -- they only loyal trend that I see is I like foreign cars better than domestic but not a specific brand at all. I have read plenty of marketing reports talking about brand loyalty and I have also talked with people that would never by anything else than a a Ford truck.  Sure brand loyalty is not just associated with cars and trucks but you see it in other places to. For example, my father-in-law is a die-hard Sony Electronics fan and if he is ready to purchase a new item and Sony makes it -- that is exactly what he will buy -- even if the specs are no better than the competition.

The loyalty of course is a bit harder to see at a used car dealership since your not selling a specific brand and it seems that many search the website or the lot for a car or truck that just stands out and they like. At least this is the method I used when buying my car -- I went through tons of listing with no set brand or model in mind although I did have an idea of price point and a few features that I would like to have.  I was really just looking for something that had some class and looked professional and after comparing a few vehicles I really like the Honda Accord, and saw that it had some great reviews, and made the purchase. What will my next car be? -- we shall see what I like when I am ready to buy again.

Take a look at this chart that shows the top 10 vehicles for Automaker brand loyalty. This chart was produced in 2009 but it gives you a pretty good idea of loyal customers.  So... How loyal are you to your car brand?

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Could you drive your car for free?

Have you ever imagined lowering your car payment or perhaps having no payment at all -- well that though could become a reality if you meet some requirements of the ad agencies that pay you for space on your vehicle.  It's no joke that these companies actually exist and yes you need to research them before signing up and you should not have to pay into the service -- as that is what the client does. Some services will allow you to put the ads on your own used car or truck or give the option to drive a brand new vehicle that is pre-wrapped with the ads already based on your daily commute, what roads you take and other driving habits too. Additionally, the size of the ad also plays a role into how much you will be paid and they vary from small door ads to a full-size car wrap.

So how does it work?
Advertisers choose the drivers they want based on the information you provide us. You will never have to pay a cent to participate in the program. When you are chosen, your vehicle will be wrapped in an attractive advertisement and you will get paid up to $900 a month. Most programs average 3 months but some are longer and others shorter.The more information you provide to the advertiser the better your chances of getting the deal.

So if you have ever wanted to stop paying the monthly payments on your car and don't mind driving around a moving billboard for a few months you should looking into these programs. Both Free Car Media and DrivenMedia have websites where potential drivers can sign up – for free. There are many other companies that offer services like this too but be sure to research them especially when the ask for money when services like this should be free of charge to submit to the database.

Have you ever tried a program like this? MB Motorsports would love to hear from you!