Let others take a bath in the depreciation of a new hybrid car, be the smarter sharper and purchase a used hybrid car.  Already there are a lot of hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius for sale on used car lots.  But the internet is the better way to shop and take advantage of areas with a larger supply of hybrid cars that create a buyers market.

Hybrid cars are all about looking green and what better way to save green than buying used hybrid cars.  As of this posting there are over 75 used Toyota Prius's on eBay.  The prices of these used hybrids range in price from $4,000 to $16,000 but are generally in the neighborhood of $10,000.  This is a huge savings over the cost of buying a new Toyota Prius hybrid.

Toyota Prius 5DR HB SE NO RESERVE 2004 Toyota Prius w Navigation    US $1.00

Toyota Prius 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HATCHBACKCERTIFIED ONE OWNERCARFAX    US $20,999.00

Toyota Prius 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID NAVIGATION 1 OWNER MINT    US $13,999.00

If the Toyota Prius isn't your bag then you can also find a used Nissan Altima Hybrid for sale.  As of this posting it looks like a used hybrid Altima can be purchased for around $15,000.

Nissan Altima Hybrid 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid    US $17,950.00

Nissan Altima 2008 HYBRID 25L Precision Gray Metallic    US $9,600.00

Nissan Altima WE FINANCE 2007 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID AUTO CRUISE ALLOYS 42K MILES    US $15,780.00

RV-4 on eBay

An RV-4 home built aircraft is up for sale on eBay right now and gaining a ton of attention.  Not only has this home made aircraft brought almost 4,000 views but also currently stands at 31 bids and $14,766.  The real beauty about this RV-4 is that it's not even complete yet!

Specifications

Engine: Lycoming O-320-D2J, 160hp with 1921 hours TTSN (1982). It was removed from a previous aircraft in July 1998. Complete engine logs are provided.

Significant maintenance includes

• Cylinders #1 and #3 were replaced with new ones at 1788 TTSN in 1993,
• The carburetor was overhauled at 1833 TTSN in 1994.
• It was last inspected at 1921 TTSN in Nov 1997.

Propeller: not included.

Instruments and Avionics: None

Miscellaneous: Located at Spirit of St. Louis airport (SUS) in Chesterfield, MO.

This makes me wonder, who purchases home built aircraft on eBay?  Are there not safety concerns, quality standards, or other tidbits of information one would concern themselves with when purchasing such a risky item?  If not, then I know what business it's time for me to get into.

Looking for another project, a quick search on eBay will result in a lot of possibilities, including those with Gasser and Rat Rod in the title.  These vehicles and parts were designed for one thing, to go fast, everything else is just not necessary and it shows in the cars and designs associated with any Gasser and Rat Rod listing.

With a quick search you can find Gasser parts like Gasser Corvette Engines, complete cars, starter kits, and some really rough looking go fast Gasser cars.  But what is the allure of purchasing a Gasser or Rat Rod?  Perhaps it's their inexpensive nature, or the fact that the owners care less about how they look and more about how fast they can get from one end of the drag strip to the other.

Almost any Gasser or Rat Rod will have something in common and that's fat rear tires and slightly lifted or raked.  Generally these cars are turned for quarter mile runs and wouldn't last 15 minutes driving down the freeway.  But just because they are built for speed doesn't mean some people go even further and decide to throw a little cash towards their looks as well.  You can tell from the red Gasser Corvette below that some car nuts just want it all.

Gasser's on eBay

Chevrolet Bel Air 150 210 COUPE 1952 CHEVY BUSINESS COUPE HOT RAT STREET ROD GASSER 50    US $224.50

Dodge Coronet 1965 CORONET GASSER PROJECT    US $256.00

Ford Other Pickups 1940 Ford Gasser Rat Hot Rod truck pick up 60s 39 40    US $500.00

Ford sedan 40 ford project gasser rat rod    US $610.00

Plymouth 1935 PLYMOUTH 2 DOOR SLANT BACK GASSER RAT HOT ROD 1936    US $2,500.00

If you are like me you are spending every waking moment outside enjoying the sun and great outdoors.  Unfortunately if you are also like me you can't afford a brand new motorcycle to go out cruising on, therefore a used motorcycle is right up my ally.  Lately I've been keeping an eye on the changing prices of motorcycles on eBay and hoping for a good deal.

I'm kind of torn between buying a used crotch rocket or used harley style motorcycle.  It really kind of depends on the location of the used bike and what kind of deal I can get on it, really I could go either way.  But from my research I can tell that finding a used motorcycle on ebay is the best place to buy on the net.

Honda CBR 600rr Swing Arm honda cbr 600rr 05 06 used Good Shape    US $19.99

Kawasaki KLX 2009 KAWASAKI KLX 250 SF BRAND NEW NOT USED    US $4,299.00

Honda CBR CBR600RR CBR 600RR USED STREET BIKES MOTORCYCLE CROTCH ROCKET    US $100.00

Yamaha WARRIOR 06 XV17 XV1700 XV 1700 1700P USED 2006 YAMAHA WARRIOR XV1700 POWER CRUISER BEAUTIFUL    US $5,995.00

Honda Shadow VT750 VT 750 07 USED 2007 HONDA SHADOW VT750DC SPIRIT TITANIUM SALE    US $4,695.00

To many of my readers you are familiar with my obsession with eBay and likewise for it's tool eBay Pulse.  What's so interesting about eBay pulse is that it tells exactly what people are searching for the most and today it looks like the 2007 Ford Mustang is at the top of the list, again.  Not that I blame them, after all with 2008 and 2009's on the way, the price of the 2007 Ford Mustang is dropping in price, big time!

Right now on eBay there are over 125 used 2007 Ford Mustangs, in GT, V6, and specialty trim.  A quick scan of the prices and a buyer could easily find a well equipped Mustang for just over $10,000.  Blame the gas prices if you will, but if I'm gonna pay $4 per gallon, I want to enjoy that gallon!

To continue my postings on customizing a vehicle, I thought I talk a little bit about the risks and rewards of purchasing a new or used crate motor off of ebay.  If your projects are anything like mine, then I know you are thinking about scrapping what you got and starting fresh and often times that can be the best answer to a Gremlin hiding out in the walls of that old block.  On the other hand, purchasing a crate motor off of eBay does come with a few costs and risks.

Things to consider when buying a crate motor off of ebay:

• Shipping Costs - Often times a crate motor will need to come truck line, so make sure it can be shipped to a business and have a loading dock or forklift.  Having a good business place to receive will save you hundreds of dollars.
• Compatibility - Yes, it might be exactly what you are looking for, but will it bolt up to your frame with minimal engineering?  Furthermore, will the transmission bolt up to the crate motor or even be able to handed the potentially higher horsepower numbers?
• Freight Claims - Stuff gets damaged in shipping, trust me I know, but as the buyer it's your responsibility to inspect before signing clear.  Freight lines are sticklers for NOT paying if the bill was signed free and clear.  Make sure and note any potential damage, therefore covering even concealed damage.
• Seller Reputation - Sue me, but I don't want to be the first person to test the reputation of a seller with a few thousand dollar purchase, to place in my prized ride.  Make sure that others are happy with their purchase, not just at immediate signing, but also after they have it installed and fired up.

Get the most out of your crate motor off ebay by covering your bases from the topics above and remember you can never be too careful.  Also, communication is key, often times professional motor builders will happily discuss options with you on the phone before purchase so that you are buying what you expect and not necessarily the 1000hp monster you have in your head. (drivability anyone?)  Ebay can be a great place to get started on that budget build up in your garage and the core is their huge selection of crate motors for almost any application.

502 CID AIR CLEANER DECAL for BBC crate motor    US $3.00

GMPP 350 330 HP CRATE MOTOR NODULAR IRON CRANKSHAFT    US $119.00

GMPP 350 330 HP CRATE MOTOR POWDER METAL RODS PISTONS    US $99.00

Here at The-Grayline we do not always cover the custom angle of out automotive love.  Personally, I hate myself for that, because customizing is what brought me to love autos of any time, the want, need, and ability to make it my own.  So, I started checking out what people were most into during the month of April and it looks like Rat Rod's on eBay took the cake.

Right now on eBay there are over 3,600 parts, accessories, and cars that fit the description of Rat Rod.  Furthermore rat rod is one of the top 10 searched queries in all of eBay motors, just above Mustangs I might add.  But why not, a rat rod is the original customized vehicle, dating back to the early 50's or later and sporting a mish mash of parts and primered paint.

Furthermore, those on a shoe string budget could afford the parts and accessories to make their own Rat Rod.  That's where eBay comes into place, it's made the gathering of assorted parts easier, since it's one HUGE garage sale of rat mobiles.  Maybe I should get started on my Rat Rod project this summer.

Ford Other Pickups F1 1950 Ford F1 Hot Rod Truck rat rod Blk Plate Nor Cal    US $4,075.00

Chevrolet vega 1972 Chevy Vega 71 73 rat hot rod drag race project car    US $100.00

Ford Falcon WAGON 1960 FORD FALCON WAGONRAT RODPANELRAREMANUALSOLID    US $750.00

Chevrolet Other Pickups 1941 46 chevy truck cab for Rat Rod project    US $200.00

Chevrolet 56 Chevy Water truck 4 speed 6 cyl flat bed Rat rod    US $200.00

Is there any question that the new 2008 Dodge Challenger will be a hot item? No, but Jesus Mary and Joseph, a special edition 2008 Challenger sold on eBay for $228,143.43...eeek! Granted, this special edition muscle car features a custom B5 blue paint scheme and comes complete with 2 VIP tickets to the Challenger 500 NASCAR race.

Sound expensive? Don't worry, base model 2008 Challengers will sell in the neighborhood of $38,000, not cheap but a far cry from this eBay sticker. The new SRT8's will come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission, 6.1L Hemi engine worth 425hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque. I'd assume dealers will be selling these cars well over sticker, considering there will be a short suppy of 6,400 produced the first year.

Check Out the completed auction on eBay.