The Auto Parts Shopper Online

By Francis Jacobs

Should you go online for your modern auto parts needs, or should you keep the business local? It's a tough question, but one easily answered.

If you want to save money, go online. If you want to locate hard to find auto parts, go online. If you want more options for your auto parts store, going online gives you a variety of options. Even one company can stock more than the largest of auto parts stores. And many auto parts brick-and-mortar establishments are going online to both save money and offer more rare parts.

What does that mean for classic car owners? The problem is, with so many cars in need of a constant supply of fresh parts, it's difficult to find your classic auto parts. However, with the invention of online cataloguing, not to mention online selling, classic auto parts searchers are in luck. A quick search online can yield you literally hundreds of results for your classic auto parts. Whether it's an old Ford or GM, a refurbished muscle car or a 1972 yellow corvette, you can often find the right parts from online auto parts stores.

What should you do before choosing an auto parts store? Look beyond the flashy web designs and videos. Even the advertising is secondary. You want quality auto parts with good customer service. One key for customer service is asking the company questions; a good online auto store will answer all your questions quickly and thoroughly.

It's simple: buying auto parts online has all the benefits of buying anything else online. Every day people save money buying books and movies online, but they also do so with auto parts. This is a big bonus for car owners, especially those looking for hard-to-find parts.

Research is paramount if you're looking for online auto parts stores. You won't have to worry about defective parts, slow shipping, or high prices. You don't always have to choose an online auto parts store you've heard of either; some of the best companies are second to the bigger auto part suppliers.

2-Go for experience. You want a company who has years experience in the field, who can help you via phone or email, and who's site actually looks professional. These are signs of good online auto parts stores.

3-Go for quality. Know what your car needs, first. Once you know, go for a company with a high reputation for selling quality parts. Not all auto parts suppliers online are equal.

2-Ask them. Email potential online auto parts stores, asking any question on parts or services, and especially if you're looking for a hard-to-find part. For one, they know what other companies are stocking.

3-Post an ad. Worse case, you post an online ad looking for the part. Going with an auto parts supplier is almost always better, and you may want to rethink keeping this car going. Sometimes the prices will be quite high.

For classic auto parts searching you have many options, but keep quality and timeliness in mind. And always double check who you're ordering from. While unfortunate, some classic auto parts suppliers sell defective parts, while others charge huge fees on shipping. Go with experience for your classic auto part needs. - 21392

About the Author:

Francis Jacobs has a career in the auto field, where he's helped countless buyers save money. He specializes in online auto parts stores like StreetSideAuto.

Lotus Exige Scura

By Arhur Monderos

While a majority of automakers are bailing out of the Tokyo Motor Show, it is nice to see that there will indeed be a few new models to look at when it comes to be show time. One such vehicle will be a special edition sports car from he light weight English race car builders at Lotus. While the boffins from across the pond have already engineered every unnecessary ounce out of the Exige in the hopes of creating a hard core driving experience, this particularly dark model focuses on making the little Lotus as sinister looking as it is lethal. The special edition Tokyo Motor Show Lotus Exige is named the Scura, which is the Italian word for dark, due to its dramatic black bodywork and a GT3 inspired rear end.

Priced at around $75,000 the Exige Scura features a trio of Phantom Black stripes to break up the large panels of matte black paint, however the carbon fiber bits and suede wrapped racing buckets go a bit further towards showing off the Scura's true purpose of being an all out competition vehicle. Only now instead of laughing at bright orange bodywork, other drivers will stay out of this Lotus' way. Like all Exige models the Scura is powered by a supercharged four cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 257 HP 174 lb-ft of torque, while it can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in only 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 152 MPH.

Lotus Cars unveils its latest special edition - the Exige Scura, so called due to its dramatic matt black and carbon fibre theme, at the Tokyo International Motorshow on 21st of October 2009.

Translated as 'dark' from Italian, the name 'Scura' reflects the stealth character of this already fierce looking Lotus and its stunning soft-feel matt black paint finish. Limited to just 35 cars globally, this Exige evokes a desire to 'indulge your dark side'. This is a serious looking car and enhancements to performance and a reduction in weight from the production level Exige S means that the Exige Scura demands to be driven by a serious driver.

Contrasting high gloss 'Phantom Black' triple stripes run the length of the car and a carbon fibre front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side airscoops and rear spoiler enhance the stunning distinction between the different textures and exaggerate the tactile quality of the velvety touch to the matt black paint finish.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars said, "The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner! Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling performance and dynamic design and this special edition fits the bill on both counts. - 21392

About the Author:

Check Cristian Truers's new auto cars buying guide for more information, or read his good auto cars tips.

Vegetable Oil As Fuel, Can It Be Possible?

By Bob Hobson

Vegetable oil as fuel, is it real? The answer to the question is... Yes! Way back in 1900 at the World's Fair the Otto Company exhibited an engine that they had built to run on pure peanut oil. Even Rudolph Diesel himself researched the usage of vegetable oil as an alternative fuel in engines of his design.

But wait! Before you go running down to the local store and purchase gallons upon gallons of vegetable oil and go pouring into your car think twice because it doesn't work quite that simple. Vegetable oil is thicker than standard oil or gasoline so it must be mixed or diluted with something so that is flows through properly.

This incomplete atomization can cause problems with engine reliability. Incomplete atomization results in incomplete combustion, which results in heavy carbon, build up in the engine which leads to engine failure.

There are several different methods that have been tried to fix the problem such as diluting or mixing the vegetable oil with diesel or kerosene. There are many companies on the market that will sell you hundreds of dollars worth of solvents to complete the atmoization but they don't work it all must be done properly in order to function correctly.

The most used method is by modifying the vehicle to use a two tank system. One fuel tank is filled with vegetable oil; the other is filled with diesel fuel. This method used a pre-heating system and three way valves to start the engine on diesel fuel then, using some type of heat exchanger to heat the vegetable oil to a temperature high enough to reduce its viscosity. When the oil is hot enough the three way valves switch the incoming diesel fuel off and switch the vegetable oil on.

The newer model engines can run on vegetable oil because of the single tank system that is involved and the use of fuel injectors, injector pressure adn other modifications to provide seamless vegetable oil. They are making the pre-heaters which allow the vegetable oil to be heated to a certain temperature so that is can go into the fuel system and run properly. They also come with an automatic feature that allows the car to stop automatically or turn off during cold temperatures.

Yes, vegetable oil as a fuel is possible, and is a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Today's new technology makes it possible to operate your diesel engine flawlessly on vegetable oil without the inconveniences of the older systems. - 21392

About the Author:

To discover more about alternative energy, biodiesel fuel and using Vegetable Oil As Fuel be sure to visit: http://www.energysolutionshub.com

Pros And Cons Of Original Equipment Manufacturer Auto Parts

By Eric Driver

Your car's alternator won't last forever. Neither will your catalytic converter. In fact, your fuel injectors, ignition switch, and muffler can also fail. Every auto part under your vehicle's hood can unexpectedly expire and need to be replaced.

If you take your car to the dealership, they'll use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. On the other hand, the mechanic at your local repair garage is likely to use aftermarket alternatives. Which is better?

Claiming one choice is always better than the other is overly-simplistic; it ignores subtle pros and cons of each. Below, we'll compare the advantages of investing in OEM parts versus buying their aftermarket equivalents.

The Advantages Of Aftermarket

Aftermarket components and systems are less expensive than their OEM counterparts. However, the percentage you'll save will vary by the item your vehicle needs. Be cautious. A lot of aftermarket units seem low-priced, but hide defects that can leave you stranded at the side of the road.

Another advantage is that the quality can be just as high as Original Equipment Manufacturer systems. The reason is because the automaker is often forced to offset the performance of the component with other factors. For example, consider anti-lock braking systems. The manufacturer has to make sure the pads don't squeal; otherwise, customers will complain. The problem is, ensuring the brake pads are silent requires accepting a mild loss in performance (to that end, high-performance brakes are often noisy).

Yet another advantage of buying after-market components is that they're widely available. Mechanics can easily obtain any component your vehicle needs. In fact, they'll often have them in stock.

The Advantages Of OEM

OEM parts also offer significant advantages. First, you'll always know what to expect from them. They are nearly identical to the systems that were installed within your vehicle at the time it rolled off the factory floor.

Second, you won't need to examine a given component in order to spot defects. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts provide a consistent level of quality and are designed as seamless replacements. That means there is no reason to be concerned with compatibility and performance issues.

Third, they're typically supported by a one-year warranty. For example, if you have your alternator replaced and it malfunctions within the first year, the automaker will replace it with another OEM alternator without cost. You might not have the same experience if the alternator were an aftermarket unit.

Which Is The Most Appropriate Choice?

There are a few reliable rules of thumb to follow. First, if you're replacing anything on your car's frame (for example, a body panel), you should opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer replacements. Second, if you're leasing your vehicle, you should also choose OEM parts. Otherwise, you're likely to lose your deposit when you return the car. Third, for key components (like an alternator or fuel pump), OEM is always a better choice.

On the other hand, if you're willing to take a risk (and the risk can be substantial) in order to save a few dollars, aftermarket parts may be a good investment. - 21392

About the Author:

For all your used Honda Accord engines and used Honda Civic engines needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

Repossessed Cars, Trucks and Boats - Auto Auction Buying Tips

By Gabe Killian

In today's world, instead of buying a car at retail price, many people are buying repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs, boats and other vehicles from police and auto auctions. This method of buying repossessed vehicles can save you a lot of money, up to 95% off of list price, even! On the flip side, these repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs or whatever have no warranties, so if you buy a lemon, it could be extremely costly. So when buying repossessed vehicles, you want to take certain precautions to ensure that what you buy will be a wise investment. Follow these steps next time you decide to buy a repossessed vehicle from an auto auction.

* Consider identifying the easiest problems first. Check the tires, look at the body, check for rust, look at the battery, alternator and the belts, check out the interior. Look at all the various things that may cause you future problems. This may sound rudimentary, but this is extremely important.

* Bring someone experienced. Having an experienced mechanic by your side can be a valuable asset. Especially if you don't know much about cars, trucks, boats or other vehicles. Even if you do, they can provide a second opinion and point something's out you might have missed.

* What's the vehicles reputation? Is the make and model you are looking at have a reputation for breaking down? All over the internet are car reviews that people are more than willing to share their experiences with you. It won't take long before you find out if your car is lemon-prone or not. Again, this could save you thousands of dollars with the auto mechanic!

* Find out why the vehicle you are interested in is at a repossessed police auto auction. Ask questions, look up its history, find out why its repossessed. By asking these questions you can get clues as to what, if anything, may be wrong with the auto.

* Find out who is bidding on what, and who's not! Use your gut instinct, if you see people are purposefully staying away from a particular repossessed vehicle, then you probably should as well. If you get a bad feeling about any vehicle you are considering, then that should be enough to stay far away from bidding on it. This can keep you from buying a possible lemon.

By following these simple steps, you are far more likely to get a great vehicle in great condition, and can save you thousands in repair costs and upkeep. Buying repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs, boats and other vehicles for sale is a great way to save tons of money when purchasing a new vehicle. It keeps you from paying retail prices and in most cases, these vehicles are in great shape. Be on your best wits, consider all the options, keep an open mind, listen to others and you could be driving home in the repossessed car of your dreams! - 21392

About the Author:

Save thousands by finding Repossessed Cars for Sale as well as Repossessed Homes for Sale today!