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Things you should know when shopping for auto parts online
The Internet is a great way to shop. From the comfort of your chair, you can go from one online shop to the next, comparing product prices and features so you always get the best deals. You can also read product reviews of shoppers who have previously bought an item and learn from their experiences. You save yourself the hassle of actually going out to these stores, lining up to pay, and carrying back the goods to your house. With just a few clicks of the mouse you can shop and buy, and wait for your purchase to arrive at your doorstep within 5 days or less. This is shopping convenience at its best and what's more, online shops are open 24 hours a day!
So the next time you need a replacement for your car, say a new headlight or a better exhaust muffler, buy online. You would be surprised to know that there are hundreds of websites offering a wide range of auto parts and accessories. Many of these online shops carry OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacements and aftermarket performance parts for your vehicle. Their massive online catalogues can be sorted according to auto part, type of car, and year of make so you can zero in to what you need in no time. Unlike your brick and mortar auto parts retailer, online auto parts merchants will inform you through email or by phone when an accessory that is not in stock becomes available.
There is no question about the convenience offered by online auto parts shopping to busy car owners but you may want to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience.
30/50/20
Find out about what "30/50/20" means in car insurance lingo.
Starting on page 153 he explains what those numbers mean on your car insurance. For example, 30/50/20. Never pay attention to those before? Me neither.
Read more: Six-Day Financial Makeover - who likes horror movies?
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On The Record: Phyllis Wolper
Ann Richard may not often be remembered for helping divorced women obtain credit and car insurance, but she did.
I remember that as late as the 1980?s, it was almost impossible for a single woman to obtain credit on her own. Things were much harder for a divorced woman who often had to pay a higher rate for car insurance than her ex-husband, and she had little protection under the law. Many law enforcement agencies did not respond to what they deemed a domestic dispute, even after the divorce was long final, which too often had tragic results.
Read more: On The Record: Phyllis Wolper
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Ford Shelby GT500KR #0001 Features Glass Roof
The inside scoop on the upcoming Ford Shelby fast car auction at Barrett-Jackson.
At this year?s Barrett-Jackson collector car auction Ford & Shelby are teaming up to auction the already rare Shelby GT500KR #0001 off for charity. To make the one-of-one Ebony black GT500KR even more rare it will feature the same full glass roof that is being offered as an option on the 2009 Mustang V6 & GT models.
Read more: Ford Shelby GT500KR #0001 Features Glass Roof
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Stupid
The story of hitting an S.U.V.
I don?t even know what caught my attention and took it from the road, but when I saw how close the monstrous SUV was, I slammed on the brakes and watched my hood crinkle up toward me. And then I said fuck. Which was probably louder than the crash.
It could have been worse!
Read more: Stupid
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Electric Car Faster Than A Porsche
The Zap Alias is a really fast car!
For those of you who want an eco-friendly car for your conscience, but a superfast car for the cool factor, you no longer have to be conflicted.
Read more: Electric Car Faster than a Porsche
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A Necessary Evil
The story of buying a car.
We got a very good deal, if that is possible in the car sales arena. The car is not a performance vehicle but will get me from a to b, not very fast but fast enough. Lol
Read more: A Necessary Evil
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Team Magic E4 EP Sedan
If you can't buy a real fast car, check out the E4 EP from Team Magic.
Back in the middle of July, some new images of the new E4 EP touring car from Team Magic started surfacing on the internet and since then more and more information has become available and now we have the official word from the Taiwanese company themselves. Team Magic have quietly continued to develop and enhance this new car, since its first showing late last year in Chicago, and has had a lot of work and testing put into it to reach its current state. With testing complete, it?s time for Team Magic to introduce the latest step forward in electric touring car technology; the Team Magic E4.
Read more: Team Magic E4 EP Sedan
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Nissan Considering Next Sports Car
Check out the new fast cars from Nissan.
Yes we know that you?re all very excited to see the Nissan GT-R next month at the Tokyo Motor Show. But while you guys are focused on the GT-R, Nissan has ideas for another sports car on the table. They just haven?t decided on which one.
Read more: Japan Report: Nissan considering next sports-car
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Leno Picks Up His BMW Hydrogen 7
It's a green fast car for Jay Leno.
Joining actor Will Ferrell as one of the fortunate few, comedian Jay Leno became the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 ? the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.
Read more: The Green Picture: Jay Leno Picks Up His BMW Hydrogen 7
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Escape Love
An Escape owner in love with Ford's smallest SUV.
Up until a few years ago, my grandparents (on my mom?s side) were the only ones in my family who had ever driven a Ford. I had only known of a few people who had one or had one previously, so I had not had much experience with them until I bought my own. One of my co-workers at the time (and long time friend) had just purchased her second Mustang and had actually owned an Explorer a few years earlier as well. The really loved both and encouraged me to look into Ford?s smaller SUV (the Escape).
Read more: Escape love
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My New (To Me) Ride
Fast car drivers may want to look in the used market for a good deal on a luxury car.
So taking a page from my brother, I started looking at used luxury cars. And rather than going through the dealerships I wanted to look at small, niche companies that specialized in taking off-lease cars, fixing them up, and getting them back to market.
Read more: My New (to me) Ride
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Breakfast With The Ford Mustang, THEY'RE GR-R-REAT
Some fast car marketing from the folks who bring you the Mustang.
Get ready for a chance to win a Ford Mustang, Edge or F-150 in a new contest put on by Kellogg?s, HotWheels, Target and Ford. It?s easy to play, all you have to do is buy Kellogg?s cereals at participating Target stores around the country and collect the collector cards inside each box.
Read more: Breakfast With The Ford Mustang, THEY’RE GR-R-REAT
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Milka Duno
Click through for more snaps of Venezuelan fast car driver Milka Duno.
Milka Duno is a Venezuelan race car driver best known for holding the record of highest finish for a female driver in the 24 Hours of Daytona which she did in January.
Read more: HCF: Early Latin Edition: Milka Duno
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If A Car Launches In Second Life, Will Anyone Notice It?
A look at fast car marketing on Second Life.
So does maintaining a presence in Second Life result in increasing brand exposure and car sales? I went undercover again to see whether I could find what the magic ingredient for Scion?s expanding presence in Second Life was:
Read more: If A Car Launches In Second Life, Will Anyone Notice It?
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Electronic Control Units
Good post on this incipient Formula One fast car controversy.
The F1 world should start waking up sometime during the next couple of days. The summer break has been a welcome relief from the non-stop controversy of the 2007 season, but before we jump on the treadmill again I thought it?d be worth looking into the Electronic Control Unit contention bubbling under the surface.
Read more: Electronic Control Units
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1. Know your online retailer. You want only the best replacements for your car so make sure you are shopping in reputable online stores. Check out their inventory of car accessories. Does the store offer a wide selection for a particular replacement? Does it provide relevant information about the product features and pricing? Click on the site's About link and see if the store has clearly disclosed who they are and how to reach them. A good way to determine an online store's reputation is through the quality of its customer service.
2. Protect your privacy. Shop only at secure websites. When you're at the checkout page, the address on your browser should begin with 'https' instead of just 'http'. 'https' means the the online transaction is being secured from malicious interception. It is very important to read the store's Privacy Policy so you know exactly what the store will do with the personal and financial information you are giving to them. Look for eTrust, VeriSign, HackerSafe, BBBOnline Reliability Program, and other privacy enforcement seals to guarantee your security and privacy.
3. Keep a record of your transactions. Take note of the shipping and handling fees and total charges before you click on that Buy button. The total price you pay for a new car part is often higher than the published one. Make sure to printout receipts, confirmation emails, and other information related to your order so you have something to back you up in case you have questions or problems with the shipment.
4. Read the fine print. There are cases when what is delivered to you is different from what you ordered and you have to return it. While rare, errors such as this do happen so read the online merchant's cancellation, return, and complaint-handling policies. Does the store offer warranties for its auto parts and accessories, and who honors that warranty? Do you get a refund to your credit card or get a store credit? If these are not posted, it is wise to call or send an email to customer service first before going ahead with your purchase.
So there you have it. These tips seem too much a bother at first but as you get to know the best auto parts retailers online and become comfortable with their system, you eventually save yourself some headaches and disappointments. Happy online shopping!
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