On occasion I will be given some coupon codes to hand out to the Grayline visitors and today I'm posting a whole bunch of offers for Auto Parts Warehouse.com.  These automotive coupons can be used for any purchase, for any brand and only provide bigger savings the more you buy.

All of the AutoPartsWarehouse.com coupons below include free shipping:

* Get $10 OFF + FREE SHIPPING for purchases of $125 and more! (Use Coupon Code '125APW' [Expires March 31, 2009])
* Get $20 OFF + FREE SHIPPING for purchases of $250 and more! (Use Coupon Code '250APW' [Expires March 31, 2009])
* Get $40 OFF + FREE SHIPPING for purchases of $500 and more! (Use Coupon Code '500APW' [Expires March 31, 2009])
* Get $80 OFF + FREE SHIPPING for purchases of $1000 and more! (Use Coupon Code '1KAPW' [Expires March 31, 2009])

AutoPartsWarehouse offers any kind of product from air filters, auto taillights, to performance equipment like exhaust and more.  Just make sure after placing your order, to place the coupon code listed above into the checkout box.  Also, remember these coupons will only run in the month of March.  And thanks to AutoPartsWarehouse.com for clueing us in on these great coupons.

So you've decided that you need some car interior paint, but you just aren't sure what would be best.  Guess what, there are more options than good choices and the cost skyrockets if you consider having to repaint a screw up, chipping, cracking, etc..  This article will help you make the best decisions on buying car interior paint and what questions you need to answer before you tape off.

Not all paint is created equal and in my own experiences the most expensive was not always the best.  I spent a lot of time a  few years ago buyin used plastic interior pieces, like door panels and center consoles, painted them, and then resold them on eBay.  The paints which are advertised as being good for plastic, just didn't seem to work properly on the interior car parts.

Krylon was a name that stands out, which was more expensive than typical paint, and was supposed to bond with the plastic parts.  Well, all it ever ended up doing was clogging when spraying and the paint that did make it to the part actually ended up bubbling something fierce.  It was extremely difficult to lay down an even spray of Krylon, so I abandoned that as an interior paint option.

Duplicolor brand paint was the type that I ended up sticking with.  After careful prep of the item, which included a rubbing alcohol bath after a detailed cleaning, I simply laid a couple coats down of the Duplicolor interior paint.  On most items this seemed to do the job and I only added a few steps if the item was going to be exposed to wear and tear.

On items like the door handles, where they would constantly be under use, I'd add a few steps to ensure that the color lasted.  I would do the regular prep work, with cleaning, then rubbing alcohol wipe down.  Then I would use a fine grit sand paper to rough up the smooth plastic surfaces.  Afterward I would rub the item down with rubbing alcohol again, let it dry, and then add a gray or primer coat of Duplicolor paint.  In my experience either one, primer or dark gray, seemed to work really well.

By painting a few interior pieces, you can add a lot of character to the inside of your car.  A few accents the color of the outside of your car can add a nice show quality appearance.  Just make sure and take your time, if you rush at all, it will show and you'll just have to start all over again with sanding.

Duplicolor DPE106 Paint Professional Enamel Gloss Clear    US $5.95

Duplicolor DPE102 Paint Professional Acrylic Flat White    US $5.95

Duplicolor DPE107 Paint Professional Gloss Cardinal Red    US $5.95

Looking to topple the Ford Ranger off the leader spot for small size truck, the 09 Suzuki Equater rolls like a Frontier.  The 09 Equater is a small truck setting on a Nissan frame and suspension components.  Other than badging and a few small differences, if you've driven a Nissan Frontier, you've driven a Suzuki Equator.

Nothing really to get excited about here, other than for the Suzuki ATV fanboys that want to pull their gear coordinated haulers.  The idea is that the customer base that buys all of Suzuki's motorcycles, ATV's, etc will want to pull those toys with a Suzuki branded truck as well.  So enters the Suzuki Equator.

In an economy that is struggling to sell new full size pick up trucks for $10,000, the entry level package for the Equator has me confused.  Atlthough there is plenty of standard equipment to keep buyers happy, the $33,000+ basic 09 Equator is a little intimmidating.  I think I'll pass and spend my money on their toys, rather than their pickups.

I'll Notice The Dirt

As a car enthusiast I notice a lot of things, that most drivers simply over look.  Furthermore, my keen eye for the automobile allows me to help my friends, family,and even neighbors.  It's not something I can control, it's something I was born with, developed, and now is ingrained into my subconscious.  These are the things I cannot ignore and always look for, even before getting in the vehicle.

Low Tire Pressure

Yes, the first thing I look at when walking up to any vehicle, whether I'm driving or not, is the tire pressure level.  I'm not talking about having a flat, I mean I can look at most vehicles and tell if you are 10-15 lbs of pressure low.  Yes, it's important, having the proper tire pressure means more than just better gas mileage, it also translates into safety.  Furthermore, ride quality suffers if the tires are not properly inflated, which leads me to my next inspection point.

Consistency Of Drive Quality

Obviously I'm familiar with how my vehicle drives and am in tune to any out of place noise, vibration, or quirk.  But my super human abilities reach even further, I can sense issues with other peoples cars simply by riding along.  I may not be able to point out the exact problem, but I am capable of knowing if something is out of place.  This uncanny ability is both a gift and a punishment.

Body Imperfections

Another curse that I am forced to live with, the inability to ignore blemishes in automotive body work.  It tears at my brain and eyes, that smudge in the paint, that dent in the fender, I can pull my eyes off of it.  The good news is that I'll gladly suggest to you the best way to repair and buff out these problems, but rest assured, that just because you think it's not noticable, potential car buyers and enthusiasts know that it's there.

Throttle Hesitation

My wife can't tell, some of my friends can't tell, but no matter what vehicle it is, I can feel a throttle hesitation.  This is typically caused by dirty injectors, bad gas, or just a floppy pedal.  All of these are easy to remedy and can be taken care of by proper maintenace and the addition of a throttle body cleaner to your fuel system.  Being the buff that I am, I prefer running some Sea Foam through my vacum hoses and added to my fuel on occasions.

Conclusion

Just because you don't notice these imperfections, hicups, or annoyances doesn't mean others around you don't.  This point becomes increasingly important if you are looking to sell your vehicle anytime soon.  Ask a friend with super human abilities like myself, to make sure it passes the automotive enthusiast test.

(more...)

The aftermarket auto parts industry is supported by enthusiasts and help shape what becomes standard on future vehicles.  Customers need better than OEM components, because they push their vehicles to the limit, they want more bang for their buck.  Of course, every industry has it's pitfalls and the automotive aftermarket is no exception.  Scams, lies, and faulty aftermarket auto parts litter the internet, so below are some of my tips on buying smart.

Buy From A Trusted Aftermarket Auto Parts Manufacturer

Just because you aren't buying OEM products doesn't mean there aren't known companies to trust.  Generally speaking when thinking of cold-air intakes, I think of BBK, and when I think of drag suspension I think of Eibach.  The point being that when buying brand name components, you are protecting your investment, and reducing the risk of getting faulty components.

Furthermore, buying from quality manufacturers in the after market auto parts industry, a warranty is generally included.  Aftermarket components are not cheap, so a warranty can help you sleep at nigt, after you place that charge on your card.

Buy From A Trusted Aftermarket Auto Parts Website

Not all aftermarket auto parts website are created equal.  It's very easy for people to throw up a website, that looks like official, but may be a fly by night company.  If the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is, so stay away from websites offering a product for $100's less than everywhere else.  If in doubt, look for a contact phone number, reputable companies in the aftermarket auto industry will offer a way to speak directly to customer service, not just a static web page.

Stay Away From Promises That Sound Crazy

Yes, I'm looking at you 'Tornado', or super charge your car with Home Depot components manuals.  This is absurd, won't work, and will most likely destroy your car, at best.  If you just have money burning a hole in your pocket, send it my way, don't waste your time with over promised goods that are hair brained.

Speaking of over promises and under delivering, eBay is a haven for such predators of the aftermarket auto industry.  Individuals hide behind good feedback for other products and the try to sell you junk, make their money, and move on.  A few years ago, one of the hottest selling items on eBay was a chip to increase horsepower in your car.  Turns out, it was just a resistor that did nothing for your vehicle, except maybe cause lower gas mileage.  Didn't stop people from buying them by the truck loads though, just because it was on eBay and cheap.

Don't be stupid.

Return Policies On Aftermarket Auto Parts

Find out the return policy for the website that you are buying your aftermarket components from.  It's real easy when buying aftermarket parts to buy the wrong thing, say for the wrong year car, different model, etc.  Mistakes happen and knowing if the website you buy from will support you and take the product back can make or break a deal in my book.  Expect a restocking fee, but a reputable company should accept returns and help make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Conclusion

Enthusiasts help drive the automotive industry and thanks to the internet it's easier than ever to add aftermarket components to your vehicles.  Some parts are real easy to change, especially with all the information on do-it-yourself manuals that can be found the net over.  Follow some of these simple tips and buying aftermarket auto parts online should be a rewarding and money saving experience for that next project.  And it's worth repeating, dont' be stupid, if it's too good to be true, it's a lie.

Volkswagen VW exhuast stinger pipe Empi    US $14.00

91 92 99 Jeep Cherokee 40L Exhaust Manifold Gasket Kit    US $29.15

1999 99 Jeep Wrangler 40L Exhaust Manifold Gasket Kit    US $29.15

(more...)

It's the third generation of the Lexus crossover and will be officially be on sale in the UK this summer.  The Lexus RX was the first premium luxury vehicle to offer options for hybrid technology and the RX 450H expands on that technology.

Some of the new hybrid technology in the power train will reduce emissions further than the original RX hybrid model.  However, just because the latest 450H is green, does not mean that it's lacking in power.  According to Lexus it will have the highest power output in it's class of hybrids.

Lexus is showing off it's latest RX at the Geneva Auto Show this March.  Take note of the improvements within the cockpit and safety upgrades for this next generation Lexus RX 450H hybrid.

2010 RX 450H

I recent comment on an old post, regarding the Toyota IQ Car, brought my attention back to this little beasty.  The comment mentioned that this was not intended to actually be a hybrid, rather a small gasoline engine or diesel.  After some further research, it looks like Toyota does plan on making a very small motorcycle engine, to power this pimple on wheels.

The Toyota IQ was originally announced and shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.  Midgets and kids shrieked in excitement at the possibility of finally getting to drive a go-kart on the highways and biways.  However, it looks like the IQ will be focused on European markets, where traffic studies show the average speed is in the teens.  So, a tiny motor cycle engine will be sufficient to push the little tin can down the road.

Videos of Toyota IQ Car

Mitsubishi is making a statement, 'Technology is Awesome!".  Today they announced that they will be offering a Blu-Ray Player for automotive applications.

Now, there are all kinds of techno mumbo jumo explaining how they have accomplished this, but just know, this isn't your mom and dads sack of TV and DVD player hanging on the back seat.  Furthermore, adding a Blu-Ray player to a vehicle is the only logical step, considering how cheap LCD's are getting, which are easily attached to almost any car surface.

Then, the step after that, we need a PS3 installed in a car.

Article Source: Techon

Blu-Ray

Tired of either dominating or losing out on a niche?  Well, if you are BMW then you simply create your own niche and give it a 3 letter acronym.  The Concept 5 from BMW is not an SUV or SAV, it's a PAS, otherwise known as Progressive Activity Sedan.  A little too close to the POS moniker if you ask me.

“This car is designed less for a specific market, but more for a customer who needs all the utility of an SUV, minivan or wagon, but would not want the association with those types of vehicles,” he said.

This comment, by BMW's Product Manager, seems a little less confident and a more like settling for the consumer.  At any rate, rest assured the buyer will look like a douche bag whether he is going camping, picking up kids from soccer, or grabbing groceries on the way home from the board meeting.

If the idea of a confused car, being peddled as a new niche, sounds tantalizing to you, then plan on plunking down $60-70k when released.  Yes, although it is being billed as a concept, BMW claims they will be producing this monstrosity.  Yea.

2008 was a good great year for Ferrari and the huge down turn in late 2008 didn't seem to slow down their high priced performance cars.  As a matter of fact, Ferrari set sales records in 2008 with an ROS of 17.6% and investments research in 18%.  Basically, they made a lot of money selling sexy women disguised as sports cars.

To put this in perspective, only about 25% of all Ferrari cars are sold in the US.  In 2007 they sold only 1,700 cars, which they matched in 2008.  But, in Eastern Europe Ferrari increased sales from 2007 to 2008 by more than 20%.  Furthermore they increased sales figures in the Middle East, South Africa, and Japan.

According to Ferrari they relied on agrressive cost cutting measures and benefited from a greater offering of vehicles than previous years.  The future looks great for Ferrari, with plans to produce facilities that will allow the manufacturer to produce their own energy.  However, like other businesses, the CEO of Ferrari warns of the uncertainty of 2009 and does not intend to remain still.

Ferrari