How to Save Money on Car Parts
M3forum.net members
I drive an old BMW; a 1997 M3. Certain parts for this car are very inexpensive. Most are not. Recently I decided to replace/ upgrade the car's steering rack to a quicker one. Had I elected to replace the steering rack with a new unit from the dealership, the cost would have been approximately $1,500. I was able to get one for $250. How, you ask? Car Forums.
To anyone who's used the Internet lately, subject forums are nothing new. This site has one, and all over the Internet, forums exist on topics ranging from concealing a firearm to caring for new puppies. Forums are a great way to share information and discuss things you might be interested in, with other people who share your passion. Car Forums in particular are useful for two reasons; they help novice mechanics diagnose common problems specific to their model of car, and often to affect a more frugal repair for the problem, and they provide a great place to find any needed parts. The scope and depth of the subject matter may change from car brand to car brand, but for the most part, there's something for everyone. Want to know how to get more power from your Chrysler minivan? Visit http://www.allpar.com/mopar/3.html and do some light reading. Want to know what size tires fit your Toyota Corolla? Head on over to http://www.corolland.com/specs.html and ask some questions.
When you start familiarizing yourself with the oft-reoccurring problems specific to a certain make and model of car, it becomes much easier to have an educated conversation with your mechanic, or fix the problem yourself. My old 'E36' BMW for example, has a couple of "quirks" that my favorite forum www.m3forum.net pointed out, which if fixed proactively, can save owners thousands in repairs. As a result, I have loctited my oil pump nut, reinforced the sheet metal holding the rear suspension to my car, and I have been able to perform numerous maintenance tasks myself.
There are still many questions you won't readily find answers to on a car forum, but in cases like this, you can ask. If the question is obscure, you may come across someone who has had a similar difficulty, or better yet, solved the same problem.
There are vehicle-specific forums for just about every car sold in the world, from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen and everything in between. By way of example, here are the top 10 selling cars in the United States for the month of March (2011), and forums devoted to these specific models. For these popular models, there are often dozens of other forums not listed here that
In short, by reading up on what is probably your second biggest investment (there's a misnomer) and familiarizing yourself with its various nuts, bolts, and design flaws, you can save yourself thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your car. Do some reading, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.
To anyone who's used the Internet lately, subject forums are nothing new. This site has one, and all over the Internet, forums exist on topics ranging from concealing a firearm to caring for new puppies. Forums are a great way to share information and discuss things you might be interested in, with other people who share your passion. Car Forums in particular are useful for two reasons; they help novice mechanics diagnose common problems specific to their model of car, and often to affect a more frugal repair for the problem, and they provide a great place to find any needed parts. The scope and depth of the subject matter may change from car brand to car brand, but for the most part, there's something for everyone. Want to know how to get more power from your Chrysler minivan? Visit http://www.allpar.com/mopar/3.html and do some light reading. Want to know what size tires fit your Toyota Corolla? Head on over to http://www.corolland.com/specs.html and ask some questions.
When you start familiarizing yourself with the oft-reoccurring problems specific to a certain make and model of car, it becomes much easier to have an educated conversation with your mechanic, or fix the problem yourself. My old 'E36' BMW for example, has a couple of "quirks" that my favorite forum www.m3forum.net pointed out, which if fixed proactively, can save owners thousands in repairs. As a result, I have loctited my oil pump nut, reinforced the sheet metal holding the rear suspension to my car, and I have been able to perform numerous maintenance tasks myself.
There are still many questions you won't readily find answers to on a car forum, but in cases like this, you can ask. If the question is obscure, you may come across someone who has had a similar difficulty, or better yet, solved the same problem.
There are vehicle-specific forums for just about every car sold in the world, from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen and everything in between. By way of example, here are the top 10 selling cars in the United States for the month of March (2011), and forums devoted to these specific models. For these popular models, there are often dozens of other forums not listed here that
- Honda Accord; www.hondaaccordforum.com
- Nissan Altima; www.altimaforums.net
- Toyota Camry; www.camryforums.com
- Honda Civic; www.civicforums.com
- Toyota Corolla/ Matrix; www.corolland.com
- Ford Fusion; www.fordfusionforum.com
- Hyundai Sonata; www.sonataforums.com
- Hyundai Elantra; www.hyundai-forums.com
- Toyota Prius; www.priuschat.com
- Chevrolet Cruze; www.chevroletcruzeforum.com
In short, by reading up on what is probably your second biggest investment (there's a misnomer) and familiarizing yourself with its various nuts, bolts, and design flaws, you can save yourself thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your car. Do some reading, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.
