Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra 1.6 and 2.0 L Gasoline Engines

The Elantra is accessible with 1.6 and 2.0 L gasoline engines and a 2.0 L turbodiesel. North American models are alone accessible with the 2.0L gasoline engine.

While bunched on the outside, it is listed by the EPA as a midsize car because of a ample interior. The four-cylinder agent is accepted to be able and economical, and in the US, Hyundai offers a powertrain assurance of ten years. Although the basal powertrain architecture has afflicted little back the additional generation, alternating improvements accept bigger ammunition abridgement from an EPA appraisement of 24/33 to 25/33 and the accepted 27/34 for chiral transmissions, with automated bearing 2-3mpg fewer.

Application additionally bigger from 135hp to 138hp and torque from 132 to 136 mainly acknowledgment to the accession of continuously capricious valve timing (CVVT) in 2004. Originally, the application appraisement was biased as 140hp.

Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG

The CL63 AMG, the lesser of two powerful large AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz coupes, sits somewhere between excessive and grandiose on the scale of high-end cars. With 518 horsepower on tap at 6800 rpm, the nearly 4,500 pound two-door Mercedes-Benz is hardly sluggish, despite tipping the scales at about double what a subcompact weights. 465 pound-feet of torque from the 6.2 liter V8 and a 7-speed automatic transmission help ensure that the CL63 has ample power in any situation.

New for 2008, the CL63 upgrades the basic CL-Class, introduced for 2007, with the standard range of AMG tuned sporting cues, including a lowered sport suspension with active body control, a unique look inside and out, 20' wheels (versus 18' wheels otherwise), performance tires and a few additional standard features, like ventilated and massaging front seats.

Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG



Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG



Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG



Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG



Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG

2011 Audi RS 5

2011 Audi RS 5 Front View

2011 Audi RS 5 Seats

2011 Audi RS 5 First Look

2011 Audi RS 5 Headlight

2011 Audi RS 5 Interior

2011 Audi RS 5 Car Engine

2011 Audi RS 5 Rear Side View

Koenigsegg Trevita

Koenigsegg, the Swedish supercar maker unveiled one of the most exclusive and expensive cars in the world, Koenigsegg Trevita which is based on the Koenigsegg CCXR. Trevita is an abbreviation in Swedish and translates into – three whites. Koenigsegg will only produce three Trevitas in total, hence the name. This makes the Koenigsegg Trevita one of the most rare versions in the Koenigsegg family cars.

Koenigsegg Trevita


Koenigsegg Trevita



Koenigsegg Trevita



Koenigsegg Trevita



Koenigsegg Trevita

Religious Car

The odd car sticker is cool, but this car owner isn’t going to take any chances. The rapture is coming after all.. and if you don’t prepare for it, God will show no mercy!

The odd car sticker is cool, but this car owner isn’t going to take any chances. The rapture is coming after all.. and if you don’t prepare for it, God will show no mercy!

Religious Car

Ferrari Modena 360 limousine

Combining a cool car with a limousine, this Ferrari is amazing! It has 400bhp, seating for 8 people in racing seats, is 6 meters long and does 0-60mph in under six seconds.

It is a Ferrari Modena 360 stretch limo and is one of the worlds most technically advanced limousines and probably no doubt one of the fastest!

Ferrari Modena 360 limousine

Videos of this cool Ferrari Limo in action:

More about this crazy limo

what is this....????

Heres one way of making a Skoda car cool..make it invisible using art. The 22-year-old student at the University of Central Lancashire spray painted a battered Skoda Fabia car to match the car park and entrance to her art studio. Her work, created as part of her drawing and image making course at the university, creates the illusion that the car is see through. She was given the car from a breakers yard and worked for three weeks to ensure that it blended perfectly with its surroundings. Cool or what!

Sara Watson took three weeks to transform the car

"I was experimenting with the whole concept of illusion but needed something a bit more physical to make a real impact." said Miss Watson, who is from Ashton under Lyne.

"People have been stopping in the street to look and coming up and almost bumping into it, so it's had the desired effect."

The car is reminiscent of the work by pavement artist Julian Beever, whose attempts to trick people's minds into seeing perspective on the flat surfaces of paving stones.

Steve Jackson, owner of Recycling Lives, the firm that gave Miss Watson the car, said: "When I first saw the photos I was convinced it was something which had been done on the computer, but when you look more closely you see the effort and attention to detail she has put into it. It is just amazing."

Enjoy the Luxury of Mercedes Benz Car Parts

by: Jenny McLane

Think Mercedes-Benz – you already have a picture of automotive excellence in your mind. The well established Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class are familiar, recognizable faces in the prestige car market. With its modified sports suspension, mechanical differential lock and high-performance brake system with composite discs, front and rear, the ultra-powerful high-performance Mercedes Benz cars dynamic handling is certainly very impressive. And the exclusive standard equipment on-board this dream car underlines the technological ambition behind it.

Many car enthusiasts enjoy the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience with car parts that suits their lifestyle and their budget. Parts Train's Mercedes Benz car parts allow customers to appreciate its unique features and driving experience.

Parts Train like DaimlerChrysler is highly focused on high quality and state of the art engineering for their Mercedes car parts. The prestige that people put on these luxury cars makes it an utmost priority for car parts manufacturer like Parts Train to choose superbly crafted and the highest quality Mercedes Benz car parts.

At Parts Train, superior quality Mercedes Benz car parts are offered like: condensers, bumpers, carpets, catalytic converters, door, door glass, electrical parts, engine parts, exhaust, fenders, floor mats, fuel tanks, gas tanks, grille, header panels, hood, hubcaps, mirror, radiators, radiator support, body panel, rims, spoilers, suspensions, tailgate, trunk lid, weather stripping, wheels, window regulator, wind shield and many others.

As Parts Train says "It is not fitting for any Mercedes Benz car to be equipped with low quality and substandard parts, that's why we here at Parts Train offer only parts of Premium Quality".

Here is the most up-to-date opinion with reference to cars for sale

by: Tom

When you're trying to find excellent advice concerning cars for sale , you will find it hard unscrambling quality advice from foolish cars for sale suggestions and advice so it's prudent to know how to qualify the information you are often given.

Now we'd like to give you some tips that we believe you should use when you're searching for information about cars for sale . It is important to remember that the guidance we give is only appropriate to internet info about cars for sale . We don't really offer any direction or assistance when you are also conducting research offline.

An excellent piece of advice to follow when offered information and suggestions on a cars for sale site would be to confirm the sites ownership. Doing this could reveal the owners cars for sale credibility The quickest way to work out who owns the cars for sale website is to look on the 'about' page or 'contact' page.

Any reputable site providing information about cars for sale , will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page which will record the site owner's contact details. The fine points should tell some indication about the website owner's expertise. You can then decide for yourself about the webmaster's depth of experience, to offer advice about cars for sale

Multilingual Interactive Car Manual in Mercedes Benz and Quality Mercedes Benz Parts at Partstrain

by: Jenny McLane

A completely new way of bringing the operating instructions of a car to the customer is now available by integrating an interactive manual into the car’s COMAND APS system. The car owner can now consult the operating manual right in the driver's seat through the personal communications system.

Bowne Global Solutions (BGS) and Daimler Chrysler AG pioneered the system, which equates to a 2000 page hard copy manual. They have started to introduce the product across the German, English, French, Italian and Spanish markets. Bowne’s experience in the localization of interactive projects effected our decision to award them the localization of the interactive COMAND operating instructions for the E-class,” affirmed Guntram Büchler, responsible for Production Design Customer Information at DaimlerChrysler.

An interactive, in-depth and completely multi-media format in the driver's manual on DVD provides the driver with operating instructions. The days of a driver being obliged to read hundreds of pages to be familiar with his car are over. Animated film aids in bringing life to the vehicle with its navigator buttons, which allow the driver to find the information quickly without wearily leafing through a manual.

Excellent Jetta Car Parts for the Impressive VW Jetta available at Parts train

by: Jenny McLane

The Jetta has long been the company's best-selling model in the U.S. it has always been a car that appeals to Americans far more than Europeans. Its continued success is central to Volkswagen's fortunes in this most critical market outside of Europe.

During Volkswagen of America's 50-year history in the U.S. it has managed to produce cars that appeal to young and old, male and female, wealthy and poor. Despite some quality lapses and lack of new product, it has maintained an appeal that mystifies its competitors. In addition, the Jetta is the beginning of a major product campaign.

With a completely redesigned body, it has a longer wheelbase and wider track. It has a chrome-framed front grille. This is the new face of Volkswagen. Chrome is also used in eyebrows atop the large engine air inlets in the front bumper and, on 2.5 and TDI models, for the side-window surrounds.

Parts train is a car parts company that provides you with the widest selection of excellent quality Volkswagen Jetta grille at all times. It does not compromise quality either, they make sure their Jetta grille meets the highest specific VW standard of quality plus it comes in affordable prices.

The Jetta's most striking element is the aggressive thrust and slope of the car's snout while the composite headlamps and various inlets and grilles are well integrated into the Jetta's raked rearward flow. At the rear, for the first time ever in a Jetta, is a multi-link independent suspension, for improvements in both ride and handling. The steering is, of course, power-assisted; that assist is not hydraulic but electro-mechanical, with a variable assistance ratio based on road speed.

For VW Jetta headlamps and suspension, Partstrain offers first-class quality at discount prices to ensure your one hundred percent satisfaction in getting the perfect Volkswagen headlight replacement. Its secured site and friendly customer service staff ensures fast and convenient online shopping for repair Volkswagen headlight. Unlike the suspension system offered by other car parts companies, Parts train's VW Jetta suspension are the best in the market and superior craftsmanship goes into its every detail.

Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin Comes Into Focus as Parts Train's Auto Body Parts Supercharge Every Ford Vehicle

by: Jenny McLane

The Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin is the world's first high-performance sport-utility truck (SUT). We're looking to take Ford performance to an entirely new market segment with the Sport Trac Adrenalin," says Steve Lyons, vice president, Ford Motor Company and president, Ford Division. "Adrenalin is designed to offer a unique combination of performance and functionality.

Adrenalin has combined the best attributes of two breakthrough Ford vehicles - Ford SVT F-150 Lightning and Ford Explorer Sport Trac. It also offers class-leading technologies, including all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and Ford's industry-leading AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™. It offers four full-sized doors, four bolstered bucket seats, and a four-foot composite box with 30 percent more cargo capacity than the current Explorer Sport Trac.

"We have a very clear view of what we want to do to retain Ford's leadership in performance vehicles," says Phil Martens group vice president, Product Creation. "This includes looking beyond traditional SVT products for opportunities with unique performance attributes, such as all-wheel-drive." The Sport Trac Adrenalin delivers searing acceleration with its 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC V-8 power train. A Roots-type supercharger and water-to-air intercooler boost output to a whopping 390 horsepower and 390 pounds-feet of torque.

It has a six-speed automatic transmission - the first for any SVT vehicle, which has proven capable of heavy-duty use, contributing to the projected 6000-pound towing capacities of the Sport Trac Adrenalin. "In addition to providing sure footing on slick surfaces, there's a performance advantage to all-wheel drive," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "A longstanding problem with performance trucks was their inability to 'hook up' from a standing start without excessive wheel spin. This AWD system puts power down through all four tires, helping Adrenalin launch with impressive authority."

With a supercharged, 390-horsepower V-8, the first six-speed automatic ever featured in an SVT vehicle and an SVT-tuned fully independent suspension, Adrenalin promises acceleration, agility and utility. Providing an added measure of safety and control during slippery conditions or emergency maneuvers all-wheel-drive system is paired with Ford's industry-exclusive safety system, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™.

Parts Train's Dynamic Nissan Body Parts Complements 2005 Nissan Xterra's Off Road Capability

by: Jenny Mc Lane

Building on its predecessor's rugged looks, the 2005 Nissan Xterra has more roominess and more features, including enhanced off-road performance systems. Bulkier, silver colored materials and the more angular structure to the grill and bumper give the Xterra a more aggressive stance. "The changes in the new Xterra are evolutionary, though with a capital E," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "For 2005, we've made key improvements in the areas customers want most - power, drivability, smoother on-road dynamics, more interior space and cargo versatility and, of course, greater off-road performance."

The most significant changes to the new Xterra are the use of a version of the new "F-Alpha" platform, which was created for use on the new Nissan Titan full-size pickup and Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and the utilization of a new 4.0-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V6 engine. Various improvements to the powertrain include increased displacement as well as micro finished engine internals, Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS) and a high capacity muffler. Electronic Throttle Control makes better responsiveness.

Available transmissions are a 5-speed automatic and, even more impressive, a 6-speed manual. A 4WD option is available to replace the base 2WD configuration. Four wheel disc brakes assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) keep the Xterra in check. The 2005 Xterra was designed utilizing a truck-based body-on-frame chassis. A double wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf suspension in the rear gives these trucks the durability and ride that one expects from a truck-based SUV. High performance shocks are available on the Xterra Off-Road model.

Safety features and equipment includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), and 3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. "We expect the new Xterra to offer best-in-class horsepower and torque, with exceptional acceleration and drivability, such as acceleration coming out of a corner," "We've given it the hardware to get the job done, on highways and any paths that lead to adventure." Nissan has showed that good things happen when you focus on meeting customers' unmet needs, rather than following the competition. With this new generation design, Xterra still has no equals," said McNabb.

The 2005 Nissan Xterra stands out in its adventure positioning. Like many of Nissan's famous cars, all of Parts train's excellently crafted Nissan auto body parts can preserve Nissan Xterra's high off road performance best.

Chevrolet Corvette 2006: Get Superior Chevrolet Auto Parts from Partstrain

by: Jenny McLane

With 500 horsepower, GM says the 2006 Corvette Z06 is the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by the automaker. The car can zip from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds and fly through the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds with a top speed of more than 190 mph on a racetrack.

"We buy watches that cost thousands of dollars and don't tell time better than a $20 Swatch," said Bob Lutz, vice chair of General Motors Corporation. It’s the same thing with high-horsepower cars. You don't move any faster in traffic than you do with a Chevy Aveo, but it's all about knowing that you have all this power and potential at your disposal." The car's body is made of aluminum, and the front fenders and front wheelhouses are made of carbon fiber. The Z06 also has a unique front fascia with a larger grille, cold-air scoop and lower air splitter. The interior is different, too, with a special gauge cluster featuring the Z06 logo on the tachometer and lightweight two-tone seats.

Derived from Chevy's successful Corvette racing program, the ZO6 has an all-new chassis that replaces the conventional car's steel parts with lightweight aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber. The new LS7 7.0-liter OHV (overhead valve) V-8 engine for the 2006 ZO6 Corvette will not only achieve 500 horsepower, it will be capable of running up to 7100 rpm. The previous limit was 6600 rpm in the 6.0-liter LS2.

The new LS7 7.0-liter OHV (overhead valve) V-8 engine for the 2006 ZO6 Corvette will not only achieve 500 horsepower, it will be capable of running up to 7100 rpm. The previous limit was 6600 rpm in the 6.0-liter LS2. With this new engine, GM is showing multi-valve overhead cam performance is achievable with a two-valve cam-in-block engine. For the new ZO6, higher rpm allows the driver to remain in first gear to just over 60 mph, contributes to higher top speed and improves overall vehicle performance. The LS7 is one of the first automotive OHV production engines in the industry capable of more than 7000 rpm.

Volkswagen Passat 2005: Body and Chassis for Volkswagen Parts at Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane

The Volkswagen Passat 2005 features a powerful design. The new VW face with its chrome radiator represents the greatest design progression since the creation of the series.

The new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+ 62mm), 1.82 metres wide (+ 74mm) and 1.47 metres tall (+ 10 mm). The wheelbase measures 2.71 metres. One real indicator of outstanding quality is the static torsional stiffness. .

Volkswagen is using the FSI engines with homogeneous direct injection for the first time in the Passat. They deliver 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp (Turbo FSI).

The Passat TDI will also be available with a diesel particulate filter. The most powerful TDI features the innovative Piezo high-pressure unit-injector system. The petrol engines with outputs of 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp can be optionally combined with a driver-friendly six-speed automatic gearbox

Using aluminum components (weight: -13.3 kilogrammes) guarantee a maximum level of agility, comfort and safety, it has new four-link rear axle, which has been decoupled from the body to reduce noise, along with the McPherson front.

The chassis technology has been perfected with the ESP + Trailer Stabilizations that comes as standard on all vehicles with a tow bar. All Passats have 16-inch brakes with an integrated “wiper” function. The brake pads are applied lightly at specific intervals. This “wipes away” any water film that may have formed while driving on wet surfaces and thus shortens the braking distance.

Standard for the first time is the electronic parking brakes at the push of a button. It has new Starting and Locking System, New Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control, Sound System from Dynaudi, Draught-free Climatronic, Bi-Xenon Headlights with Cornering Function. Hands-free telephone system with a Bluetooth interface is available as an option.

Equally impressive and highly durable Volkswagen auto body parts, performance parts, replacement parts, discount parts are available at Parts train's online store. When you need Volkswagen Hood, first class quality is available at Partstrain. Volkswagen Grille and Volkswagen fenders for example are put you on top of the race due to its strict quality control measures.

Airbag SDM ' Black Box ' Crash Data Retrieval Information for GM Cars

by: Jenny McLane

The benefit of retrieving data from flight data recorder using the Black Box was only available to airlines for many years. This invaluable instrument, which helps determine what happened in the critical time before a crash, is now available as Airbag SDM crash data retrieval system on GM cars.

In response to the call of the National Transport and Safety Board (NTSB) in 1997 that vehicle manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration team up to gather information on vehicle crashes using on board collision sensing and recording devices, General Motors expanded the data downloaded to permanent memory in the air bag sensing and diagnostic module at deployment or in a near deployment collision.

The capability to record pre-crash data has since expanded with time and technological advancement. General Motor's Vetronix crash data retrieval tool (CDR) collects vehicle crash data via the air bag system SDM.

General motors together with Vetronix Corporation developed the Vetronix CDR System, which downloads the data stored in recordable airbag modules.

Software, hardware and interface cables allow recorded data such as Delta V, driver seat belt usage and pre-impact data to be downloaded to commonly used computers in easy to read format. Interface cables that connect directly to the airbag module are available for vehicles that cannot be powered up after a crash.

This new technology then also makes it easy for investigators to input other vital information, like weather conditions, and send the data to a remote database. The final 5 seconds leading up to an accident event is very vital information that can be stored at the airbag SDM module recorder. This process can only be done using the Vetronix CDR equipment and a PC.

2005 Honda Odyssey: Honda Factory Replacement Parts at Partstrain for High Power, Economy and Lower Emissions

by: Jenny Mc Lane

The 2005 Honda Odyssey has high power with efficiency, economy and lower emissions. For better mileage, three cylinders shut down at cruising speeds. Electronic liquid-filled engine mounts mask vibrations during the transition, and a noise-canceling frequency broadcast through the sound system minimizes audible evidence.

The Odyssey's highly adaptable interior includes a stowable 2nd-row Plus One Seat™ that allows seating for eight (EX), and one-motion 60/40-split 3rd-row Magic Seat® that makes cargo loading even easier. You can even entertain passengers with the Honda DVD Entertainment System with remote control, 9” screen, and personal surround sound headsets. And with the new Michelin® PAX® System on the Touring model, you can travel on a punctured tire at 50 mph for up to 125 miles. Discover new levels of confidence while navigating through an uncertain world.

The 2005 Honda Odyssey has high power with efficiency, economy and lower emissions. For better mileage, three cylinders shut down at cruising speeds. Electronic liquid-filled engine mounts mask vibrations during the transition, and a noise-canceling frequency broadcast through the sound system minimizes audible evidence.

Its power-operated rear seat foldaway system is a testimony to the Odyssey Luxury by pushing a button in the cargo area; the third row seat automatically tumbles beneath the floor for a perfectly flat cargo surface. It’s extremely impressive to watch. There’s no fumbling about with seatbelts or latches – you only need to ensure the head restraints are tilted forward before pushing the button. When even more carrying capacity is needed, the second row seat’s 60:40 split backrests can be folded forward.

The Luxury version of the Odyssey has illuminated vanity mirrors, auto headlights (which come on too late), a 6-stack CD player, lidded second row door pockets, extensive use of wood grain and titanium-look trim, 8 way electric driver’s seat adjustment and Two-stage electric front seat warmers. An electric glass sunroof is also standard.


New safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), a new feature that enhances stability by detecting oversteer or understeer. For the Odyssey Luxury safety, measures include a “crash compatible body”, standard dual-stage front and side airbags with occupant position detection sensors, front seatbelt pre -tensioners and force limiters and front buckle pre-tensioners. All seating positions feature adjustable head restraints. The Luxury is also fitted with curtain airbags that cover all three seating rows.

Partstrain sells factory replacement Honda Parts accessories online at discounted wholesale prices, specializing in OEM and Aftermarket parts. Partstrain offers a superior array of Honda body replacement parts and accessories for models like Honda Odyssey, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda CRV, Honda CRX, Honda Del Sol, Honda Insight, Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, Honda Prelude, Honda S2000.

Parts Train's Gas Tanks: Tough, Durable, Works Excellently, Now on Sale

by: Jenny McLane

A way to see how many miles per gallon (MPG) your Nissan car burns is to fill up your gas tank and record the mileage from your odometer. Drive your car in the way that you usually do until you have gone through at least a half a tank. Fill up your gas tank again and if you have, driven 100 miles (or whatever) then divide that by the exact number of gallons your car took to fill it up the second time. Your miles per gallon will vary each time you do this because of the type of driving you did, like: stop and go city driving or freeway driving, etc.

Keep Nissan gas tank full so condensation will not form or water will settle in bottom of gas tank and rust and weaken. Your fuel gauge tends to read the fuel level in your gas tank, regardless of the shape of your tank

The fuel monitor inside your gas tank does not go all the way to empty. Its range is full to about 1/8th. So, full is full, and empty is really 1/8th. It is designed that way so you won't run out of fuel. Fill back up when you get down to a 1/4 tank because the bottom of your tank has trash and other elements that can hurt your engine and clog your fuel filter.

Keeping fuel in your Nissan gas tank will help keep the electric fuel pump cool as heat will harm electronic components. The bottom of the pump has a sock or a filter on it to prevent the pump from sucking up rust or other particles. The fuel is further filtered in most vehicles with an inline filter. A gas tank that has a build up of "garbage" is a lack of power after running for a period at higher mileage. The sock becomes clogged and starves the engine of fuel. Usually when a tank has debris of rust and such, the car is usually in rough shape.

The lower the fuel level is the more room water has to evaporate out of the gasoline. This causes rust in the fuel tank and when you do run out of fuel, you are running on all the nasty stuff that's collected at the bottom of the fuel tank. Your car may originally hold 14 gallons for example. Then later it only holds 11 because of all the sediment and rust that has formed over time. Do not let your engine running on that entire gunk. Prevent this by keeping your Nissan gas tank as full as possible.

For you Nissan vehicle's superb performance, search for your own Nissan Car Parts at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/NISSAN and order them, and have them delivered directly to you. Our Directory of online auto parts stores with huge selections of Nissan parts. Find OEM Nissan auto parts, remanufactured car parts, new aftermarket parts, used parts, Nissan performance parts, and more. Parts Train's secure online ordering system lets you shop for superior Nissan parts with peace of mind.

Parts Train offers Top Quality BMW© Replacement Parts

by: Jenny McLane

BMW E36 performance is now legendary among car enthusiasts. As true enthusiasts, we do love our BMW's to the max. Much as we love our cars, most of us don't have the time or energy to hunt down everything we need. That is what is great about getting BMW car parts at Partstrain online store. By browsing online for BMW spare parts place, you can get the auto parts you need at the highest quality level.

The BMW 3-Series has always defined the idea of true "sports sedan" and the E36 model took the 3-Series to heights of performance and style. Pre-owned E36s are favorite cars for tuners everywhere due to their excellent engine and handling capabilities.

Talking about BMW E36 parts like mufflers, headers, bumpers, fenders, lights, mirrors, hood, radiator, wheels, A/C condenser, fuel tank, catalytic converters, grille, hoods, spoiler and a whole lot more seem a lot easier when you come to the right place online.

BMW is a luxury car, which means repairs tend to mean luxury car prices for auto parts. Just go to the right place, and you don't have to go broke sinking more money than you already have into your BMW. Getting BMW parts online is a terrific way to go.

The E36 made use of BMW's in-line six-cylinder power plant, a masterpiece of technical sophistication. These engines are all normally aspirated, meaning that a turbo or supercharger can be installed for added power. A rock-solid chassis with a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension is the foundation BMW E36 performance.

You can find BMW body parts online with the best purchase and that's in addition to the interior parts you'll find, like BMW brakes. For external auto parts, why not try the very cool headlights. You can buy these BMW body parts in a set of two. They're plug and play auto parts, very easy to install once you get them back to your place and your car.

While everything about a BMW fresh from the factory is excellent, these auto parts provide a nice upgrade from the original headlights. The lenses are high impact glass instead of plastic. They significantly improve visibility at night and are pretty much the best replacement lights anywhere.


BMW E36 performance parts are available for your BMW E36. Some excellent supercharger and turbocharger kits with intercoolers for E36 sedans and coupes, including the powerful M3 are available. Track experts will want to check out anti-sway bars and adjustable suspension system. BMW E36 performance parts are available when you are ready to take your car to the next level.

How To Buy A New Car

by: Tom McKnight

Car buying is not a task to be taken lightly. The cost of a new car equals almost what my parents paid for their first home. It's imperative to do behind the scenes research to ensure you get a great deal.

Do not be in a hurry. Car dealers can detect the scent of desperation a mile away! If you are totally without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. If you rush your purchase, you will usually end up on the bad end of the deal.

You can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and model right on the internet. With a little extra research, you can discover the wholesale cost as well. These two pieces of information give you an edge when it comes to negotiation.

It's best to work toward a win-win situation with the car salesperson. They need to make some money on the deal, and you want to pay a fair price. You can often negotiate a price that is $500 above dealer cost, or about 20% off the sticker price. Make sure you take your calculator with you when car hunting.

You can often order a car with *custom* option choices. This could save you hundreds of dollars. You might wait a couple of weeks, but why pay for options that you do not need?

Always check with the dealership to see if you can return the car if you do not like it. Many dealerships now offer this option. Some dealerships will give you a three day trial period in which to try the car.

It is a good idea to wait until the end of the month to go car hunting. Salespersons who want to meet a certain quota will be eager to strike a deal.

Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in possibility until you get a purchase price. Sometimes this is difficult, as most salespeople will ask upfront about a trade in.

I took my car to one lot, and was told the trade in value was $1,200. Another dealership said they would give me $3,500 for the same car! So do your research to make sure you receive a fair price on your used vehicle. Stick to your guns when it comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if you've had your car serviced regularly.

A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation. Most consumer information shows no need to buy an extra contract on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the first months of use.

Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract before signing it. Ask questions about what certain phrases mean if and when you do not understand something.

Also, just because a car is brand new doesn't mean you should buy it without asking questions. New cars can land in the lemon category as well as used ones. Keep on your toes during the negotiation process. You will enjoy both getting a new car, AND creating a win-win situation for yourself and the dealer.

Sites To Help You In Car Buying Online

by: John G. Nuble

With everything virtually possible, why not car buying online?

In fact in the past years, car buying online has evolved from tips and comparison charts to honest-to-goodness online transactions. Gone are the days when you have to personally scout for your dream car, hopping from one store to another, talking to car dealers and comparing prices.

Now, buyers can go online and do all this and more… that is if you know where to look in the World Wide Web. Here are some sites that will help you make car buying online as easy as shopping for grocery. So click away and take that virtual shopping cart.

The comparison strategy

Web sites like AutoVantage allows users to look at several models, their specifications and features and to compare them with each other. It also gives you an idea on what specific car model suits your needs, lifestyle and of course the budget. Car buying online has never been easier as websites like these allow for clearer and faster comparisons as you are given prices and features at the drop of the hat. There are also resources on the site that would help you answer those frequently asked questions about car buying online.

Price is the name of the game

If you have already been car buying a few weeks now and know the model that you want, you can check your dream car’s prices online before going to different car dealers and haggling. The InvoiceDealers.com is a site that gives you competitive prices that you can choose from. You no longer need to visit several dealers as this site makes car buying online or even offline a breeze.

Virtual loans and finances

Who says you can only avail of financial arrangement through face to face transactions? With the advent of super technology, car buying online has become a one-or-two clicks activity. One useful site is the E-loan, which offers loans and other financial arrangements. The site also contains various resources that would help people who are car buying online for the first time.

Insurance at your fingertips

Believe it or not, you can put insurance arrangements in your virtual cart when buying a car online. What is more, you can compare the prices of the plans being offered by several insurance companies. When buying a car online, you can try the site, 4insurance.

Delivery a click away

Another consideration when car buying online is the delivery. Some websites offer instant delivery where the car of your choice will be delivered to your home and office. If you are not comfortable purchasing a car that you have not yet seen or examined, you can arrange to have it picked up instead. One site that has this feature is CarsDirect.com.

Saving on warranty

Warranties are really important whether you are car buying online or offline. This is especially true when you are buying a model that you have not yet tried using in the past or a model that you are totally unfamiliar with. Doing your research and scouting for an extended car warranty online can actually save you up to 60 f the actual cost since this is usually sold direct. For prices for extended warranties, you can visit Warranty Direct.com, which offers several quotes.

Honda Turbochargers at Inner Auto: Excellent Quality at a Low Price

by: Terry Brown

A turbo is an ingenious little design that harnesses the wasted kinetic energy we dump out through the exhaust system force more air into the engine. A turbo can be a simpler, more compact way to add power, especially for an aftermarket accessory. The basic turbo system comes with the turbo, exhaust manifold for turbo, waste gate, blow-off valve (bypass valve), lines for oil supply and return and the intercooler, which is optional.

Your Honda's turbocharger is ultimately the most powerful of all forced induction systems. While turbo charging a Honda car motor increases the amount of air that can be flowed into it, it has a negative effect on how easily we can flow it back out again. This weakens positive pressure difference between these two fundamental sides of the engine, and causes both cam timing & exhaust system design to become extremely important to producing more power.

An area of the turbo acts as an insulator from the exhaust heat to keep the intake air compressor side as cool as possible. Keeping the intake air cool increases power since more air molecules enter the cylinders at a given pressure. Yet in most current forms of racing where the rules do not prohibit the use of turbo or slap restrictions on their use, the turbo reigns supreme in terms of engine power output.

Inner Auto offers Honda Parts focused on reliability, quality, great designs and affordable price. With the Honda tradition of designing efficient and innovative cars, Inner Auto has in its stock the widest array as well high standard Honda Parts, Performance Parts, and Replacement Parts. With only a few clicks, visit Auto Parts Inner and you will find Inner Auto's impressive array of highly durable and reliable Honda Parts to match the equally impressive performance of your Honda.

The Guide To Better Car Buying Deals

by: John G. Nuble

Buying a car is like making a journey into the unknown especially if you do not know the meaning of mileage and the only seats you have sat on inside a car are the ones for the passengers. Without a map, one can get lost, confused by several choices and generally duped into accepting a less than great a deal.

Still like any journey, with the right guide to buying a car, one can breeze through the experience with flying colors. Below is a guide to getting better car buying deals not only in terms of getting high quality cars but also in being aware of rebates and discounts. Both online and offline transactions were mentioned and discussed as some people are already doing their shopping online.

Read on and see for yourself which car buying guide you already know and which one you just heard for the very first time.

Car buying guide #1: List your requirements and stick to it.

Knowing what you need and what you want already takes you halfway the decision-making process. List your requirements and search for a perfect match out of the hundreds of car models available. You can do this in the old fashion way by visiting the car dealers near your area or the new age way through the wonders of the World Wide Web. One car buying guide which you should remember is to never go to dealers without having a car in mind. Websites like CarDirect.com has a handy research tool that can help you refine your search

Car buying guide #2: Have a budget and stick to it.

When you have already decided on your car model, you can now look into the prices being offered by various car dealers. One car buying guide that is really important is to do price comparisons, which are available online at InvoiceDealers.com or CarsDirect. You can also ask advice from people who have bought cars in the last five years. Chances are, car dealers still have the same practices.

Car buying guide #3: Be on the look out for special sales and promos

Most car dealers and even websites will always come up with a promo or a special deal guaranteed to outsell the competition. You can also leave your contact details and ask the car dealers that you have visited to inform you of upcoming promos. That way, you will stay up to date and would be able to compare different deals offered by different companies. One can also try looking for great deals over the Internet.

Car buying guide #4: Buy at the right season

One car buying guide that is a sure hit is perfecting the timing of buying a car. Usually, car dealers go on sale by the end of December as there is low demand for expensive gadgets. Because of the Christmas shopping rush, few actually buy a car at this period of time. Another great time is on July to October where new models have to replace the new. Sometimes, car manufacturers even offer big discounts just to be rid of the stock.

Car buying guide #5: Beware of Add-ons

Some dealers would put add-on services that you do not really need until the price skyrockets. Beware of these add-ons and really determine if that is something that you would like for your car.

Tips In Buying The Ultimate Car At Low Cost

by: John G. Nuble

You don’t really need to be the ultimate car geek to figure out the ins and outs of savings when buying a new car. You just need some car buying tips, a calculator, a notepad and pen and mental savvy to play the cost game with a couple of car dealers.

To set you on the road to the car that you’ve always wanted without the burden of high costs, here are some car buying tips guaranteed to lighten your path.

Car buying tip #1: Do your price homework.

In order to get the best deal, you have to first determine what the fair price is for the car that you want and what the car costs in various car dealers. Researching for the fair price can be a bit tricky as all dealers would have different prices. One way to do this is to log on to websites such as Cars.com, InvoiceDealers.com, CarsDirect.com, AutoWeb, Edmunds.com, Car.com and AutoUSA and see what their prices are. After comparing, you will have a fairly good idea how it costs.

Car buying tip #2: Price is not everything

While price is the motor that would keep your car buying running, it is not the only thing that you should consider. Most car dealers would have a promo of some sort whether it be a free service, free parts or lower interest rates in financing. Look at this also along with the price. One may have lower prices but may not offer the same package.

Car buying tip #3: Compare and tell

Having done your price homework, you can now use the data to haggle with car dealers. Tell each of them that you are looking at the prices of several dealers. Quote some prices to make them believe you. Knowing this, they will give you their lowest possible price and may even offer some good deals just to prevent you from buying your car at their competitor.

Car buying tip #4: Budget. Budget. Budget

Knowing how much you can shell out and sticking to it can help you in negotiating for a better price. This is one car buying tip that most buyers forget. Remember, dealers can sense your indecision and may not give you the best price that they have in the house.

Car buying tip #5: Secure your finances

Car dealers are not the only ones who can offer great financial deals. You can get a loan from your bank or even from online lenders like Capital One Auto Finance and E-loan.

Car buying tip #6: Consider trade-in

When you have an old car and you will not be using it anymore, consider trading it in to lessen the costs of the other car. Figure its trade-in value and start from there. Some dealers accept trade in but oftentimes, you can get a better deal selling your old car privately.

Car buying tip #7: Allow for a time leeway

Buying a car at the last minute will not only cut off the possibilities of doing research and waiting for better deals but it will also make you quite desperate to buy one. Desperation in any car dealers’ book equals high costs.

Car buying tip #8: Ask for rebates and rewards

When you pay in cash, car dealers offer special discounts, rebates or rewards. Make sure that you ask your car dealer about them as some can “conveniently” forget about them until after you are out the door.

Parts Train Offers the Best OEM Hoods and Aftermarket Parts, Replacement Parts

by: Jenny McLane

Some hoods for Nissan Altima are made of carbon fiber with UV protected gel coat that will not fade. Steel reinforcement beam and proven to be more durable than others are. The new Nissan Maxima has a sculpted hood and a nose that dips low toward the road.

A wrap-around design available at Parts Train gives your Nissan Altima hood a sleek aerodynamic appearance. Parts Train's hoods allows for easy hood cleaning and waxing. It is made of rugged impact-modified acrylic; the design helps protect your hood from damage by rocks and bugs.

A raised area on a hood with a front- or rear-facing opening is called hood scoop. Many hoods are manufactured with a built-in scoop, but a scoop also can be added to a smooth hood. Scoops often are made from steel fiberglass or carbon fiber. Some hood scoops are purely for show and only look like they have an opening. Others have a front-facing opening to feed the motor cooler air from outside the engine compartment, which improves performance because cool air is denser than warm air. Still other scoops feature a rear-facing opening to vent hot under hood air; this style often is referred to as a cowl induction hood.

The Nissan Maxima Hood has Zone Body construction that incorporates a high-intensity cabin structure with cross-members and reinforcements. Front and rear crumple zones help absorb impact energy before it reaches the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases allow the hood to buckle at predetermined points, helping prevent it from intruding into the passenger compartment in certain frontal impacts.

How to buy a good truck or a car found at the Internet site?

by: Pavel Borodin

The Net is constantly growing and its users develop more and more applications and utilize it in completely new ways. Several years ago a couple of new sites showed up in the Net; these sites were dedicated to the sale of automotive vehicles. Since that time the number of these sites has substantially increased and I have participated in building search engine for used truck sale -European www.truck1st.com , American www.truck1st.us and Russian www.truck1st.ru. Basing on my experience in Internet used truck sales, I can offer you several recommendations on buying trucks and cars; I hope you'll find them very useful.

The main goal of this kind of sites is to connect sellers and buyers of automotive vehicles, both new and used. Using such sites makes vehicle trade much easier for sellers as well as for buyers. These sites create virtual marketplace where buyers can offer their vehicles and sellers can look through the buyers’ stock. So the search for the customer or for specific vehicle becomes unnecessary, saving lots of time and money for both parties.

In practice it looks as follows. The seller places his vehicles at the website, usually it is vehicle description, pictures and additional info (price, delivery terms and contacts). See www.truck1st.com for specific examples. So when the buyer wants to buy a vehicle, he gets online, connects to the website and looks through the sellers’ vehicles. Then he gets in touch with the seller, confirms vehicle specification and availability and purchases the vehicles. Such internet trade allows to shop for vehicles located not only your vicinity, but nationwide and even worldwide. Sometimes it saves a lot of money and lets find exactly what you are looking for.

It is clear that the used car or truck technical condition is a crucial factor. When choosing used truck or car, the more choice you have – the better the chances that you will buy a vehicle in good technical condition. In this case Internet purchase is a very effective solution.

So let’s contact the seller and clear everything up. It is better done by phone, though email message is also acceptable. But you will save a lot of time by making simple phone call. Besides, the human factor in communication is very important, so pick up the phone and call him.
What should I mention during my first contact with the seller? Here is a list. But very important – write down everything the seller will say to you. Later, when you think everything over to make decision, you will appreciate it later.

So let’s contact the seller and clear everything up. It is better done by phone, though email message is also acceptable. But you will save a lot of time by making simple phone call. Besides, the human factor in communication is very important, so pick up the phone and call him.
What should I mention during my first contact with the seller? Important – write down everything the seller will say to you. Later, when you think everything over to make decision, you will appreciate it.

1. First of all represent yourself, name the reason of your call and website where you have found the truck. Ask if the vehicle is still available.

2. Let’s assume it is not sold yet. Then ask about every word in the description to check it is really true. It is much better if you spend 2 minutes of your time now, than to come to the buyer after and find out that there is no air conditioning, though it was mentioned at the website.

3. Ask about everything that was not described – minor technical problems, condition of engine, body, clutch, suspension, tyres, interior. Do not forget anything, you should have complete picture in your mind. For example, the cost of new tyres for tractor truck is about 200$ for a wheel and a lot of people usually forget to ask about tyre condition.

4. When it comes to price, do not be shy to argue a bit. Usually people put a little higher price that would actually satisfy them. Anyway a little of bargaining never harmed anyone.

It is much better for if you choose several vehicles and make several calls. You should not restrict yourself to a single truck, remember – the more choice you have, the better truck you will buy.

So by this time you should have called 3-4 sellers and have 3-4 papers with complete description at your table. Now its your time – relax and think everything over and make your final decision. Sometimes it is wise to call the sellers again and tell them that you have a little better offers – it will surprisingly move the prices down and help you make your final decision.

That’s it, now you are ready to go and pick up your new used truck. Just don’t forget to let your eyes see everything your ears heard – take the paper with vehicle description (that you have written down during your talk with the seller) and check everything. It is very advisable that you check the truck or car at the local service center – let professionals do their job.

What to Look for in Ford Catalytic Converters

by: Terry Brown

Automobiles are highly responsible for the alarming rate of air pollution affecting the global environmental condition today. Everyday millions of cars, trucks, and other vehicles around the world belch out fumes and gases that are harmful to the environment. When an engine burns fuel, it produces hazardous gases namely carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide molecules. These gases are very dangerous to any living organism and has been steadily degenerating the earth's protective ozone layer for years now. Thus, to counter this, carmakers have sought ways to minimize the damaging effects of car exhaust fumes by installing catalytic converters.

Catalytic Converters are usually stainless steel containers and tubing which provide an environment for chemical reactions where unburned hydrocarbons combust, using platinum and rhodium as catalysts. Catalytic Converters are designed to stop hazardous gases from being released by transforming them into harmless gases. For instance, Ford catalytic converters have reduction catalysts that divide nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and oxygen, its main components. Similarly, oxidation catalysts convert the highly lethal carbon monoxide gas into carbon dioxide, which is less harmful to the environment. Catalytic converters are auto parts that are an ethical and legal necessity. In fact, it is required in most states that your car has a working catalytic converter. Your car will not pass an emission inspection if your catalytic converter is defective or damaged.

Corrosion, regular wear and tear, and internal clogging are just some of the many causes of a damaged or defective Ford catalytic converter. Once your car's catalytic converter is damaged, it is wise that you replace it immediately with a new one. When picking out a new Ford catalytic converter, you have a choice of either aftermarket Ford catalytic converters or OEM. If you are planning to purchase a catalytic converter, it is important to consider the type of road and weather conditions you will be driving in. Thus, you should look for a tough, durable and resilient catalytic converter. One made of stainless steel will help you avoid damages to your converter. Price is another consideration. Usually aftermarket Ford catalytic converters are cheaper compared to OEM.

Fortunately, there are numerous auto parts dealers that offer high quality catalytic converters. If you are in the market for catalytic converters, you will find that there are many options. However, one of the easiest ways to shop for a top-quality Ford catalytic converter is by visiting some of the most trusted online auto parts wholesalers. Inner Auto Parts is one of the top ranked auto parts suppliers today. They have an extensive inventory of Ford catalytic converters as well as other essential Ford auto parts such as Ford headlights, Ford fuel tanks, Ford radiators, and Ford exhausts. External parts such as Ford bumpers, Ford fenders, Ford spoilers, Ford wheels and others are also available at Inner Auto Parts. Their Ford catalytic converters are guaranteed high quality, giving your car years of excellent service. All the good qualities you should look for in a catalytic converter, you will find in the Ford catalytic converters from Inner Auto Parts.

10 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance

by: Pete Lance

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually.

So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40

Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town.

However, you should not be shopping based on price along. The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value.

It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles. When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25àHowever, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes.

Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you're in an accident, so it isn't advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $2,000, it's probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you'll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks.

Make sure your credit report looks good. Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates.

Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you'll save on more than your coverage as you'll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high).

Maintain a clean driving record. The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time.

Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly. Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans.

Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen.

Finally, ask about other discounts. You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member. If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount.

Tips To Avoid Car Insurance Premium Increases & Becoming Assigned Risk

by: Philip Franckel

Below are some tips to reduce your auto insurance bill, prevent substantial premium increases and avoid becoming assigned risk.

Claim Reports: You know about credit reports, you should also know about claim reports. C.L.U.E.® (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange), is a claim report service provided by ChoicePoint, Inc. ChoicePoint, Inc. states on their web site "C.L.U.E. is a claim history information exchange that enables insurance companies to access prior claim information in the underwriting and rating process. C.L.U.E. Personal Property reports contain up to five years of personal property claims matching the search criteria submitted by the inquiring insurance company. Data provided in C.L.U.E. reports includes policy information such as name, date of birth and policy number, and claim information such as date of loss, type of loss and amounts paid."

Tip: C.L.U.E. reports contain information on claims history by a residence address. Just like credit reports, a C.L.U.E. report may have errors. It is advisable to obtain a copy of your C.L.U.E. report at ChoiceTrust.com to check your report for errors.

Credit reports: Insurance companies are now looking at credit reports to determine future premiums. They have determined that people with better credit scores have fewer claims. Consequently, if you have a poor credit report you may find yourself paying more for car insurance.

Tip: Always make at least the minimum payment for your bills on time, particularly your insurance bill.

Glass Coverage: Most auto insurance salespeople recommend "full" glass coverage for an additional premium, when you purchase collision coverage for your car. They remind you how much it costs to replace all your windows if broken by a vandal. What they do not tell you, and it is unlikely that they would even know (I would only trust the answer from an underwriter, not a sales representative), is whether your insurance company will use a previous glass claim to increase your future premium and whether they will report your glass claims to C.L.U.E.

Some insurance companies will report glass claims to C.L.U.E. and then use these claims to raise your premium or even worse, cancel your car insurance policy making you assigned risk with a substantial premium increase. Allstate notified me that after four claims in less than five years, they terminated my auto insurance policy and then offered to sell me coverage in their Indemnity Company with a shocking premium increase. These claims consisted of two claims for a broken windshield, one for a stolen and recovered car and one accident.

I had a sports car and had to endure a total premium increase over a period of four years of approximately $12,000 and remain claim free before I became eligible for coverage outside of the assigned risk pool. I wrote a letter to the president of Allstate complaining that they should not have considered my glass claims when canceling my car insurance because the glass claims were made under a separate part of the policy for which I paid a separate and additional premium. Allstate responded in a letter stating "Although this claim activity does not indicate that you were directly at fault in each loss, the frequency and severity of the above losses was not within our range of acceptability. After careful review, I regret to inform you that we cannot reverse our original decision regarding the above policy. We have however continued to offer coverage in our Indemnity Company."

Tip: Check with the underwriting department of your insurance company to see if they will consider glass claims when assessing premiums or if they report glass claims to C.L.U.E. If yes, do not make a glass claim. The two windshields which Allstate provided me with were aftermarket windshields which would have cost me less than $300 each. During the last 30 years of my driving history, I have experienced two broken front windshields, one broken rear windshield and two broken side windows. While the financial risk of totaling a car can be substantial, the financial risk of replacing a windshield is comparatively insignificant. It does not make sense to file a glass claim if it will increase your premium. You may even want to decline this coverage altogether and save the premium.

Tip for leased vehicles: Some lease agreements require that the car be returned with an OEM windshield. If you lease a car and replace a front windshield using your "full" glass coverage, insist that the insurance company provide you with an OEM windshield from the manufacturer. If you pay for the windshield yourself, check your lease agreement carefully to see if you must use an OEM windshield from the manufacturer or if you can use an aftermarket windshield. Some people with leased cars who have replaced a windshield with an aftermarket windshield are shocked, when they return their car, to find that the leasing company is charging them $800 for a new OEM windshield, even though the aftermarket windshield is in perfect condition.

Car Rental & Towing Coverage: While it may be a good idea to have this coverage, it is not always a good idea to use it. Some people have realized that this coverage is not just available when an accident has occurred. For instance, some people have used the car rental coverage when their car was in a repair shop or the towing coverage when their car broke down on the road. As with glass coverage, using this coverage may be the same as filing a claim.

Tip: Check with the underwriting department of your insurance company to see if they will consider rental or towing claims when assessing premiums or if they report these claims to C.L.U.E. If yes, do not use car rental or towing coverage unless you have had an accident, in which case it will be part of the accident claim. If you are concerned about towing costs when your car breaks down, you can buy one of the roadside assistance memberships such as the one available from AAA which provides additional benefits not provided by your automobile insurance policy.