Click here for eBay!

Automotive parts have gone down in price in the last 5 years, with the exception of some kinds of parts, parts that do not have a high turn over rate, specialty items. 

With all that said, buying parts on eBay can be a money and time saving option.  I’ve purchased many automotive parts on eBay, and have only been disappointed a few times.  Once because they sent the wrong part, and once because it arrived damaged, and another that I can remember the guy took about 3 weeks to finally ship the item ( should have read his feedback ).  

If you already know the brands and the item you are after, you’re in good shape.  Now you just have to compare the item prices from different sellers, shipping prices, and of course the sellers ratings and feedback.  If you notice many people have complained about a seller, but offers a great deal, don’t bother, spend the extra couple bucks and go with a reputable seller with very good feedback.  I always look for feedback of between 96 and 100%, anything less usually means that seller has had too many problems with customers.

I once bought a set of brake rotors ( brembo blanks )

from a seller with good feedback, although when arrived, rotors where jingling inside the box, was packaged horribly, I wonder how he received good feedback packaging products like that.  There was a hole in the box, and was stuffed with paper, and not even stuffed very good.  I complained but didn’t get even a response.  I assumed he was a drop shipper and was shipped from a fulfillment company that does a bad job packaging heavy items. 

This is one possible problem with buying parts on eBay.  Some sellers just don’t have a clue how to pack and ship their products.  Alot of them don’t take into account how heavy the product is, and how many shipping terminals and hands it passes through, how many times it gets unloaded and loaded again into shipping containers.  Sometimes i’m just amazed that the parts i’ve ordered arrived undamaged and in good condition, a fluke I guess.

There are still many people and companies that do package their products very good though, so don’t let that discourage you from buying on eBay.  It usually works out to save you time and money. 

Always do your research!  Call your local auto parts stores before buying that item on eBay, if you care about saving money of course.  You can often get a better deal buying locally, and save time if you need that item fast, as shipping usually takes anywhere between 3-10 days after purchase to delivery at your home or business.

Some automotive parts just can’t be obtained locally, and that is why i turn to the internet right away. 

Oem parts that don’t sell in high volumes such as rubber moldings and other parts specific to your model car are usually very hard to find in the aftermarket, and for those I turn to these online dealership sites (links below), as they do offer much better prices then if you were to go directly to your local Honda or Acura dealership.  You still must take into account the shipping prices and make your decision accordingly.

San Leonardo Honda - http://slhondaparts.com/

South Bay Honda - http://www.hondapartscheap.com/

Majestic Honda - http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

There are others, but these are the ones I usually order from and have had no problems with. 

When buying on eBay, just follow your gut, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!  Happy shopping!

 https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/logon.asp

On left side of home page under “FREE RESOURCES” click “Owner’s Manuals” & choose your year and model.

04/04/2007 - NEW YORK - 

The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000’s potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

“The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Its features and equipment are designed to appeal to weekend club racing enthusiasts.”

The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray color.

Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).

The exclusive interior is highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter and carbon fiber-style trim panels. Air conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with CD player are optional equipment. Standard features for the S2000 include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it.

Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight balance.

The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly complimenting the engine’s output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws. Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension, precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, the end result is a complete, no compromise, performance package for the enthusiast driver.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com

More Pics:

Torrance, Calif. - 09/13/2007

The 2008 Acura TL prevails as a leader within the midsized market thanks to its recently-revised exterior and interior styling, expanded navigation system with AcuraLink™ satellite communication system featuring real-time traffic (with the addition of 32 more metropolitan markets), added safety and security features, two new exterior colors, along with the return of the performance-minded TL Type-S model.

“The TL remains a leader in the mid-luxury segment, winning the hearts of performance luxury sedan customers with its bold styling, razor-sharp performance and exceptional list of standard luxury features,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. “The return of the TL Type-S further distinguishes the performance pedigree of the TL lineup.”

The 2008 TL and TL Type-S offer a wide array of class-leading performance, comfort and convenience technologies such as the Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium sound system with DVD-Audio, Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (optional on the TL and standard on the Type-S) featuring AcuraLink™ with real-time traffic information in 76 metropolitan markets, and Bluetooth™ HandsFreeLink™ technology that allows drivers to synchronize their cell phone address books with the vehicle.

Full article click link below:

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/733/releases/4217

Australia - Good news, Honda Civic Hybrid is starting to show promise in the fuel economy stakes.

With nearly 4000km on the clock, the hybrid has turned in two 700km plus results from a single tank of fuel.

We were getting a bit worried because it is rated at 4.6 litres/100km and we haven’t been getting anywhere near that. Still, it is early days yet because the car wasn’t even run in when we took delivery…

For full article click link below:

Original Source: http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,22367431-5003140,00.html

TCP Global - AutoColorLibrary

  2007 RDX        2007 MDX

The Acura RDX and MDX both scored the top rating of ‘GOOD’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for rear-end collision protection, the IIHS announced today.

The crash test measures the protection afforded by head restraints in rear-end collisions. According to the IIHS, rear-end collisions are very common, and often result in neck injuries. Both the Acura MDX and RDX are equipped with standard active front head restraints which help minimize the potential for the driver or front passenger to suffer a neck injury during a rear-end collision.

“In stop and go commuter traffic, you’re more likely to get in a rear-end collision than any other crash type,” says David Zuby, senior vice president of the Institute’s Vehicle Research Center.

Equipped with an array of standard safety technologies for protection in a variety of crashes, the RDX and MDX also received the top IIHS rating in both the frontal offset and side impact tests. With ‘GOOD’ ratings in each of the IIHS safety tests, both the RDX and MDX are IIHS ‘TOP SAFETY PICKS’. In addition, both the RDX and MDX have received five-stars, the highest possible rating, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in both frontal and side impact crash tests through the government’s New Car Assessment Program.*.

The Acura MDX luxury performance SUV was completely redesigned for 2007 with substantial advances in power, style and safety, while maintaining third row seating and plenty of cargo capacity.

The all-new turbocharged RDX redefines the compact Crossover SUV category with its unique combination of sports sedan handling and SUV utility. Both Acura SUVs are equipped with the breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, which provides agile control and exceptional handling in all weather conditions.

Like the entire Acura lineup, RDX and MDX feature dual stage front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) as standard equipment.

For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com.

*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program ( www.safercar.gov).

Source: Acura Media Newsroom

A factory-prepared 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan will debut in mid-October, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan is equipped with a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport-tuned exhaust system.

“Honda enthusiasts have long been asking for factory-installed MUGEN performance products similar to what the company offers in Japan,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “We’re enthusiasts, too, and the ultra-premium Civic MUGEN Si Sedan offers exclusive style and elevated handling performance with legendary Honda refinement.”

The track-tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the conventional Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent. Lightweight 16.98-pound 18×7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17×7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich® g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to create MUGEN’s unique, rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character. The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille, side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing.

The sport exhaust system reduces back pressure from the catalytic converter back. The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan will be available exclusively in Fiji Blue Pearl and include front and rear MUGEN emblems. Inside, a MUGEN Limited Edition placard is located on the center console along with a spherical 50 mm MUGEN aluminum shift knob.

The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.

The limited-production vehicle (maximum of 1,000 units for the 2008 model year) will have a retail price of less than $30,000 when it goes on sale and include a full factory warranty. A prototype of the Honda Civic MUGEN Si was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in fall 2006.

Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Specs:
Engine Type = i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine
Displacement = 2.0 liters (1998 cc)
Transmission = 6 Speed MT
Horsepower = 197 @ 7800 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) = 139 @ 6100 rpm
Ride Height = 5.3 inches (-0.6 inches from Civic Si Sedan)
Overall Length = 177.8 inches total (+1.1 inches from Civic Si Sedan)
Wheels: Forged GP 18×7.5 (pattern 5H-114.3 +48)
Color: Fiji Blue Pearl

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

The first thing you need to do is plan your Sema visit.  Take a map and figure out where you are going to go first and make a plan.  There is so much to see that if you don’t plan it out properly,  you might not see everything you really came there to see.

The cars, the girls, the parts, what’s your favorite part of the show?   I know ours is the girls, then the cars, and the parts, yes they’re nice too!   But seriously, whether you’re there to make connections, or just to see the new products out there, or maybe you’re just there to have fun, then you are sure to find it,  and probably much much more.

Sema 2007 just a short time away, i’m sure will blow me away again, and i’ll have so much more this time to share with you.  Standby for my much better 2007 sema experience post.

Here’s a few pictures, and yes, there are no pictures of any Honda’s, but that’s only because we didnt have time to see much at all, again, don’t go late in the day, go early, especially if you are arriving on the last show date. 

Just a taste of how awesome Sema really is!

R.R.

Next SEMA show - Oct.30 (tues) - Nov.1 (fri)

Unfortunately this event is not open to the general public, you must be related to the automotive aftermarket in some way. 

For more info on the Sema show visit - http://www.semashow.com