You may have noticed a new-and-improved design on FrugalMechanic.com. We didn’t go too crazy on the colors, just some nice subtle color and UI changes that we hope will make it easier for our visitors to navigate the site and find the parts that they’re looking for. As always, please let us know if you have any feedback (contact@frugalmechanic.com).
Had a nice chuckle when I saw this license plate today. On a related note, Subaru just launched the sedan version of their uber-popular WRX STI. For more info and pics of the STI sedan, check out the story on Jalopnik.
If you read our recent post 245,304,018 Engine/Part Combinations you’d know we’re up to our eyeballs in data here at Frugal Mechanic.
We recently crunched some numbers on some common replacement auto parts (oxygen sensor, brake pad set, brake disc, air filter, spark plug, oil filter) and calculated the average retail prices across all automakers. Porsche and Jaguar topped the list, while Yugo and Geo came it at the bottom.
We also looked at the cost for specific cars as well. The 2008 Mercedes ML550 and the 2000 Porsche 911 came it at the top. But here at Frugal Mechanic, we’re more interested in which cars are at the bottom of the list rather than the top. If you really want to save some money, you should be driving a 1990 Chevy Celebrity or a 1991 Chevy Beretta (side note: I actually owned a Chevy Beretta in high school).
You can read the full report here: http://frugalmechanic.com/press/best_and_worst_cars_to_maintain/
I have to admit, I normally don’t get too fired up about supercars. I mean, they’re cool to look at but I won’t ever be able to drive one, so what’s the point in getting all hot and bothered? I’m much more excited about cars that I could potentially own at some point in the not-too-distant future (e.g Ford Focus RS). You know, cars that the everyday man could see themselves owning at some point, if all of the planets align.
Having said that, you’ve just gotta check out the latest PR video for the new Pagani Zonda R. The music, the lighting, the camera angles are all perfect! Oh yeah, and the car is pretty sweet too!
I’d like to welcome our newest partner….Callahan Auto Parts from Sandusky, OH. They’ve got a full line of high quality of brake pads at unbeatable prices.
If you never heard of Callahan Auto Parts, then you’ve probably never seen the movie Tommy Boy either. Callahan Auto Parts is arguably the best known fictitious auto parts company on the planet, followed closely by Zalinski Auto Parts, Callahan’s arch-nemesis and #1 competitor.
No matter how many times I watch Tommy Boy, I still laugh during the ‘Brake Pads’ scene. Check it out on YouTube. Farley is absolutely classic as he portrays a spastic sales rep trying to convince a retailer to buy brake pads from his company.
If you’re a die-hard fan, consider joining the Callahan Auto parts Facebook page (with over 300 fans) or picking up a few Callahan Auto Parts t-shirts.
Here at Frugal Mechanic, we deal with a lot of data on a daily basis. We have parts that fit hundreds of different makes (e.g. Audi), lots of different years (e.g 2002 Audi), thousands of different models (e.g. 2002 Audi A4) and a bunch of different Engines (e.g. 2002 Audi A4 1.8T).
When you combine those numbers with the number of categories (e.g. Oil Filter) and unique parts (Bosch 72211), you get some really really big numbers. Try 245,304,018 total combinations (e.g. 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Bosch 72211 Oil Filter).
Just to put that in perspective…that means almost every single person in the US could have their own unique engine/part combination (the US population is currently around 300 million). That’s a lot of parts!
Spot the Difference!
If you watched any of the alpine skiing events at the 2010 Winter Olympics, you’ve probably noticed a bunch of banners in the background with interlocking rings. Of course, I’m referring to the Audi banners promoting their legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system. Honestly, I can’t decide if the marketing folks at Audi are geniuses or idiots for sponsoring the Olympics. Their logo is so similar to the Olympic rings, I wonder how many people even notice the Audi banners. They just sort of blend into the background. To make matters worse for Audi, not only are the rings very similar, the red and white colors that Audi is known for are also synonymous with Canada.
By the way, if you’re wondering which came first, the Olympic rings were first used in the 1920 Olympics. Audi’s rings, made their debut in 1932, symbolizing the merger of four German car companies, Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer
We’re excited to announce that we’ve made it easier for you to find the parts that fit your vehicle! Last night, we launched a new feature on FrugalMechanic.com that allows you to refine your search by selecting your car’s Trim and Engine size. This means you can shop with confidence knowing that the parts will fit your specific vehicle. No more guessing which oil filter fits your Mustang V8.
If you have any additional suggestions for new features that you’d like to see on FrugalMechanic.com, please let us know.
We have a lot of expensive parts on FrugalMechanic.com, but this might be the most expensive. It’s a Dorman Exhaust Manifold available on Amazon for $72,576. It’s obviously a pricing error, but it’s still pretty funny. I know exhaust manifolds are expensive, but come on!!
I wonder what would happen if you actually tried to purchased this part from Amazon? And does it come with Super Saver shipping?
http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/77999-dorman-oe-solutions-exhaust-manifold-674-559
In addition to the basic stuff like screwdrivers and socket wrenches, here are a few items that every weekend mechanic should have in their garage:
Shop Light — Shed some light on your work with a good quality shop light. Be sure to pay a little bit extra cash for the stand-up version. You’ll be glad you did.
Torque Wrench – If you change your tires frequently, this is a must-have. Not only does it help you apply the correct amount of torque, it also serves as a nice breaker bar for those stubborn bolts.
Car Ramps - There are two kinds of weekend mechanics….those that prefer ramps and those that prefer jack stands. Personally, I prefer ramps for two reasons…1) the car feels more secure when it’s up on ramps compared to jack stands and 2) it’s a lot quicker to drive up a set of ramps than it is to jack the car up and put jack stands underneath.
Oil Filter Wrench – If you’ve ever tried to remove a slick oild filter with your hands, you know exactly why this tool is on our list of Top 10 Tools. Eliminate ten minutes of frustration by picking up an oil filter wrench for $5-$10.
Code Reader – It won’t solve your problem, but it will point you in the right direction. If you don’t own one, stop by your local auto parts store. Many of the big retail chains (AutoZone, Schucks, Checker, etc) will let you borrow one for no cost.
Gloves – Working on your car means that your hands are going to get dirty. It’s just a fact. Pick up a box of rubber gloves and keep your fingernails dirt-free.
Tire Pressure Gauge — Quick and easy way to tell if your tire is running a bit low.
Magnetic Pick Up Tool — Perhaps the greatest invention of all time, use this handy-dandy tool to retrieve that pesky screw that you dropped in the engine bay.
Multimeter – Without one of these suckers, it’s pretty much impossible to track down electrical issues. And don’t worry about replacing them because they last forever and the technology doesn’t change over time.
Plastic Zip Ties — These little guys are the automotive equivalent to duct tape. Definitely not a long term solution for any kind of major automotive work, but they sure come in handy for quick fixes. I’ve used these more times than I care to admit!
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