Still A Certified Ford Lover
Monday, October 24, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 8:53 PM


President Bush’s appeal to minimize driving seems unsuccessful since majority of Americans still opt to drive their old cars instead of carpooling on a regular basis or riding public transit. Most respondents to a survey conducted by Triad Strategies in Pennsylvania said they’d rather “make significant changes in driving habits” to minimize fuel expenses. Many are also considering alternate fuel sources to gasoline. Moreover, many still decide to buy new cars. However, Ford isn’t lucky enough to get the buyers’ interest.

I was browsing for the latest about cars when I came across a news that says Ford is laying off on January due to BIG quarterly loss—Ford recently reported $284 million loss for this third quarter. Not only that, it will be closing some of its plants early next year, too. Seems like the America’s second largest automaker is on the rocks. It’s certainly not a good news for Ford lovers like me. Could this be the end of the reign of Ford-tough Ford F-150 trucks and Ford Explorer as top selling vehicles? Hope not.

My very first auto was a Ford F-150 truck. I love its utility and durability. I can drive it to almost every destination, either on-road and off-road. Lately, I just bought a 2-wheel drive Ford Escape Hybrid. It’s marvelous. This sport utility vehicle is another remarkable vehicle from Ford I should say. Its 2.3L 4-cylinder engine mated with 50-kilowatt electric motor works just as good as a powerful V6 and its very fuel efficient. In fact, it got an EPA fuel economy rating of 36 mpg in the city.

Contrary to the news about Ford, my Ford Escape Hybrid is topping the list of the most popular SUV on MSN Autos during the third quarter of 2005. Probably like me, they prefer this SUV’s fuel economy plus its utility over other vehicles’ “affordability” and “performance.” Taking the fourth spot is still the best-selling sport utility, the Ford Explorer. Ford isn’t totally out of the picture yet. It’s still one of the biggest manufacturer and the best-selling autos not only in the SUV segment but in other auto category as well. Let’s just say, it had to slow down a bit.

Okay, that’s it for now. I’m going to get my old truck new Ford F-150 pickup parts. I’m planning to sell it some time next year, hopefully with a good price. I buy my Ford parts from Ford Parts Online, one of the country’s leading auto parts suppliers. It’s got lots of OEM-quality and perfect fit Ford parts for almost all Ford models and great deals as well. Fortunately, I got great discounts on my new Ford wheels, Ford a/c condenser and Ford lights. If you’re a certified Ford lover like me, go check this store out, you’d surely love their great variety of replacement and aftermarket parts.
 
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Buying A Used Ford?
Sunday, October 16, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 1:28 AM


Are you planning to buy a used Ford car or truck?


Well, it’s not a bad idea. Latest models are really expensive even entry-level cars like the 2005 Ford Focus would cost you $12,680 to $15,811 according to MSN Autos while you can get the 2000 Ford Focus model that still looks perfectly great for only about $6,000.


You have more alternatives now on how to make it more stylish, more powerful, safer or simply "more fun to drive." You can practically do anything you can think of with that used vehicle. There are a lot of online stores where you can get perfect-fit and OEM-quality replacement Ford parts; among your best choices is Ford Parts Online.


Anyway, going back to buying a new car. Before you finally say "yes" to a private dealer offering you that used vehicle, you need to check first on some very important things. I’ve come across these useful tips online. I just want to share them to you:


1. Ask the seller to show you the following:

• Current certificate of registration

• Pink slip that is not more than 28 days old

• Proof that the person selling the car is the owner e.g. Sales Receipt.


2. Check that the number plate, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and engine details on the car match those on the certificate of registration and the pink slip. If they don’t match, ask the seller why.


3. Find out if any money owes on the car.


4. Beware of vehicles for sale well below the market price - they may have serious mechanical problems or have been stolen. (Better check on the parts like the wheels, the lights, body parts, the engine, the starter, etc.)


5. Be suspicious if the seller wants to meet in a public place instead of their home or work place.



Furthermore, you must be cautious of the things you must and must not say to the dealer. I found this helpful blog "Buying a New Car? Here’s What Not to Say to Your Dealer." It says you should avoid things like "I’m not sure...which model do you think I need?" and "Oh, I’ve wanted one of these all my life.”"


Saying these gives the dealer an opportunity to sell you the vehicle at the highest price. He might include additional auto parts which you may not need at the moment. Try to sound like an informed buyer while transacting business with the auto dealer.


When you’re done with the haggling part, concentrate on how you are going to improve your car. Make it unique so it won’t look old and used. Try replacement and aftermarket parts from Ford Parts Online. They have Ford air deflector, Ford mirrors, Ford headlights, Ford taillights, Ford spoiler and thousands of other Ford performance auto parts.

 
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Ford T-birds Turn 50
Monday, October 10, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 7:24 PM


Ford unveiled a Limited Edition of Ford Thunderbird at the Florida International Auto Show in Miami last November 2004, as this American icon celebrated its Golden Anniversary.



Reminiscing Ford Thunderbird’s fifty successful years in the industry, Ford released for the 2005 model year, a specially designed Thunderbird featuring commemorative 50th Anniversary badges mounted on the auto’s Ford front fender. Early this year, it began production of special edition 2005 Ford Thunderbird models with exclusive cashmere color. Only 1,500 units of this vehicle will be out in the market.

In a news release by Ford, Steve Lyons, the President of Ford Division, stated "The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird builds upon the car's rich heritage - which began with the classic, two-seater 1955 model...this special edition adds to the emotional attachment that America has with Thunderbird, an attachment that has been 50 years in the making."

This gorgeous special edition 2006 Ford Thunderbird features removable top and cloth convertible top and soft boot. Matching the elegant Cashmere paint are its 16-spoke, 17-inch Ford wheels with Cashmere accented hub ring.

Car collectors must be eyeing on this new car by now. Previous special edition Ford models, specifically the 2002 T-birds and the “007” edition of 2003 were successful. That could have given Ford enough confidence to market 1,500 soon-to-be-classics 2005 Ford T-birds.

After all, Ford remains to be a top-selling brand not only in America despite the growing number of import cars. In fact just last year, Ford ranked number 2 in Yahoo’s list of most-searched auto brands, surprisingly following Honda.

Replacement Ford parts suppliers also abound online; among them Ford Parts Online, offers the best replacement and aftermarket auto parts for various Ford models. This only shows Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs’ continuously growing popularity or simply, Ford users’ continuous trust to Ford as an excellent auto maker.
 
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Auto Parts to Keep Your Ford Away From Road Accidents
Tuesday, October 04, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 12:43 AM


Ford vehicles are known for their extraordinary toughness; however, this doesn’t mean they are excused from meeting accidents on the road. Ford parts likewise are subject to wear and tear especially when not maintained and given enough care and attention. Hence, sooner or later they may require replacements. Although finding replacement auto parts is so easy nowadays, keeping your stock Ford parts at their best state is a must for every Ford owner.

One of the most notable car parts in the country today is Ford Parts Online. This store is easily accessible online and has a comprehensive inventory of OEM-quality replacement parts. You can find here highly durable parts made to give you high level of protection original Ford parts are able to afford. Featured in the site are Ford bumpers, Ford lights, Ford mirrors, Ford bumper fillers and Ford crossmembers.

Most car crash incidents require replacement of the bumper since this part is designed to be crushed and to absorb the impact during the collision. With the use of a bumper, further damage on the vehicle and the passengers is avoided. Vehicles such as Ford trucks and SUVs need tougher and more durable front and rear bumper since these vehicles are used in more challenging driving conditions.

The auto lights and auto mirrors are also among the most important safety parts in your vehicle. If you have a Ford Explorer, which you often drive off-road, you better equip it with enough auto lights and Ford mirrors first before you traverse the most dangerous and unfamiliar trails. Additional off-road lights, fog lights and wide-angle and towing mirrors could give you the protection you need. These auto parts may not be available as stock parts in your auto but could be bought at aftermarket part dealers like Ford Parts Online.
 
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And Now, More Space for Your Junk
Monday, October 03, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 4:56 PM


Good news, Ford pickup fans!

Anyone remember when Honda briefly electrified the truck world early this year after its midsize Ridgeline pickup debuted with a spacious lockable trunk under its cargo bed? Ford probably thought hey, why didn’t we think of that?

So, they resolved to take things a little nit more further by offering -- hear this, not one but THREE trunks in the bed of its 2007 Explorer Sport Trac which is set to go on sale next year. Two of the trunks, each conveniently the size of a six-pack (those truck-maker guys think of everything, don’t they?), are located between the wheel wells and tailgate, while the other is up closer to the cab and is the largest of the three trunks. All three have drainage plugs and locks — a.k.a. built-in tailgating equipment with security.



The new Ford truck, whose structure borrows from the new Explorer SUV and the F-150 pickup will also be the first Sport Trac to offer an optional V8 engine. Ford’s 4.6-liter V8 produces 292 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base powertrain consists of a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic.
Okay, so what’s next?

Sooner or later people will be asking for compartments for everything but the kitchen sink.


To those fully happy with their present rides, remember to keep things good and get only the best auto parts for your Ford car. Find quality Ford A/C condensers, Ford radiators, Ford spoilers, and Ford mirrors at Ford Parts Online.




 
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