CHICAGO A new breed of Do-It-Yourself motorists are changing the way their vehicles are being serviced. BIY (Buy-It-Yourself) consumers are saving money on auto repairs and maintenance by purchasing the necessary parts themselves and having their local technicians do the installations. Using the Internet to find the best prices for the parts and accessories they need, these astute BIY drivers are keeping their cars and trucks running safely and efficiently, extending the life of their vehicles and saving considerable money, according to JC Whitney.
JC Whitney & Co, a direct marketer of automotive parts and accessories, has recently noted the rise of this new trend among its customers.
“It’s a trend that’s really picking up speed,
“ said Tom West, CEO and president of JC Whitney. “It’s no different than a bride buying a diamond online and having her local jeweler set it.”
The savings can be dramatic, according to JC Whitney. As an example, the company said the owner of a 2001 Ford Mustang saved almost $70 on a new radiator buy ordering the part themselves. A national auto parts store quoted the part at $186.99. JC Whitney offered the exact same part, including shipping, for $117.04. Another example: A front oxygen sensor for a 2002 Chevy Malibu was priced at $139.99 by a national service chain, and JCWhitney.com’s price for the identical name-brand part, delivered to the customer’s doorstep, was $80.98 a savings of more than 40 percent.