1996 Saab 9000 Aero Ecu(stage 1+t7) on 2040-parts.com

Camrys, Caddys and Civics--good-bye: Mainstream cars top stolen-vehicle report

Look out Honda and Toyota owners, your mainstream cars are hot targets for car thieves, according to LoJack's annual report. Apparently the high gasoline prices have hit everyone, including car thieves. Honda topped the list of recovered stolen vehicles, with the fuel-efficient 2000 Honda Civic being nabbed the most often for the second year in a row.

BMW recalls the X3 for steering fix

BMW is recalling 50 units of the 2011 BMW X3 for a potential power-steering problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a control module in the electric power-steering unit might malfunction, resulting in a sudden loss of power-steering assistance, which could lead to a crash. The suspect X3s were built between April 27 and June 8, 2011.

Catalytic converter thefts double in three years

Associated Press Thefts of catalytic converters from cars have more than doubled in less than three years, according to an investigation by the BBC. Data compiled from 40 police regions across the UK reveal that in 2012 a total of 8,947 catalytic converters thefts were reported, compared to 3,957 similar cases recorded in 2010. On Bing: see pictures of catalytic convertersStreet sweepers to mine UK roads for precious metals A car’s catalytic converter reduces its harmful exhaust gas emissions by initiating a chemical process to neutralise many toxic substances emitted from the engine.