BeierRubino58
Auto parts. Something we really don't think much about. We buy our nice shiny new Honda or Jeep or Lexus or whatever and pray that it runs forever without any problems. After which if there is a problem we hope that the repair isn't too costly and that the various components are available with relative ease.
Welcome to the REAL world.
Auto parts sales is one of the largest industries on the planet. Is sensible since just about everyone in the world has an automobile except maybe in underdeveloped countries. Some auto parts wear out rather quickly such as oil filters. Some last a little longer like brake shoes and pads. And then you have parts that thank heavens don't wear out frequently whatsoever like transmissions or cars would be impossible to maintain cost wise.
But there is more for an auto part than simply the part itself. The brand name and year of your car will have an excellent impact on how much the part will definitely cost to replace and how easy the part is to buy.
Let's begin with ease of obtaining. Obviously newer car parts is going to be simpler to get than older ones. A buddy of mine still has a 1975 Pontiac Lemans. To acquire parts for this car he needs to literally go to junk yards and even online. No new car dealers keep parts beyond Ten years approximately and even auto parts stores limit their inventory to cars under Two decades. A 30 year old vehicle is almost impossible to locate parts for. Plus, if you're able to find the part, based on where you get it, the cost might be anywhere from 20 to 100% over the original part cost. To say that late model car owners are taken advantage of will be a gross understatement.
But ease of obtaining is not just limited to age the car. Vehicles with a limited production will also be challenging parts for, particularly if the vehicle isn't a big seller. The reason behind this really is again obvious. Keeping inventory that isn't likely to be sold is expensive. So auto parts dealers keep limited supplies for these vehicles.
As for the cost of auto parts, aside from the age of the vehicle there is the make and model. In this instance foreign car parts are much more costly than domestically made cars. Many people who buy foreign cars don't realize this as well as think about it until it comes time for you to get their vehicle repaired. They get hit using the bill as well as their eyes pop out of their head. For example, an oil filer for any 2005 Buick Century is about $2.98. The same oil filter for any Honda CRV is $3.98. It's basically the same filter for that Honda but it costs $1.00 more. That comes out to a 33% markup on the relatively cheap part. Suppose same 33% markup on a part which costs $60 for the Buick. You'd be paying about $80 for the same part for that Honda.
The easiest method to obtain the best price for auto parts is to shop around. Look on the Internet. Visit auto parts auctions. Go to junk yards, if you do not want a used part for something critical as an engine. Several things like door handles and non functional items like those are fine. Probably they will not go south for a while. But for items that keep the car running, if you can afford it, it is best to get new.
Auto parts is very large business. Just do not get distracted by the money pit it can get you in.
