LoyLally368
Auto parts. Something we actually don't believe much about. We buy our nice shiny new Honda or Jeep or Lexus or whatever and pray it runs forever with no problems. And then if there is a problem we hope that the repair isn't too costly and that the various components are available with relative ease.
Thanks for visiting the REAL world.
Auto parts sales is among the largest industries on the planet. Is sensible since just about everyone on the planet has an automobile except maybe in underdeveloped countries. Some auto parts need replacing rather quickly such as oil filters. Some serve you for a bit more time like brake shoes and pads. And you have parts that thank goodness don't need replacing frequently at all like transmissions or cars could be impossible to keep cost wise.
But there is more to an auto part than simply the part itself. The brand name and year of the car may have a great impact on just how much the part will definitely cost to exchange and how easy the part is to buy.
Let us begin with easy 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 obtain parts with this car he has to literally go to junk yards and even online. No new car dealers keep parts beyond 10 years or so as well as auto parts stores limit their inventory to cars under 20 years. A Thirty year old vehicle is almost impossible to find parts for. Plus, if you can find the part, depending on in which you get it, the price might be anywhere from 20 to 100% over the original part cost. To express that late model car owners are cheated would be a gross understatement.
But easy obtaining isn't just limited to age the vehicle. Vehicles with a limited production are also hard to get parts for, especially if the vehicle isn't a big seller. The reason behind this is again obvious. Keeping inventory that isn't going to be sold is pricey. So auto parts dealers keep limited supplies for these vehicles.
As for the price of auto parts, aside from the chronilogical age of the vehicle you have 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 understand this as well as consider it until it comes time to get their vehicle repaired. Then they get hit with the bill as well as their eyes come out of the head. For instance, an oil filer for a 2005 Buick Century is about $2.98. Exactly the same oil filter for a Honda CRV is $3.98. It's simply the same filter for that Honda but it costs $1.00 more. That comes to a 33% markup on a relatively cheap part. Suppose same 33% markup on a part which costs $60 for that Buick. You'd be paying about $80 for the similar part for the Honda.
The easiest method to obtain the best price for auto parts would be to shop around. Look on the Internet. Visit auto parts auctions. Visit junk yards, if you don't want a used part for something critical like an engine. Some things like door handles and non functional things like those are fine. Most likely they won't go south for some time. But for items which keep the car running, if you're able to afford it, it is best to get new.
Auto parts is very large business. Just do not get distracted by the cash pit it can land you in.
