Buying parts for your old car from the dealer

[MCompact]

Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
Funny thing, I was once trying to find a fuel line fitting for the MG, and the Autozone guy said it was a "dealer item". I said it's an MG, and gave me a look of "Yeah, so?".

Pretty sure there are no MG dealers around anymore. I don't know, would a Range Rover dealer be the next closest thing?


The closest thing would be a British Motor Heritage Specialist; check out the USA specialists in the BMH directory.

 

[Kurtatron]

This stuff makes me nervous about owning older cars. I got a 1999 Toyota Solara and a 1991 Toyota Previa. Toyota is pretty good at supporting older vehicles, but I can see inventory running out. No more A/C compressor, alternator, power steering pump, or driveshaft. I just wonder what I will do when any of those parts goes out. I don’t like newer cars much nor do I have the cash to get another car. And living in the Midwest, older cars like the Previa are no longer in nearby junkyards. They all rusted out a long time ago. I am willing to pay more for essential parts to keep my cars running, but there just isn’t the option for older cars.

 

[Claud]

Mostly dealers keep inventory for cars up 10 years old over here. For older cars it's a lottery, if the parts carried over to newer models you're in luck. If it's an obscure part for a car that didn't sell well, you may have a problem.
Mercedes Benz are much better than most at keeping parts for old cars. I understood Rolls Royce used to guarantee replacement parts were available for every car they ever built, although you may have to place an order and wait. And pay their asking price of course. However "Anyone who has to think about the cost of owning a Rolls Royce cannot afford one".

Claud.

 

[Jett Rink]

The local Mercedes dealer keeps routine maintenance parts in stock (plugs, serpentine belt, distributor, rotor, filters, etc.) for models at least as far back as W124. Probably some W123 parts on the shelf, too.

He is more expensive than an online supplier like AutohausAZ, but you can go pick them up the same day. Parts man at the desk told me they sell parts to local indy repair shops and owners.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

FYI for Toyota parts call DAN at American Toyota in New Mexico. He is a legend in Landcruiser circles. Really nice guy, good prices and can find anything that is able to be found.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: Jett Rink
The local Mercedes dealer keeps routine maintenance parts in stock (plugs, serpentine belt, distributor, rotor, filters, etc.) for models at least as far back as W124. Probably some W123 parts on the shelf, too.

He is more expensive than an online supplier like AutohausAZ, but you can go pick them up the same day. Parts man at the desk told me they sell parts to local indy repair shops and owners.


I've been casually looking for a w123 steering box and the last dealer price I saw was $2200!

 

[dlundblad]

I get a good chuckle seeing my shiny mint slightly lifted Grand Cherokee next to the newer stuff. Mine is how I remember the brand whereas the new stuff is just there to appease the masses with the exception of the Rubicon.

My truck at the Chevy dealer is another story. Lol.

 

[Number_35]

Originally Posted By: Kurtatron
This stuff makes me nervous about owning older cars. I got a 1999 Toyota Solara and a 1991 Toyota Previa. Toyota is pretty good at supporting older vehicles, but I can see inventory running out. No more A/C compressor, alternator, power steering pump, or driveshaft. I just wonder what I will do when any of those parts goes out. I don’t like newer cars much nor do I have the cash to get another car. And living in the Midwest, older cars like the Previa are no longer in nearby junkyards. They all rusted out a long time ago. I am willing to pay more for essential parts to keep my cars running, but there just isn’t the option for older cars.
I loved the Previa. Always wanted one w/ the 5-speed manual. FWIW, a used car dealer told me years ago that the two most reliable minivans ever made were the Previa and the 1st-gen ('89 - '98) Mazda MPV. Note that they're both RWD.

 

[Ducked]

Can't do it at the local Daihatsu dealer. They don't bother to look it up and I get the distinct impression if I didn't take an instant "Meio Too Old-uh!" for an answer they might call security.

Have to go through a mechanic. They seem to be able to get bits no bother, so far.

One of my private students was the President of Ford Taiwan and would occaisionally order Daihatsu parts for me for collection at a Ford dealership service centre.

Was quite funny instantly switching The Brush-off to The Grovel by mentioning who placed the order.

 

[Ducked]

Originally Posted By: dlundblad
I get a good chuckle seeing my shiny mint slightly lifted Grand Cherokee next to the newer stuff. Mine is how I remember the brand whereas the new stuff is just there to appease the masses with the exception of the Rubicon.


That the older squared-off design?

Much prefer that to the newer ones, and would quite like one.

You never see them in the lowlands here any more but the aboriginals (who live in the mountains) still use them, and a pickup apparently based on the same shell.

Difficult to buy though. Apart from not being an aboriginal, they probably run them into the ground (and then keep them for spares, since they have land), plus they are probably mostly unregistered (note the lack of plates on these ones snapped this afternoon) so impossible to transfer.

Distinct cultural difference from the Chinese, who need new.

 

[NYEngineer]

Back in the 90's I found a stone solid 80 Firebird on a used car lot without an engine or trans. I asked about it and the guy said 100 dollars takes it. I took it on the spot and brought it back to my shop. Threw together a small block chevy with Vortech heads and a 700R4. Also built a 3.55 ten bolt posi for it.
It got interesting when I went to the closest Pontiac dealer for a bunch of parts that were still available and realized I could really have fun with this. The parts guy there was really cool and he had a second computer that wasn't being used so he showed me how to navigate it and I was able to piece together a serpentine system from let's say a 91 IROC, 16" wheels, and a few other retrofits that I can't remember any more. Car was stone cold reliable and fun to drive.
Lots of times, nothing is better than factory parts.
Oh yeah, the best part of the Camaro serpentine belt system on that car was it placed the AC compressor on the passenger side unlike a Pontiac engine with V belts that had it on the drivers side. AC in that car blew ice cold. Only custom part in the AC was the hoses. Everything else was out of the factory parts books.