Thoughts on prices of OEM parts

[SVXMAN2001]

I recently purchased a number of OEM parts for my svx from a local dealership, and as we all know the cost of OEM parts is exurbinent. The same can be said for all car companies. However, in the case of the svx, we are paying today's excessive costs on parts that are more than likely 10 years old. The cost of some parts equal that or exceed the cost of some entire svx's for sale. So it got me thinking:

1) Regarding OEM parts for the svx, does Subaru simply store these parts in warehouses throughout the country OR does Subaru sell the excess inventory to a wholesaler? I know the answer is probably the former, but it just doesn't make good business sense in my opinion. For example, a driver's side LS-L seat costs upwards of $800. Entire svx's are being sold for that much. The likelihood of a svx owner purchasing a new OEM driver's seat is slim. So wouldn't Subaru rather sell the seat (or stock) at less than retail to a wholesaler and at least recoup some of their money?

2) Based on my above logic, would it be a stretch to think we could haggle dealerships down in price?

3) I realize that aftermarket is an option, however, I'd much rather keep the stock look.

Thoughts, experiences?

[Manarius]

I believe that they have the stuff in warehouses based on the fact that you can pretty much only get OEM parts from dealerships. Plus, each dealership seems to have access to a database listing the accessibility and stock of each part. Although, I doubt that the parts we're getting are 10+ years old.

[michael]

If these parts a in a climate controlled environment they will last a long time. If insurance companies are paying the bill these parts are going off the shelfs. Why lower your price for a few customers when you can wait for the next guy

[ensteele]

I go along with the thought about insurance. Insurance companies will buy the part at full price. If people don't want to buy new parts, that is fine with them, so I don't think you will be able to get anyone to come down on price. The only exception would be a dealership that gives 10% or 15% off regular price.

[SVXMAN2001]

I see your points, although I am still not sold. Insurance companies buying these parts may be true for mass produced cars, but I don't think it directly applies to the SVX. As far as insurance companies go, you are assuming people have collision. I personally, don't have collision, simply liability. So insurance companies buying parts wouldn't apply in my situation. I would think a fair share of svx owner's have basic liability insurance. My reason for not having collision is that insurance companies are likely to total a svx for rather minor accidents, why pay a higher premium for collision when the car will likely be totaled. I am basing this on reading svx owner's stories over the years.

So although insurance companies buying OEM parts at full price may be a safe assumption for the majority of vehicles, we can't make the same assumption for a low production vehicle (appx. 25k) such as the svx.

Manarius, why would you doubt the parts you are buying aren't that old? Majority of manfacturer's use FIFO (first in, first out) for inventory purposes. Meaning the first item put into inventory is the first one sold. There is undoubtedly a surplus of svx parts that have accumulated over the years, not to mention the standard production run of replacement parts. That next OEM part you purchase is almost certaintly been sitting on the shelf for a number of years for none other than the simple fact of the company's inventory management. And of course because the svx is so rare parts just aren't flying off the shelf.

[NiftySVX]

That's not exactly how it works, parts is a division of the company that sells a product. However, It should be interesting to note that what your seeing as "Power seat ASSY" is the seat track and motors, not a whole seat. Many of the parts are held on hand and others are still manufactured. When the company decides it is no longer profitable they don't make it anymore. They don't sell them to anyone else because then someone could sell them as a genuine part. Some parts are discontinued as soon as production ends, if they aren't essential, like the spoiler.

[NiftySVX]

Oh, and the price of parts for this car are actually comically low, and prices are reduced almost every time a new parts catalog comes out. Stock is being depleted at this point of most non essential parts. I believe that most of the non essential parts are no longer being produced and that stock is being depleted. Even if the seat were to cost $800, (which again, this part you're looking at is only the track, motors, and transmission) is a pretty good deal considering a new seat for a toyota camry will cost you over $5000.

[trophy956]

hi as for stocking and pricing of OEM parts ,subaru as a company has parts depots around the country ,they have to have parts on hand for a car for 10 years ,but not every one, it would be againist fair trade laws for them to sell outsideof there net work ,meaning they have contracts with dealers to be there reps ,if they went around them and sold parts to someone else ,that waould be a violation,there are companies that go to japan and by parts and bring them here ,like northeast imports
if someone is charging you over list for a part for a svx thats just crap and id shop else where ,there are a lot of dealers with on line service
and ive heard of insurance companies finding parts to fix cars but they dont stock them

[SVXMAN2001]

Nifty, I was really hoping to do some quick internet research and prove you wrong...unfortunately not! haha. I looked up a 2007 Camry Se driver's seat and you were pretty much right on, about $3,800. That's crazy. I still think that the parts for the svx are expensive, but in comparison I really don't have much to complain about now do I?

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by SVXMAN2001

Nifty, I was really hoping to do some quick internet research and prove you wrong...unfortunately not! haha. I looked up a 2007 Camry Se driver's seat and you were pretty much right on, about $3,800. That's crazy. I still think that the parts for the svx are expensive, but in comparison I really don't have much to complain about now do I?

Research is your best pal when it comes to SVX parts. I will check no less than 7-10 parts suppliers before buying almost anything for my car. Prices can range immensely from one place to another..... as much as 700% for crap like waterpumps, sensors, etc. If I needed a Camry seat, I think I would call every wrecking yard in the country before dropping $3,800 for it. That, or just sit on a milk crate

[MiataMania]

One of our sponsors for our DSP car and good friends of mine, we use them for a good bit of parts at the shop.

www.SubaruPartsPro.com

Folgers' Subaru in Charlotte...seems to be one of the cheaper places around for OEM parts.


I got my Euro grill from them in about 3 days for 130ish The amount of stuff Subaru has laying around for these cars is pretty impressive still.

[Landshark]

the SVX was a fairly expensive car when it came out, and it comes with fairly expensive parts. just because its older doesn't change that fact.

a new factory Recaro seat for my '87 Porsche 928 retailed at $8000+ ..... 1/2 of what i paid for the car.

"but.....my car is old! don't i get a discount???"

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by Landshark

"but.....my car is old! don't i get a discount???"

For sure! Especially on a factory reman engine for that '23 Chalmers!

At any rate, +1 postcount, and 11 days till NHL preseason

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L

11 days till NHL preseason

yes!!! football soon, too!


a repeat for the Penguins AND Steelers? that'll happen.

[LetItSnow]

If your local parts department is nailing you for list price, you should be shopping online. There's no reason to pay full cost if there are sources that won't charge it (and there are!)