Disintermediation and Auto Parts
Category Diversions
Recently, our 1999 Mercury Sable needed new catalytic converters. The initial estimate was an astounding rate of several thousand dollars. When I questioned the repair center (the dealership cost was even more expensive), I was informed that the high cost was because of the expense of the parts.
Impossible.
There are state regulations on the replacement of catalytic converters (e.g., no used parts). But, if I could find a cheaper source for the part from a legitimate vendor, the repair center was willing to work with me. So, I spent a little time trying to hunt down the price for a replacement that didn't include Craigslist.org or EBay.com. I selected RockAuto.com. They have a very detailed on-line catalog that even shows exploded diagrams of the parts.
I ordered and shipped the part directly to the shop for much less than the shop could obtain it: $600. Unfortunately, I was hurried more than I thought when I ordered the part. There are several choices for 1999 6-cycle Mercury Sables, and I chose wrong. Guess what? RockAuto.com accepted the return, no problem, no hassle.
In the end, the car did get fixed for much less than I expected, but I learned how incredibly useful it is to be able to out-quote the price of replacement parts. If you are headed into some automotive repairs with expensive parts, now you have some leverage for negotiation.
Gotta love the Internet.
Recently, our 1999 Mercury Sable needed new catalytic converters. The initial estimate was an astounding rate of several thousand dollars. When I questioned the repair center (the dealership cost was even more expensive), I was informed that the high cost was because of the expense of the parts. Impossible.
There are state regulations on the replacement of catalytic converters (e.g., no used parts). But, if I could find a cheaper source for the part from a legitimate vendor, the repair center was willing to work with me. So, I spent a little time trying to hunt down the price for a replacement that didn't include Craigslist.org or EBay.com. I selected RockAuto.com. They have a very detailed on-line catalog that even shows exploded diagrams of the parts.
I ordered and shipped the part directly to the shop for much less than the shop could obtain it: $600. Unfortunately, I was hurried more than I thought when I ordered the part. There are several choices for 1999 6-cycle Mercury Sables, and I chose wrong. Guess what? RockAuto.com accepted the return, no problem, no hassle.
In the end, the car did get fixed for much less than I expected, but I learned how incredibly useful it is to be able to out-quote the price of replacement parts. If you are headed into some automotive repairs with expensive parts, now you have some leverage for negotiation.
Gotta love the Internet.
- 
