In a message dated 9/4/02 2:44:47 PM, gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM writes:

<< for VW
specific parts, the dealer is one of several options in my book. >>

The man speaks the truth.  Also, the authentic VW parts are a good value when
you consider that they meet all the OE specifications without compromise.  Do
you really think that VW would allow their suppliers to offer up parts to the
aftermarket arena which are made to VW's original specifications?  That bit
of intellectual property is surely as coveted by the grey-suited army of
attorneys retained by VW as its trademark.  In my experience, the bargain
basement parts are merely cheap, but no bargain.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to go to the dealer for parts is that they
have ALL the parts; they can't pick and choose what to carry like a list
vendor.  The guy behind the parts cannot say," I'll sell you the wheel
bearings, but you have to go to the dealer for the seals."  That really
sucks, doesn't it?

If you frequent the parts counter at the dealership, and you are able to
demonstrate that you are some sort of human being, you will be surprised how
easy it is to get the kind of discount thought to only exist within the realm
of the aftermarket.  The dealership parts manager is not living in a vacuum;
he knows what prices the i-net vendors are charging.

Try it, you'll like it.

George