Just this summer I needed an oil pressure switch, I went to the dealer first
wanting to keep it "real".  I knew I could get a generic at Auto Zone for $6
or $8 but gave VW a shot first.  The guy at the parts counter said he could
have one in 2 days for $25, I said no thanks and started walking away and he
countered with $20 24 hours, I said "no not for $20 either" and walked out.
Sixty minutes and $7 later I had the generic switch installed, pulled out
for All Good Festival the next day! They must get commission......

Ryan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Vdub Guy" <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 08:01
Subject: New Car Dealers And Parts Prices

> <Not unusual.  I've seen parts department people unable to keep a
> straight face when they quote some of their outrageous prices.  They
> can't even believe it themselves.>
>
>
> Here is what I was told years ago by a guy who worked in the parts
> department of a new car dealer. The dealer pays $5.00 for a part, then
> marks it up to $10.00. If the parts guy then sells it to you for $15.00,
> he pockets the extra $5.00. Standard industry practice? Don't know, but
> not long after that I went to a Chevy dealer to buy a glow plug controller
> for my Chevy van that had the 6.2 GM diesel. The thing used to eat glow
> plug controllers about every 6 months, so I had purchased them before, and
> always for $95.00. The Chevy dealer was out of stock, but just up the
> street was a GMC dealer-same engine, same part. Went to the GMC dealer,
> they had the part, but for $128.00. I told the guy no way, I had been
> buying them from the Chevy dealer up the street for $95.00. He thought
> about it for a second, then said I could have it for $110.00. After that,
> I believed what the guy had told me about the counter guys adding in their
> own cut. Another common misconception about new car dealers
> : the service advisor is your friend who has your best interest at heart.
> Bullsh*t!!! These guys are commissioned sales people just like the guy who
> sold you the car in the showroom. The more repairs they "sell" you, the
> more money in their pockets.     Jeff
>