Washer Fluid Cap Rip-Off (Auto)

[Keebler Elf]

So I lost my windshield washer fluid reservoir cap and I had to replace it. First I went to Crappy Tire and they told me I'd have to either go to the dealer or go to the wreckers. Since I didn't know where the closest wreckers was, I went to the dealer.

$15+ later, I got my 50 cent piece of plastic. Holy markup Batman! At least the dealership lived up to its reputation.

On the flipside, I had to soak the cap in hot water to get it on so I dunno how I would have gotten it off a car at the wreckers (I don't think they'd want me submerging the engine in hot water!).

Hmmm, I wonder if there's a warranty on the cap...

 

[Hockey_MLnut]

Unless you know someone that works at a Dealer then you are pretty much screwed for the mark ups. I went to the Dealer and got quoted $250 for a battery and an air filter. But my friend who works at a dealer got them both for me for $100. They think they can get away with murder when you bring your car in there.

 

[Perry Mason]

...But my friend who works at a dealer got them both for me for $100.

And what brand of insulated gloves did you wear when handling them?

Perry

 

[Hockey_MLnut]

And what brand of insulated gloves did you wear when handling them?

Perry

Got my Friend to Install them for me same with my snow tires which were done at the same time.

 

[Daddio]

If you were to assemble your own 1992 Chevy Cavalier from parts at the dealer, the car would cost you $150,000.00.

 

[WhaWhaWha]

The dealership price for a set of wire-wheel hub caps for a 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham Edition was $1,600.00 per set ($400.00 each).
I went to the scrap yard and they wanted $75 each. I ended up going into the scrap yard and retrieving a set from a 1983 Cadillac Eldorado and paid $40 for a pair. No they didnt match perfectly, and the emblems were wrong but dammit they matched and thats all that mattered.

Hood ornament was $325.00 installed. I don't know how to install one, so I superglued the old one with JB WELD. It worked just fine.

 

[tboy]

Not to take sides on this issue but really, how do you think the dealerships and the big three stay afloat? Hell, they basically give you a vehicle for no interest, sell them at rock bottom prices, cut profits to the bone, etc etc etc.

Honestly, for the money we are paying for vehicles these days the quality is about double what it once was (IMHO)....

It is (or should be) a well known fact that car dealerships make the most markup from parts and service, and the minimum on the sale of the car.

 

[zzap]

GM charged my sister $85 for a tiny screw that holds the mirror in place. Oh yeah took the guy 1 minute to install it.... I guess one minute of labor was included for free in that price?

 

[WhaWhaWha]

They overcharge for the part to discourage minor repair and part orders. They want theircustomers to go to aftermarket shops for those items. The dealerships make their biggest scores repairing vehicles damaged in major collisions. These jobs are usually covered by insurance companies who's pockets are deep enough to pay dealership prices.


*** Restraining the urge crack wise about your sister and an $85 screw...

 

[WoodPeckr]

Many parts are dealer only items meaning the ONLY place you can get them is at the dealer therefore you are forced to pay these outrageously marked-up prices for OEM parts.

Car part prices are indeed out of line down here in the States also.
We won't see much relief down here because the government regulators now protect the manufacturers and business interests more than the consumers they were expected to protect in the first place.