IXLR8

Nope, but you'd be amazed how good they are at whining.

The few that I do know are doing very well. One even whines that "I'm not making any money" as he is driving off in his A8 and his son who also works there, in a new Carrera.

I too would like to not be making any money if I can have that parked in my garage. They don't get much of my business. How can you not be making any money if you're charging 25% on top of MSRP pricing?

matt777

I haven't taken my car in for anything but an alignment so far. I figure if I source my parts I should do my own work. Last year I needed a small part in a hurray and went to a local indy who sourced the original Porsche part fast and cheap. I was quite surprised. If I ever do need to take the car in for something I'll likely let them source the parts. I really wouldn't feel comfortable bringing my own parts unless they were specialty items not available through the indy's normal suppliers.

MarkD

wait, you are an authority on wealthy "whining shops" yet you don't use them?
I am confused.

Either way, you are painting with a pretty broad brush.

Ed Hughes

That is cheap. In the foodservice equipment industry, a service agent typically gets a 50% discount off of list pricing from a manufacturer on parts. They then sell said parts to end users during a service call at full list. If a restaurant owner tried to supply parts, they'd not find anyone to do the service, at least a reasonable cost.

IXLR8

Its a dealer...they sell parts, accessories, motorcycles, service, etc.

Maybe, but I don't know too many who are starving.

MarkD

big range between "starving" and driving an A8 and a "new Carrera"
Very big.

IXLR8

No Ed, I find it insulting when he tells me stuff like that and then goes zooming off in cars most people cannot afford. He once came back from a show in Europe and was telling me how they are so sophisticated there...they spend money. What an idiot...spending money means you are sophisticated?

IXLR8

They're doing well up here because there is so little competition...its the pay me list and more type of thing. Now you know why I shop stateside for almost everything.

Ed Hughes

You quoted me out of context. I pointed out that 25% markup is not outrageous and compared it to what happens industry wide in my business. You have a problem with this one guy, it seems-So, we all turn to socialists? I don't begrudge anyone making money. If I feel they have enough, I vote with my dollars and spend them elsewhere. I wouldn't look unfavorably on anyone who works and is successful.

Except the crop of crappy people these days who call themselves musicians....

JPS

I did once with my tail between my legs. Bought all the stuff for the 90k tune up, then chickened out DIY. However, it seems there was some extra markup elsewhere that might have closed the gap

IXLR8

Ed, that was not the mark-up; that was 25% over list (MSRP) price.

Imagine going to your dealer where the Porsche NA list price is $100 (that already has a large mark-up) and then paying another $25 on top of that.

Like I said, he gets very little of my business.

The Brewmeister

With my mechanic it depends on the situation. I'm currently freshening up a 1988 911 Cabriolet that I inherited from my brother in law. I let my Indy handle all the mechanical parts but the cosmetic items we're working on together. I'm pretty **** and he knows it. He doesn't have the time to hunt down the perfect used or new restoration part so he's cool with me locating some of them.

I've also purchased parts and then figured out that I was in over my head after reading the procedure to install them. He's been pretty cool about that as well.
He's a good guy.

csertich

On topic, kind of: Tell us how the Griffith part performs compared to your old part. Claims are that your a/c should run cooler as I recall. That claim, and the price, were what got my attention.
Good luck,
chuck

jw97C2S

Called my local tech to get a quote on installing 4 new tires - they quoted under $100. When I pick up the car, the owner wasnt there so they charge me $250 because they didnt supply the tires. Refused to release the car for the quoted fee. Had a hell of a time getting my money back and ruined the relationship for life.

Falcondrivr

FWIW, My shop charged me the $550 for the Griffiths evap and told me they were making enough on the part at that because Griffiths gave them a discount...