Volvo Parts - beware the prices!

Post by **eroosa** » 19 May 2009, 09:11

I know that many of you are aware of this, but it really pays to check the other parts stores for volvo parts and only buy the parts you have to at the volvo dealership. I was shocked to hear that the serpentine belt that volvo wanted $47 for was only $17 at autozone. I called two autozones and the both quoted the same price for the same part.
I just replaced six parts on the volvo and only had to buy two at Volvo. I just saved $30 for the serpentine belt.
** The volvo dealership also only showed one part number for the serpentine belt.

It pays to shop around locally to save time and shipping charges too.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 19 May 2009, 09:31

Eroosa, it is not my intention to take the wind out of your sails, but I would bet the serpentine belt you got is not Volvo brand. Am I correct? Was it made in China? Sometimes you get what you pay for. My feeling is that if it's a critical part or it takes me a long time to install it, it's worth paying a little bit more to get the name brand so I don't have to do it over in the near future. Just my opinion. If the belt you got is Volvo brand, I congratulate you on a great purchase!

iselloil · Post by **iselloil** » 19 May 2009, 12:16

I'll second that. Use FCP Groton for your parts.

Post by **confused_al** » 19 May 2009, 14:04

Well, first of all Conti makes belts for Volvo...
If your uncle works for your local stealership he would tell you their mark up is about 100% (sometimes more), $47 belt cost them less than $23. If you call DW volvo, you could get an OEM belt for something like $25 (they mark up is about 10-15%) yet it will last you more than 7 years.

dan2286 · Post by **dan2286** » 19 May 2009, 14:41

Sometimes the dealer will be cheaper. I needed an outer tie rod and the prices were either the same or more expensive at the parts store than the dealer.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 May 2009, 16:35

I got a Autozone belt for my 850 because I did not have much choice- I'm still awaiting the replacement belt that is OEM that came in the mail that was the wrong size. The Autozone belt is not OEM- they have a few varieties- I have the "Gatorback" belt on mine...it seemed the best of the choices they had.

Post by **eroosa** » 19 May 2009, 18:19

Well I do have to agree that one usually gets what one pays for, but knowing that markups at high end dealers are usually %100 or more on parts I am willing to take a duralast belt for 1/3 the cost. I talked to the guy at autozone and he told me that he was not a bit surprised at the triple the cost at volvo. He also told me that he has had dealerships call for parts that they do not have and then they mark it up and resell it. I am sure that they are not passing the part as OEM (I would hope not), but if the vehicle is in for service, the customer does not even see the part or where it came from. I am not saying Volvo does this. I also got a bit mad at the dealership when the parts mgr at the counter was on the phone he was quoting list prices to a person on the phone and then he said the cost after the 20% would be that much less. Apparently it was a business customer, but I was never offered anything less than list prices.

Post by **Sperry** » 19 May 2009, 19:20

I decided to use a Volvo door check . . .

and have the iPd version in my drawer, for anyone that wants it.

Definite difference in quality.

If I had to do it over again, I'd of bought a Volvo cooling fan, also.