Parts shopping tips

[FireFox31]

If you already know exactly what you want, it is easy to find stuff.

That's exactly right. Research the part at the usparts.volvocars.com diagrams, then find the right one at Rock Auto. I started a thread discussing parts brands to trust or avoid to help with things like shopping on RockAuto.

If you need something in the coveted blue box, than Amazon, eBay, or one of the buy/sell groups will always get you the best deal. Remember, eBay has a money back guarantee on auto parts.

See my thread linked in the first post for tips about buying online from your local dealership at a discount. Volvo also runs sales which can be quite nice, putting parts at or below FCP prices.

I wouldn't trust anything from Amazon or eBay, assuming they could be used, defective, counterfeit, or any other kind of scam. How else could they sell it for so much less? I want to trust the parts I put on my car, thus FCP or Volvo direct.

[abscate]

wouldn't trust anything from Amazon or eBay, assuming they could be used, defective, counterfeit, or any other kind of scam. How else could they sell it for so much less? I want to trust the parts I put on my car, thus FCP or Volvo direct.

Exactly. Parts that are failed at the factory end up in the dumpster, are scooped out, and end up on eBay as “good parts “

Balancing time and money at this point on my life I want my parts to be right and show up on time, which means FCP

[FireFox31]

FCP just emailed that they're opening a west coast facility in August 2023. Faster shipping times, cheaper return shipping. Good job to them for scaling up.

[abscate]

….and now shipping 7 days a week!

[scot850]

And they claim 50% lower shipping to international addresses. Still doesn't fix the warranty return issue of shipping back parts.

Neil.