Sales, discounts, and obscure parts direct from Volvo

[abscate]

Hoping to get a deal on part 9-666-666 complete kit for third row seat heater for p80 in Nautic blue

[FireFox31]

usparts.volvocars.com has started their Independence Day sale. They're offering 10% off orders up to $200, 15% off and free shipping on orders of $200 or more. This is a great deal specifically because they have obscure parts which FCP and other retailers don't. Their prices may even be lower than FCP for more common parts. And check for pick up at your local dealership because they may stack on another discount (or may be more expensive than buying with shipping).

My only caution is that Volvo branded parts are being made cheaper (see some accounts in the trusted brands thread). For common parts, FCP may offer versions direct from the original manufacturers or better quality aftermarket parts.

[rolsen11]

How did I not know about this dealership parts store? I need to browse here more often. Too bad it's not in the budget to buy 200+ dollars worth of parts right now, but I did at least get about 14 dollars off of my 108 dollar purchase of parts to fix my currently obliterated hatch interior panel. I thought the beige panel on the bottom of the glass was unobtanium but nope, they have a brand new one for only 59 dollars after the discount. Great deal. Wish I could go pick up the items from the dealer to avoid shipping costs but the nearest dealership is a 4 hour drive away. Not worth it haha

[abscate]

But you get to ice fish, see the Northern lights, have a good hockey team, and never have to deal with New Yorkers!
Cold today , -25 , hip hip hip.

[FireFox31]

How did I not know about this dealership parts store?

usparts.volvocars.com is Volvo selling parts directly, not through any dealership. When browsing that site, there's a link to buy from a local dealership instead, which will bring you to the exact same site but under that dealership's web domain. Only a handful of dealerships participate in this system. Some dealerships offer an additional percentage off anything ordered through them instead of Volvo. You can pick the item up or, though I haven't tried yet, they may ship it to you, perhaps for free. The goal is to find a dealership which offers that extra percentage discount and free shipping, then buy from them, regardless of where they are.

Prices may differ across dealerships so always compare usparts.volvocars.com to the dealerships you've found and to FCP and other retailers of common parts. Some don't offer the percentage off but have lower prices, some match usparts but with the discount, and some are higher for no reason. Parts availability also differs slightly. I've had a rough time buying batteries using this; sometimes they're available and on discount but something looks odd about the listing and, sure enough, the dealership can't actually get them or not at the discounted price.

The funny thing is that I think one company runs this network of parts sites in cooperation with the dealerships. The dealerships handle the orders and collect payment, but somehow they're beholden to some other entity. My local dealership used to offer the discount but eventually discontinued their copy of this parts selling site (because I was placing too many orders??). Ultimately, I think this method of buying parts is a little used system which dealerships mostly ignore. However, once we get used to the system, we can get a solid discount on obscure or even common parts, especially during the holiday sales.

[rolsen11]

But you get to ice fish, see the Northern lights, have a good hockey team, and never have to deal with New Yorkers!
Cold today , -25 , hip hip hip.

Remembering you saying this, there was a spectacular light show a few days ago!

[abscate]

Awesome. Too much light pollution where I am to see it on this storm, maybe next time.

[BlackBart]

So why is my alternator $736?

[abscate]

So why is my alternator $736?



IMG_0235.png

Because market research showed $836 was too much ?

Did I win a prize?

[scot850]

I have been looking at pats for a 1998 V70 T5 for a friend. I cannot get my head around some of the ludicrous prices Volvo are now charging and that is at 'discounted' prices from some dealers up here. Outer tie-rods $172 + 13% tax CDN. Parking brake cables $200 + tax CDN, CV boots (outer) $130 + tax. There are many more stupid prices that you can buy the aftermarket decent part or OEM for 10-20% the price.

I used to baulk when OE parts were 100% more expensive but now..............

Neil.