Price of OE fuel filter cheaper than OEM supplier?

[scot850]

So, I am helping my buddy fix up the few issues on the 08 XC90 V8 Sport R-Design he has just bought. One thing my mechanic buddy pointed out was the fuel filter typically looks like it spent it's life at the bottom of the Atlantic with the Titanic.

I went to order one from usual sources, FCP/IPD/Volvo OE (Canada) and was surprised to find the Mahle part is more expensive then the OE part that IPD and FCP are selling as well!! Rock Auto is still cheaper, but once you add shipping and tax to the part there is not much saving over the OE Part. So the Filter is $60 CDN, + $18 shipping + $4 in tax. This is the only place that was cheaper than the $94 from the dealer locally and they had it in the shelf!

The world is nuts!

On the other side, Ordered a new hood strut or the 06 V70, dealer price quoted 2 (car is only fitted with one) at $160 CDN + 5% tax.

Bought from Rock Auto a Stabilus unit for under $40 with shipping to replace the Stabilus one (as listed on Stabilus website) already on the car that is marginal now it is getting colder.

Neil.