Auto industry full of thieves

[LandCruiser]

As the owner of a trail beater Land Cruiser, I am familiar with wrecking yard shenanigans.

Many times the photos shown are for "demonstration" purposes, showing what kind of part you're getting.

If it comes with any electric wiring, lights, plastic and interior trim bits, that's a bonus. Some of these jackwagons are used to dealing with guys who have paint booths in their garage and are just wanting a part to strip, refinish, and paint themselves--or in my case a rattle can of primer on a tarp in the back yard.

I think the expectation of these paroled felony offenders is so low, that they're used to this kind of behavior.

I recently got front fender for my 80 series, the fact that all the bolts lined up after a little hammering was a victory--even if what was on the internet auction looked like a pristine panel...

 

[toyorgy]

Perhaps the title doesn't fit because it extends beyond the auto industry. The whole world is becoming more corrupt.

One of the dealerships nearby charged me more than MSRP for parts. Another dealership tried to charge my dad for a complete lock replacement when all that was needed was a strike plate adjustment for his car's rear hatch.

Beyond the auto industry are what seems insignificant but filling up my drink full of ice then adding soda is a rip-off and many of our politicians are so corrupt it's almost unbelievable that they can sleep at night.

 

[DeathCougar]

Perhaps the title doesn't fit because it extends beyond the auto industry. The whole world is becoming more corrupt.

One of the dealerships nearby charged me more than MSRP for parts. Another dealership tried to charge my dad for a complete lock replacement when all that was needed was a strike plate adjustment for his car's rear hatch.

Beyond the auto industry are what seems insignificant but filling up my drink full of ice then adding soda is a rip-off and many of our politicians are so corrupt it's almost unbelievable that they can sleep at night.

Dealers charging more than List price is a common practice that every dealer I know does. They call it "retail pricing". Btw, you can haggle with dealers. Just tell them you found it cheaper elsewhere, or online, and often they will match the pricing. They would rather have some sale than no sale at all.

 

[toyorgy]

Dealers charging more than List price is a common practice that every dealer I know does. They call it "retail pricing". Btw, you can haggle with dealers. Just tell them you found it cheaper elsewhere, or online, and often they will match the pricing. They would rather have some sale than no sale at all.

MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) is already a huge markup but to go beyond that and call it "retail pricing" when it's already called retail price by the manufacturer in my eyes is dishonest. I know it's only a suggestion but it falls in-line with, at least, a reasonable price.

I am tired of always having to be "on my toes" to avoid getting ripped off. Why can't people just be honest? They did cut me a check for almost $200 after I complained.

I worked in automotive retail, at one time in my life, and I do know everything is at least 100% markup at MSRP.

 

[jason56414]

Dealers charging more than List price is a common practice that every dealer I know does. They call it "retail pricing". Btw, you can haggle with dealers. Just tell them you found it cheaper elsewhere, or online, and often they will match the pricing. They would rather have some sale than no sale at all.

I needed a seat belt for my 06......Local dealer wanted $175....same local dealer that I spent $40+k on a 2013 LE mind you....told him online it was $110....he quickly said he would match.....uh no way I'm giving you the sale after you pull that crap.....

 

[toyorgy]

hehe wow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFRyF9MxElE

 

[DeathCougar]

I needed a seat belt for my 06......Local dealer wanted $175....same local dealer that I spent $40+k on a 2013 LE mind you....told him online it was $110....he quickly said he would match.....uh no way I'm giving you the sale after you pull that crap.....

They aren't really "pulling crap" on you, all the dealers charge "retail" which is above list price. Not sure what the reasoning is behind it, besides supply and demand. I do think none of the dealers should charge above list price, but luckily there are sites like ToyoDiy and online dealers to check pricing and/or order from. I haven't ever paid retail or even list for parts from Toyota.

 

[toyorgy]

Looks like we've all been taken advantage of: Justice Department price-fixing probe rattles auto industry worldwide | Fox News

Strange that no other news source seems to be reporting this.

 

[shadow247]

I've had a lot of mixed feelings about Salvage yards...

We deal with LKQ at the dealership quite a bit and for the most part they have been a great company, but some of the stuff they do sometimes is infuriating as a technician; but from what I understand its common practice in the salvage industry.

You're title is somewhat misleading, not that the Auto industry isn't full of crooks, but you're speaking specifically about the aftermarket salvage industry which is separate from say parts suppliers.

I deal with LKQ on the East Coast as well. Quality is alway shit or miss, but they always make it right. I probably buy 15k or more worth of parts from them, and end up returning about 1/3 and getting credit to repair on about half of the rest.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I deal with LKQ on the East Coast as well. Quality is alway shit or miss, but they always make it right. I probably buy 15k or more worth of parts from them, and end up returning about 1/3 and getting credit to repair on about half of the rest.

That's been roughly our experience as well, its just frustrating to have to order the same part 2+ times and still get incorrectly labeled stuff and/or poorly pulled engines and transmissions in terms of them chopping the harnesses instead of just disconnecting them.

If I were running a shop and had customers and technicians waiting on these parts I'd be more furious about it myself, even if they did make it right in the end.

 

[shadow247]

That's been roughly our experience as well, its just frustrating to have to order the same part 2+ times and still get incorrectly labeled stuff and/or poorly pulled engines and transmissions in terms of them chopping the harnesses instead of just disconnecting them.

If I were running a shop and had customers and technicians waiting on these parts I'd be more furious about it myself, even if they did make it right in the end.

It is infuriating to say the least. I often order and LKQ part, refuse it, then turn around and order OEM to satisfy the insurance company. They always tell me that if a vendor shows a recycled part available, I HAVE to try to order that FIRST. It is completely frustrating for a simply job to take twice as long because I had to wait on used parts. I often could complete a job faster by ordering OEM from the start.