Euro Car Parts
Discussion
Ozzie Osmond said:
Dealer prices on normal service parts are, in my experience, very reasonable and you have the reassurance of getting the right bits.
I needed a thermostat housing for the OHs car when one of the outlets cracked. Dealer only part apparently, so rang a couple of Mazda dealers and got the same price from all - around 130 IIRC. Rang Ford and got it for 35. Nice markup Mazda!In a bodyshop, you eat through things like light units, bumpers (and the support bars etc. underneath) and the dealer prices are generally seen as 'scandalous' - so for many customer cars (and cars you're rebuilding for profit) you are constantly seeking cheap spares.
It's harder and harder tho - Astras H's, for example, have about 8 different headlight units depending on the model/year/spec/colour of the car (lens/reflector/bulbs different).
We once had an MX5 Mk2 Anniv. to fix/resell - minor rear-end damage repaired but for needing a rear lamp - but we'd drawn a blank finding a lamp in scrapyards, eBay or anywhere like that for less than £100 which seemed shocking.
I rang Mazda - for a laugh - and they delivered a brand-new unit that day for £45...
ALWAYS worth ringing the dealer IMO
p.s. I think the problem with people like ECP is they're used to the 'business to business' relationship which allows them to offer zero customer support - but when selling to the public they HAVE to comply with consumer law (which is why many motor factors won't actually deal with the public).
It's harder and harder tho - Astras H's, for example, have about 8 different headlight units depending on the model/year/spec/colour of the car (lens/reflector/bulbs different).
We once had an MX5 Mk2 Anniv. to fix/resell - minor rear-end damage repaired but for needing a rear lamp - but we'd drawn a blank finding a lamp in scrapyards, eBay or anywhere like that for less than £100 which seemed shocking.
I rang Mazda - for a laugh - and they delivered a brand-new unit that day for £45...
ALWAYS worth ringing the dealer IMO
p.s. I think the problem with people like ECP is they're used to the 'business to business' relationship which allows them to offer zero customer support - but when selling to the public they HAVE to comply with consumer law (which is why many motor factors won't actually deal with the public).
I'd say the service is very much dependant on the staff in branch. I can only say good things about my local ones as any time I've had an issue they've sorted it with no bother. I certainly prefer going in branch rather than ordering via their cheaper mail order company 'car parts4less', at least you can be (fairly) sure of the part in you hands before you leave, plus easier for returns.
Staff seem more in the know re parts than my local BMW dealer whose parts dept appear to exist solely to sell MINI related tat and 'acessories'. My most recent experience involved a younger member of the team ask whether my 1986 325i was an E39.
Staff seem more in the know re parts than my local BMW dealer whose parts dept appear to exist solely to sell MINI related tat and 'acessories'. My most recent experience involved a younger member of the team ask whether my 1986 325i was an E39.
Used them a lot over the years and not had any major issues. If there are multiple options (like drive belts often are) or the part is mega urgent I use the dealer with chassis number so I'm never that reliant on them.
People will whinge but know they are saving cash and still use them!
People will whinge but know they are saving cash and still use them!
Edited by SuperHangOn on Monday 12th November 08:29
Ive nd a problem with my 2 local branches , the new maidstone one is superb as it is apparently a hub store and supplies smaller stores with parts so its in stock rate is higher . spend a fair amount per month and have only ever had a fanbelt wrong length which they sent a van out with the right one on.
Some of the friday deals are very good too worth stocking up on consumeables for.
Like any other business its all about the quality of the people though Iused to deal with a place that allways sent the wrong parts , then one day a guy who was leaving said they were told to say it was in stock, send any old bit then order the correct one ,when the cutomer rang up to complain they would apologise and send the right one to swap it over.
Needless to say I stopped using them.
Some of the friday deals are very good too worth stocking up on consumeables for.
Like any other business its all about the quality of the people though Iused to deal with a place that allways sent the wrong parts , then one day a guy who was leaving said they were told to say it was in stock, send any old bit then order the correct one ,when the cutomer rang up to complain they would apologise and send the right one to swap it over.
Needless to say I stopped using them.
As above, main dealer service prices can often be extremely good value for money. My local Subaru dealer has an "ebay shop" where they provide service kits online at 20% below normal rates. These prices compete directly with the likes of ECP so no need to take the risk with non-OEM parts. There are many other main dealers who do this so it is worth searching your make & model. Similarly, I good friend runs a 1980's Porsche. He buys nearly all his parts through Porsche who again are market sensitive to correct pricing. If you own a VAG car go to GSF...they do know what they're doing and have been in the business for many many years.
Andyjc86 said:
We get the wrong parts and options (i.e. A few simular) sent through from our suppliers all the time. ECP should really take it back though, as you said they will just re sell it
Thats whats upset me, it's new and no problem to them to resell. I never wanted or asked for my money back just swopping to the correct part. I even shown the pictures of the correct part. You have to pick your parts carefully; I've learned that certain routine servicing parts and fluids are worth getting from ECP but a lot of less routine after market parts are poor quality.
As others have said, you can often be surprised by how reasonably priced some dealership parts are- and they're often vastly superior in quality.
Also, when you sell the car, folk love to see OEM manufacturers logos on the invoices.
As others have said, you can often be surprised by how reasonably priced some dealership parts are- and they're often vastly superior in quality.
Also, when you sell the car, folk love to see OEM manufacturers logos on the invoices.
HustleRussell said:
You have to pick your parts carefully; I've learned that certain routine servicing parts and fluids are worth getting from ECP but a lot of less routine after market parts are poor quality.
As others have said, you can often be surprised by how reasonably priced some dealership parts are- and they're often vastly superior in quality.
Also, when you sell the car, folk love to see OEM manufacturers logos on the invoices.
Thats what i will be doing in the future. I'm done with them now. As others have said, you can often be surprised by how reasonably priced some dealership parts are- and they're often vastly superior in quality.
Also, when you sell the car, folk love to see OEM manufacturers logos on the invoices.
I have used them twice in the last two weeks for fairly awkward model specific parts. Came up trumps on both occasions at sensible prices.
Remember that they are only as good as the parts system they work from (which I assume is based on autodata or similar). Much better to use specific part numbers when ordering rather than relying on the number plate to match.
Remember that they are only as good as the parts system they work from (which I assume is based on autodata or similar). Much better to use specific part numbers when ordering rather than relying on the number plate to match.
chris182 said:
Well I've bought loads of stuff from them and so far had no problems at all. I always opt for quality branded stuff where possible so that might help.
Same here, but even with the cheapo option from stuff like filters etc, never had a problem. Just used their 30% off deal to get 5 litres of semi-synthetic Triple QX oil, Bosch oil filter and a jap-sounding air filter for less than £20. Bargain.No worse or better than other factors in my opinion. Halfrauds, German and Swedish and Parkers have all supplied me wrong bits in the past. Parkers perhaps less so.
My only gripe with ECP is that if you go in and ask for a certain part, they will always try and flog you a more expensive version without mentioning cheaper but adequate parts they have in stock. understandable, but I prefer places that give you the options and let you choose.
The Leicester branch is usually chocker with trade mechanics, and you get to see their call centre guys working behind the glass screen. Looks to me like they earn their money.
My only gripe with ECP is that if you go in and ask for a certain part, they will always try and flog you a more expensive version without mentioning cheaper but adequate parts they have in stock. understandable, but I prefer places that give you the options and let you choose.
The Leicester branch is usually chocker with trade mechanics, and you get to see their call centre guys working behind the glass screen. Looks to me like they earn their money.
ECP are good when they have offers on, like BIGDEAL41 which gave 41% off parts - often they don't actually limit these codes to the categories they say they are, so you can apply the code to all sorts of things.
It is always worth spending out on OE quality parts though - I bought a DI coilpack for my Saab with the 41% code which lasted a grand total of 5 weeks, and felt down on power for that entire time. Fortunately they refunded it and I kept the old one as a spare so I'm just running on that at the moment as a plugs change fixed the hesitation. Waiting for an equally strong discount code before I buy the more expensive coilpack.
It is always worth spending out on OE quality parts though - I bought a DI coilpack for my Saab with the 41% code which lasted a grand total of 5 weeks, and felt down on power for that entire time. Fortunately they refunded it and I kept the old one as a spare so I'm just running on that at the moment as a plugs change fixed the hesitation. Waiting for an equally strong discount code before I buy the more expensive coilpack.
To resurrect an old thread...
Bought a filter from ECP over 2 months ago, but only went to fit it the other day and seeing it was wrong. Went to return it and told I couldn't because I bought it over 30 days ago. I've been googling but can't find a time limit. Filter is as new, literally took it out the box and saw it was wrong.
- Does them supplying an incorrect part (online) count as "faulty" in the eyes of SOGA?
- How long do you have to return if it does?
Bought a filter from ECP over 2 months ago, but only went to fit it the other day and seeing it was wrong. Went to return it and told I couldn't because I bought it over 30 days ago. I've been googling but can't find a time limit. Filter is as new, literally took it out the box and saw it was wrong.
- Does them supplying an incorrect part (online) count as "faulty" in the eyes of SOGA?
- How long do you have to return if it does?
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