How long should a car manufacturer make parts for?
Discussion
One of my cars was broken into recently, a very popular 2016 model from a very large manufacturer. Fortunately nothing was taken, the car wasn't stolen but the door lock and handle trim needed to be replaced. No problem with the door lock but the driver's door handle trim is no longer available although a similar part from a lower specification model is.
The thing is, that makes that door handle look different from the other three and makes the lock visible when originally it was concealed.
I am expecting too much?
The thing is, that makes that door handle look different from the other three and makes the lock visible when originally it was concealed.
I am expecting too much?
The manufacturer is only obliged to support a car until the warranty expires, AIUI. There's a 10-year rumour, but it's a myth.
It seems that Covid (which has been blamed for all kinds of failings) affected the supply of 'minor' parts, and nobody's bothered to find alternative sources since.
It seems that Covid (which has been blamed for all kinds of failings) affected the supply of 'minor' parts, and nobody's bothered to find alternative sources since.
Five years back a neighbour bought a brand new Honda Jazz. A couple of months later someone went into the back of him, damaging the tailgate. He had a courtesy car for two months whilst Honda sourced a replacement panel (from Japan). For a brand new car.
Manufacturers not having parts in the system (and consequent reliance on courtesy cars) is, I suspect, one of the reasons that car insurance has leapt.
I think we need a change in the law. Cars 'should' last 15 years, so ALL parts should be available for 15 years IMHO
Manufacturers not having parts in the system (and consequent reliance on courtesy cars) is, I suspect, one of the reasons that car insurance has leapt.
I think we need a change in the law. Cars 'should' last 15 years, so ALL parts should be available for 15 years IMHO
Doofus said:
The manufacturer is only obliged to support a car until the warranty expires, AIUI. There's a 10-year rumour, but it's a myth.
It seems that Covid (which has been blamed for all kinds of failings) affected the supply of 'minor' parts, and nobody's bothered to find alternative sources since.
I thought the 10 year thing was actual law in Germany. Sure I read that once.It seems that Covid (which has been blamed for all kinds of failings) affected the supply of 'minor' parts, and nobody's bothered to find alternative sources since.
Riley Blue said:
One of my cars was broken into recently, a very popular 2016 model from a very large manufacturer. Fortunately nothing was taken, the car wasn't stolen but the door lock and handle trim needed to be replaced. No problem with the door lock but the driver's door handle trim is no longer available although a similar part from a lower specification model is.
The thing is, that makes that door handle look different from the other three and makes the lock visible when originally it was concealed.
I am expecting too much?
Not at all. 2016? To my way of thinking, it’s nearly new! Scrapyard don’t really want to bothered with bits of trim, either. Ironic, though that you can get almost anything for an Austin7 of Model T. Incidentally, I have found Peugeot main dealer excellent for small parts and trim, if extortionate.The thing is, that makes that door handle look different from the other three and makes the lock visible when originally it was concealed.
I am expecting too much?
Edited by Lester H on Saturday 3rd August 08:20
For the Germans IME BMW, Porsche and Mercedes are very strong on this, Audi not so
It was one of my concerns with my B5 RS4 as I was finding quite a lot of parts had gone NLA. It’s a manufacturers prerogative I know, but they do wheel out their older models for marketing purposes quite frequently
It was one of my concerns with my B5 RS4 as I was finding quite a lot of parts had gone NLA. It’s a manufacturers prerogative I know, but they do wheel out their older models for marketing purposes quite frequently
Riley Blue said:
One of my cars was broken into recently, a very popular 2016 model from a very large manufacturer. Fortunately nothing was taken, the car wasn't stolen but the door lock and handle trim needed to be replaced. No problem with the door lock but the driver's door handle trim is no longer available although a similar part from a lower specification model is.
The thing is, that makes that door handle look different from the other three and makes the lock visible when originally it was concealed.
I am expecting too much?
Expecting too much ?, probably from a main agent, widen your search, a lot of older stock is listed by Ford Main agents on the E site, others probably do it too. The thing is, that makes that door handle look different from the other three and makes the lock visible when originally it was concealed.
I am expecting too much?
Specialist salvage breakers list a lot of parts too. Look for marque breakers too. A search engine is your friend,
Only taken me 18 months to find a window regulator for a 91 Carlton, rear one luckily, had to buy a whole car to get it. and another to obtain a rust free rear panel.
There is not a lot you cannot find eventually if you put your mind to it, and a 2016 car should be easier than older cars.
Lester H said:
Not at all. 2016? To my way of thinking, it’s nearly new! Scrapyard don’t really want to bothered with bits of trim, either. Ironic, though that you can get almost anything for an Austin7 of Model T. Incidentally, I have found Peugeot main dealer excellent for small parts and trim, if extortionate.
They may not remove and list them, but if you actually talk to them, if they have it, they will supply it. Edited by Lester H on Saturday 3rd August 08:20
Searching for other parts of the same car and calling the dismantler is one method I use. It all depends on how much you want the part and the time you have to put into finding it.
In this case, a search for doors, may well help.
Bobupndown said:
Depends on the manufacturer and the popularity of the model. I have a 61 year old Mini and can buy just about anything I'd ever need off the shelf, including a full body shell and every item of trim.
I might be wrong but I suspect the original manufacturer doesn’t make any of the bits you can buy for a 61 year old Mini.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff


