it may be a good idea to check the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). dealers don't "have" to sell it at that price but if the customer knows about it, they can lower their price. some smaller items may not make a difference but larger things (like power steering pumps, rack & pinions, suspension parts, etc.) can make a difference. they'll sometimes tack on a mark-up on their parts which gives them more profit from their cost to the MSRP. you can go to www.parts.com to get current msrp or post the part #'s here and i will look them up. just tryin' to save people a few bucks.

 

I never knew that thanks. So what you're saying is that the prices are "negotiable"?

 

not likely if you're a customer and want a price below msrp. for example, a part costs a shop 250. msrp is set at 350. shop marks it up to a "matrix" price of 400. customer comes in off the street and just pays the first price he's given. he just put an extra 50 buck into their pockets.

i work service contract so our policies will only cover up to the msrp. any dealer's marked up price difference will either have to be adjusted internally or passed on to the customer. sometimes it's the parts dept that is trying to make the most money and the service writers never know but they'll go back and make the internal adjustment. sometimes they'll try their best to get us the msrp because we are a service contract company and know what they pay. major items like transmissions/engines, specialty power steering pumps, expensive electronic modules, etc, we ask for a discount. the shop has a margin they can work with and still make a profit (think of the $350-$250). we can haggle with them and some are cool with it, some won't budge. anymore questions, just let me know.

 

Kind of related to what happened to me.
Last month I picked up an OEM lower intake gasket from the stealership.
I was quoted $20 over the phone but when I went in to pick it up the parts guy said it would be $32.
I told him I was quoted $20 and he just said "okay" and sold it to me for 20.
No hesitation at all.
I might try that with other parts.

 

that sucks. i had to replace a $23 hood strut on the wife's car but they were charging me $32. i asked the chrysler parts guy why they didn't sell the parts at msrp. he kept telling me their price was list and started asking where i got my "msrp" from. i told him. he disappeared behind the curtain and miraculously, another invoice came through the printer for $23 to the cashier. never saw the guy again.