Cost of Parts disparity from year to year.

[Midyearguru]

I have another newbie question: I've noticed that things like alternators and starters......among other parts in general.........seem to take quite a price hike from up to ca 1990 vs. later models. Can soembody explain why or am I just not finding the right patr's suppliers?
Thanks.

 

[Bill]

Are you asking about prices prior to 1990, or after 1990?

It would really depend on the part. I've noticed brake components on later model vehicles are very expensive. Some parts on older models are expensive because there just aren't as many pre-1990 vehicles around, and the cost to inventory slow moving parts is added to the retail price.

www.rockauto.com has reasonably good prices, although they ship most parts out of the Midwest, and the shipping costs for heavy items sometimes exceeds paying local retail prices with sales tax.

You can also go to www.kragen.com. If you pay for the parts online you get a reasonably good discount, and you can pick them up at a local Kragens.

 

[Simple_serf]

Also don't forget that the price of copper has skyrocketed. Makes starters and alternators cost more.

one reason I like my ranger is that parts are relatively cheap and easy to come by. I had to wait over 2 weeks to get the hose that connects the head to the thermostat housing. I had problems with my mazda getting parts as well.

 

[Midyearguru]

Bill,
I have been comparing parts, year by year, and noticed that other than major engine parts, pre-1991 model prices seem to be less. Since I started this thread, I've found that, say, a 1989 Ranger used a 60 amp Alternator vs. a 95 amp alternator in a 1996. That certainly would explain the higher price. Compared to some Toyota and Nissan parts, the Ranger still appears to have them beat. Also, thanks for the Rock Auto link!
Russ

 

[OilPatch197]

I know a internal clutch slave cylinder is damn expensive.

 

[almostclueless]

I know a internal clutch slave cylinder is damn expensive.

The most expensive RBV slave cylinder I found at rockauto is 120 bucks. Most are far less than that.


If you want to blame anyone for that one, blame ford for revising them so much.


Noone can reasonably blame anyone for the cost of alternators and starters......the gear reduction starters ford started using are much better items and the 3G alternator used on late model vehicles is a VERY capable monster, but it is naturally going to cost more.

 

[Apollo]

You can also go to www.kragen.com. If you pay for the parts online you get a reasonably good discount, and you can pick them up at a local Kragens.

I was an assistant manager at the largest Checker, Schuks, Kragen in the southwest and im telling you that ther almost always gonna be the most expensive store. the markup is around 72%. the best way to get a good deal on parts is to get realy chummy with someone who has a commercial account with CSK and you can parts at or around cost. the best price i got was for an altinator for a 7.3 deisel and the counter price was like $200 and i paid 5% over cost at around $75-$100.