|
|
|
I just returned from a Mercedes/BMW/Volvo salvage yard, that's just a mile from my house. I thought they were overpriced and would like some other opinions.
For 745t:
rear dome light $5
alternator pulley/belt guard $5
155 15 spare in lightly used condition $40
Rear valance (the trim under the rear bumper) $75
And for my 850 wagon, a headlight wiper motor, $175
I bought the dome light but left the rest. I should have picked up the belt guard but didn't. When I mentioned I could find another tire for less than the $40 I was told it's illegal for anyone to mount temp spares. In other words, they're sold mounted, even if you wear one out and have a good rim. First I've heard of this. Maybe he was right, maybe it was BS.
They had about 200 dead Volvos ranging from early 240s to V70s. A gold mine but I'm thinking I could to better for prices.
Anyone?
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t
|
|
-
|
|
|
There are a couple of other small U-pull-it lots around. General stuff, not Volvo specific. Sounds like I'd have better prices there. I'll check one this weekend. I'm surprised at the level of gouging going of for parts.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t
|
|
-
|
|
At two local yards (within an hour's drive) , that rear valance would be like $12.99
Cliff Scott
89 DOHC 740
|
|
-
|
|
|
Where are you? I can't place Long Grove. Any idea if these yards UPS?
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t
|
|
-
|
|
|
Can't place it because it's a large town that's mostly rural... however, I'm kinda in the middle of that area between Chicago and Wisconsin... I could probably UPS it to you, although I don't know the next time I'll go there... They are purely a self-service yard.... www.picknpull.com
Cliff Scott
89 DOHC 740
|
|
-
|
|
|
Volvo's Only, long drive but worth taking a day off when you have a big list. Did you call him for a quote on your list? If only he would open on Sat it would be a bit more convenient although smaller items can be UPSed.
|
|
-
|
|
|
I did call Don. Nice guy, his price on the rear valance would be $50. I should have asked about Saturdays but overlooked it. Anyway, I'll get a list together and call for prices if I go.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t
|
|
-
|
|
that spare tire is a rip off, you can get a stock rim for $30 and then get a used tire on it for $15, so figure $45 for a full size spare is worth it, being that it will also keep your car looking and riding the same untill you can replace the other flat .... i bought two stock draco wheels for my 91' 740T for $30 each ... very rare find for me. been looking for over a year and nothing, then in 3 days i found 3 rims ... but only had the $ for two so ...
|
|
-
|
|
|
At a lot of specialty places like that, they charge a percentage of retail on the parts. There are some random pieces that slip through the cracks, but most of it is based on new retail price. They do a lot of wholesale work, and the retail business is retained to bring in the huge markups.
Some yards have good prices, but they often don't have the later stuff, or the best quality stuff because they won't pay up for it at auction. Some of the auction pieces that show up in the choice salvage yards are there because the yard paid big money to have the parts there.
It is not unusual where the aftermarket develops a replacement part for a vehicle. You have to shop new and used to make sure you're actually getting a deal. I see it a lot where a new aftermarket mirror for a Ford Explorer is $60. And when you check the local recycler, they want $80 (1/2 of "new" retail) for the Ford product.
And worse, when you call the Ford dealer, you find out that they've adjusted THEIR "new" retail price to meet the aftermarket, and the Ford-branded product is now $66. Thereby making the salvage yard price the WORST of the three, and the worst prices gets you a used, scratched mirror when you could've had a brand new one for LESS money.
Basically if you understand the pricing dynamics of salvage parts, you'll be able to find the best price. Sometimes salvage is the way to go, and sometimes it's the worst.
--
chris herbst, near chicago
|
|
-
|
|
|
Erwin
That sounds like one of the local volvo only salvage yards i have localy too, way over priced and i only go there when i just cannot afforde that part new, id look around hell check ebay youd be suprised at what you can find on there for a dirt cheap price, those guys know what parts they have how reare or abundant they are and what the new price is, there going to base there used price on that and not what a true salvage yard would base it on. i wouldnt buy it there unless you just cant find it somewhere else, also check the new price youd be surprised at the small difference in price on some of those items, it also sounds like you got ripped on the rear light i picked one up last year for $0.75 at one of the local all car lots.
|
|
-
|
|
|
Thanks. I'll stay away unless, like you said, I just can't find the part anywhere else or afford the dealer's price.
They did look up dealer list on the 850 headlight wiper motor but only after I let them know I knew it wasn't part of the headlight assembly. They sell the headlight/wiper motor as a unit. Don't see how.
$5 for the light? Oh well, lesson learned. I just hate to think of all those Volvo donors out there, minutes from my house, that I won't be going through. Hell, there were 5 745t's the same color as mine!
Regards,
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t
|
|
-
|
|
|
What really sucks is salvage guys will crush cars with plenty of good parts on them, rather than sell you the parts at a deep discount. I think they should have a "sale week" or something on cars they know they will crush soon. Anything they get for the parts has got to be better than $25/ton.
I just scored 4 240 slush mats and a glovebox lock for $25 today. Probably could have done better if I waited long enough but If you check what those mats are selling for on Ebay, I didn't do too bad either.
--
Bob W.
'91 744T 173K
'82 245Ti 238K
'67 122 wagon
|
|
|
|
|
