What's the deal w/ the high IPD prices? Are their products better than FCPGroton? I've got money..but don't want to spend if I don't have to...I mean, heck..I'll use the leftover cash to buy a steak or something. However, if the products at FCPGroton aren't good, then I'd rather spend the extra $$ at IPD.

I'm comparing front end suspension prices, e.g., bushings, ball joints, Boge struts, etc. What gives?
Cabbie2169

Floks- I too live in Portland and have spents thousands of dollars there on parts for my 245s. All I can say is that these guys (and gals) are first class. If they find a part line weak or defective it's gone. If you have a problem it's taken care of quick and with no questions.

I wish everyone were as good to deal with.

Trooperguy

Know who makes the best quality parts. Find out who sells it for less. Buy it there.
And don't buy anything made by Scan Tech. Both IPD and Groton sell Scan Tech but only Groton says who makes the parts listed.
On straight out replacement parts usually you'll get the best deal at Groton. But IPD does have some useful items you don't find elsewhere. I have been disappointed by them a time or two, though.
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'80 DL 2 dr

I've bought from both companies. IPD's prices tend to be very high, often for the exact same product. I once ordered a timing belt and front seals from both companies because I was about to do two cars. The products were absolutely identical: same brand, same part numbers, etc. IPD's price was nearly twice as high as FCP's. If you ask for brand names, you'll find that FCP often has the same stuff for a lot less money. Both companies have told me they sell Scan Tech, but that doesn't necessarilly mean it's bad. Sometimes Scan Tech buys good stuff and wholesales it under the Scan Tech name. Another example: I got the same control arm bushings from FCP for a lot cheaper than IPD. Both companies have good service, in my opinion. I've had no trouble returning parts to FCP I didn't end up needing. On knowledge specific to Volvos, I'd have to say that IPD seems to know more. They seem to have a bunch of people who have spent time working on these cars. I don't have a lot of extra money, so I buy most of my parts from FCP, but I get the best quality option if they offer two different brands.

I've also had good dealings with Swedish Engineering.
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Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.

IPD is a resource that I buy from from time to time just to keep them around. They know what they are doing, Volvo wise and business wise, and carry higher quality parts if they are aftermarket, and a break off Volvo parts if they feel there's nothing else better out there. They're honest about that.
I have bought many parts from FCPGroton, and have to say, you get what you pay for. In several cases, I had parts that needed fitment modifications that shouldn't have needed it, like a harmonic ballancer, this is one part that I would not buy from anywhere other than Volvo. Some parts lasted 1/2 the distance of a Volvo part, like ball joints (I will NEVER, ever buy anything except a Volvo ball joint, tie rod end, etc!). In many cases, I found that the best part is a Volvo part, cheaper in the long run. I most often look elsewhere on the net to find suppliers like www.swedishengineering.com who will give big discounts off Volvo parts in a Volvo box. I've grown to trust what's in a packaged Volvo parts bag or box, and stay away from IPD AND FCP Groton as much as possible. There is a ton of IPD parts on my 245 though.
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'89 245 Sportwagon, '04 V70 2.5T Sportwagon

Living in Portland as I do, I almost always go to IPD when I need something. Since I don't have to pay for shipping, that usually justifies the cost for me.

They've always been very helpful for me.
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"

I have bought from both and nothing but praise for the two of them. The extra you pay at ipd goes into their extraordinary customer service plus the research necessary to pick those unusual accessories and performance products they offer (cams, carbon fiber hoods, etc)

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

I purchase a lot of parts through wholesale distribution, which is a perk from being in the trade for a while. IPD is a very good supplier. THey stand behind everything they sell. I had some things from them that they offered to have professionally installed (altered if necessary) at their expense, at the shop of my choice, if they didn't work. The first set had been bad, and the second was basically carte blanche at their expense. You can't beat that kind of service.

However, you can't beat FCP Groton's prices either. I often order from them because they are fast and inexpensive. Sometimes just as good a price as wholesale, depending on the part.

-Chris

Over a year ago, I was trying to rebuild the front end on my '82 245Ti. I bought some TRW balljoints and a few other odds and ends from an online retailer (not FCP). Turns out, someone had installed the left and right balljoints backwards on my car and I ended up with two extra right sides before I got the whole mess figured out. I sent the extras to Portland and IPD credited MY account with parts bought from OTHER retailers at their RETAIL price. I couldn't believe it, I was asking for wholesale on the things since I didn't buy them from them. This is the most outstanding customer service I can ever remember receiving. I actually netted money on these parts since I bought them so cheap. I quickly blew it all on those IPD goodies you can't get anywhere else though :-)

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Volvo Farmer:

20 Volvos '58-'91

I buy most of my parts from FCP Groton -- yes, they are much cheaper than iPD.

Just recently, I purchased new brake rotors (all 4), brake pads (front and back), two strut mounts, and two boge front turbo gas struts for my 240. FCP's price was $405 shipped (about 50lbs worth of goods). iPD wanted $555 plus shipping (based on 77lbs going from Oregon to Florida, I'm sure it would have been easily $50). The $200 difference could have covered slightly more than 3 hours of labor installation. So, hands-down, I went with FCP.

But, with iPD, you are definitely paying the higher prices for their superb customer service, their catalogs, website, etc. I mean, heck, if you're unsure of a part that you need for your car and you don't have access to the internet to post here, you can call up iPD and ask away, they'd be glad to help you out (whether you buy from them or not). So is their cost difference justified? I would argue absolutely "yes".

As for me, I didn't learn about FCP Groton until I started reading this board. Prior to that, I pretty much always used iPD. Obviously, they can compete in the marketplace because I'm sure there are a lot of people that don't know that other "cheaper" options are available out there besides iPD, their local mechanic, and the local Volvo dealer.

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Regards,
Eric Staufer,
1989 244DL 126k,
My 240 Page (opens a new window)

Yes IPD is more expensive than some other places, but on the other hand I have never had a problem with any of their products, or have had to do a job over again due to a defective part. The way I figure it my time is too valuable to waste doing things over because I tried to save a few bucks on a cheaper part.

IPD is more expensive, but I have found their quality to be better in many instances (e.g., poly bushings). They do test their products, unlike many other Internet operations. And their customer service is superb.

Years ago I used to buy a lot from IPD. However, with the advent of internet purchasing (and the ability to compare prices), I rarely buy anything from them. Don't get me wrong, I love the products and have IPD bars on my 240 wagon. But they have priced themselves out of my price range for parts. There are too many good deals on ebay and online with free shipping.

FCP is one of my major suppliers - have bought quite a bit over the years and Nick will take anything back if you have a problem. You hear a lot of defective parts on the board these days - I think that's just the way it is these days.

I also use eeuroparts frequently with no problems - the free shipping deal real adds up over time.

Bob Weber
Hamilton Ohio (I am betting on riots at our Ohio polling places on Tues if there are any "challenge" shennanigans! I have never lived through a more polarized election - I really do think we are close to civil war in Ohio!!

59 Volvos since 1979