OEM parts same day — how do you do it?

[Dave]

How do shops get their hands on OEM-only parts within the same day?

In California, there are probably millions of Toyota and Honda’s on the road and hundreds of dealerships. The cars we drive are extremely common, so I would think OEM parts would be easier to come by. That couldn’t be further from the truth, it seems.

I’m always blown away when I call up and learn that some pretty basic items (gaskets, O-rings, brake parts, etc) are not in stock at any dealership within a 100-mile radius requiring a special order that takes another 1-2 days to arrive. I suppose dealerships can sometimes rob parts off cars sitting on the lot, but how do independent shops avoid a complete meltdown waiting on parts to arrive?

Topic

[Chris]

This is a business model that started taking hold in the 80’s.
You are correct it is right to expect that a dealer would have on hand all of the commonly replaced or used up parts for their vehicles and they mostly used to. What happened is that in some places they never sold them and had to carry them and account for them which during the 80;s seemed like just to much of an expense for the “investors” busy stripping US industry for parts. So they rarely have anything on hand that their mechanics do not use right away and order from a central local anything that is needed. Thus they have as few unused parts on the books as possible. It, having to hassle with getting OE parts, also works to discourage people from keeping their car in good repair with OE parts so the dealer can blame any problems on after market parts which will I am sure lead to them eventually telling you its beyond repair and you need to buy a new one. Dealers really really really hate keeping their old vehicles running. It discourages new sales, they think.
It is basically a corporate thing.
Independent guys know that being prepared is a good idea, as well as finding a parts supplier that has a big warehouse and can get things inside 24 hours.
Seems like you should be able to find a good parts source in the Southland.

[Author]

Replies