What is IM's policy on supplying parts?
10 April 2002, 08:52 PM
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When I phoned Lancaster Pangbourne last week to get a quote for a part they needed the chassis number. I got the message that they won't supply parts without a chassis number to stop grey import owners getting parts. I thought it was just servicing and repairs which was banned. Isn't there such a thing as free trade?
11 April 2002, 08:24 AM
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I think the problem is that they have a CD which has a database of chassis numbers on it and the parts that were fitted to each model. The idea is that owners of cars whose numbers are on the database are guaranteed the correct parts for their cars, even if (for example) different suppliers were originally used within a particular model year.
Of course, a side effect of this is that Japanese imports won't be on the CD. I'd have thought that dealers were trying to avoid ordering incorrect parts that they then can't sell, rather than (necessarily) deliberately avoiding supplying parts for imports. If they use the CD then they can't get it wrong, but if they try to identify a part number 'by eye' when someone walks in with a strangely shaped widget, there's always the possibility of error. I order technical parts from catalogues all the time, and sometimes I get it wrong.
I'd be interested to know whether anyone's had problems getting spares for Euro imports though - the law should make that much easier.
A.
Of course, a side effect of this is that Japanese imports won't be on the CD. I'd have thought that dealers were trying to avoid ordering incorrect parts that they then can't sell, rather than (necessarily) deliberately avoiding supplying parts for imports. If they use the CD then they can't get it wrong, but if they try to identify a part number 'by eye' when someone walks in with a strangely shaped widget, there's always the possibility of error. I order technical parts from catalogues all the time, and sometimes I get it wrong.
I'd be interested to know whether anyone's had problems getting spares for Euro imports though - the law should make that much easier.
A.
11 April 2002, 10:28 AM
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I can see your point on strangley shapped widgets, but locking wheel nuts??!?!
I've also had problems getting general things like car mats, and fog light protectors. You can't tell me that these are different to the UK ones.
Also when you don't tell them it's for an import they still take the p155, "2 sump plug washers, you sure that won't break the bank?" was one response when I was doing an oil change.
Gus
I've also had problems getting general things like car mats, and fog light protectors. You can't tell me that these are different to the UK ones.
Also when you don't tell them it's for an import they still take the p155, "2 sump plug washers, you sure that won't break the bank?" was one response when I was doing an oil change.
Gus
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