General Information 127 Genuine & Aftermarket parts
194 Citroen XM Internet Reference Version 1.0
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127 Genuine & Aftermarket parts
Hi all
The original Citroen exhaust on my sister’s AX14TZS lasted from 1988 to 1996 before it was replaced
with a Bosal (OE supplier with a 2 yr warranty) system which seems to be wearing very well. Ever seen
an exhaust being made? - not much to it, still generally a very low tech & handling intensive operation.
It is possible to buy OE supplied parts from the aftermarket for very competitive prices. Malcolm
Lockwood & Andyspares have some excellent bargains. Rarely do Citroen chose to compete, indeed
many Citroen dealers use independents because they can make a better GP buying from the them
rather than buying from Citroen. The parts manufacturers tolerate this situation & supply the
independents as usually they make a much better job of *selling* in volume than does the car maker.
Why do you think Ford & many others want to severely curtail this activity?
The true cost of many parts would surprise many, this is real world for popular parts:
eg Brake pads: manufacturers cost: 2.50GBP
wholesaler cost: 5.00GBP
central mark up applied at wholesaler: 1.50 GBP
therefore cost charged to wholesalers outlet: 6.50GBP
wholesaler sells to motor factor: 10.00GBP
motor factor sells to garage: 16.50GBP
garage sells to customer (you/me): 29.50GBP
The real cost of many oil filters is well under 1GBP
All plus VAT of course, garage makes little money on labour any more on a job like this & with revenues
from servicing ever diminishing, parts remain one of the few areas where Mr Garage may make a
reasonable profit. It’s the price we pay for lengthening service intervals, availability & “sophisticated”
distribution.
Dominic
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