Parts Pricing

[spidernut]

I understand that parts are getting harder to find for our cars...that's a given as they get older and older. However, I find some people absolutely ridiculous in their pricing of parts. If they're actually getting these insane prices I'm seeing, maybe I should part out my three Fiats and retire on the money I earn.

A special word of thanks to all who have sold me new and used parts at reasonable prices! Thanks for helping us keep our cars on the road without going bankrupt.

[johndemar]

I've noticed that the online auctions are becoming fewer and fewer, with "buy it now" taking it's place.
And the asking prices do make me question whether I really need the advertised part.
When I parted my extra car a 3-4 years ago I simply listed the auction at almost nothing and let the market decide what it was worth. Guess those days are gone.

[4uall]

I always tell people "whatever you think it's worth is fine with me" when selling parts. It is always fun trying to find the balance between giving it away (which I have done ) and thinking you have something of extreme value.

That being said, all my parts are now on for any reasonable offer accepted

[bradartigue]

I understand that parts are getting harder to find for our cars...that's a given as they get older and older. However, I find some people absolutely ridiculous in their pricing of parts. If they're actually getting these insane prices I'm seeing, maybe I should part out my three Fiats and retire on the money I earn.

A special word of thanks to all who have sold me new and used parts at reasonable prices! Thanks for helping us keep our cars on the road without going bankrupt.

If you think FIAT parts are expensive you might want to consider another hobby. For a collector car the Spider is dirt cheap, so cheap it is absurd. Parts actually cost less now than they did when sold through FIAT dealers in the 80's ($450 speedometer in 1980 = $1380 today, and if you bought it from Linearossa it was probably used anyway).

Focus on buying quality parts, not on the cheapest part, and from vendors who support enthusiasts. When you focus on cheap you create a market for dangerous parts. Like A-Arms that collapse or tie rod ends that strip the sleeves. In a car lacking in every legitimate safety feature quality does matter.

[spidernut]

Brad...most of the prices on new parts don't bother me. I agree that buying the cheapest isn't buying the best. However, it is the price for used parts on Evilbay and Craigspissed that I'm primarily talking about. People forget we're buying USED parts not 24 karat gold jewelry. A used motor that the seller doesn't know if it runs, has no history on it, and it has been "sitting around for years" is not worth $650. One used visor with a small tear in it is not worth $95...yet I see these types of prices all the time. I don't want to call anyone out who might be on the forum but there are some great examples on Evilbay right now.

One of my Spiders (rust free) cost $450 complete and was running within hours of buying it. The other Spider with very, very, very minimal rust cost me $400 and I was able to drive it. Both had clean titles and no accidents and were complete. From parts pricing for used parts, I figure I could get about $4K per car minimum IF people actually paid these kinds of prices for used parts.

[spiderrey]

Thats just it, if people actually pay the asking price. It doesn't happen most of the time. I supported the build of my car by searching out hard to find parts. I was amazed at how high some of the bidding went. In the end , I made a good profit and helped people out that other wise could not source the part them selves. I see ads asking ridiculous prices, I just pass them up till I find what I need at what I'm willing to pay. I have always felt that complaining about things that you have no control over is a total waste of time.

[bradartigue]

Brad...most of the prices on new parts don't bother me. I agree that buying the cheapest isn't buying the best. However, it is the price for used parts on Evilbay and Craigspissed that I'm primarily talking about. People forget we're buying USED parts not 24 karat gold jewelry. A used motor that the seller doesn't know if it runs, has no history on it, and it has been "sitting around for years" is not worth $650. One used visor with a small tear in it is not worth $95...yet I see these types of prices all the time. I don't want to call anyone out who might be on the forum but there are some great examples on Evilbay right now.

One of my Spiders (rust free) cost $450 complete and was running within hours of buying it. The other Spider with very, very, very minimal rust cost me $400 and I was able to drive it. Both had clean titles and no accidents and were complete. From parts pricing for used parts, I figure I could get about $4K per car minimum IF people actually paid these kinds of prices for used parts.

So it's okay for you to get a good deal ($450 and $400 cars) but not for the market to decide the value of, say, a visor? I'm kidding somewhat, but that's what I'm reading here. I agree that people on ebay and craigslist can be aggressive, but they do so because there is an entire market out there of incompetents, who fail to do research and buy on impulse. There is also a market that would pay top dollar for anything near OEM quality FIAT parts. The quality of parts has nearly driven me completely away from even wanting to work on the cars, I'd gladly pay 200% more for factory quality parts. But I know I'm an outlier, most people look at the cars as a cheap hobby, treat them cheaply, and somewhere in the process remove the bumpers.

[spidernut]

I hear what you're saying Brad. However, I got a good deal for three primary reasons:

1. The owners lost interest in the cars
2. The owners couldn't repair the cars due to limited mechanical knowledge
3. The cars were unregistered with huge back registration and penalties due (which I knew a legal way around).

Despite their pretty good condition and completeness, both cars were headed to the auto dismantler if I (or another) had not purchased them. That makes cars cheap to buy with those three factors. I couldn't pass them up even if it was for the parts alone.

I don't fault people for making a profit. I just was commenting on the lunacy of some people selling parts. For those who don't mind the prices, I have a few parts for sale:

- Used radiator: $250 or overpriced offer
- Used electric fan: $250 or overpriced offer
- Used exhaust manifold heat shield: $150 or overpriced offer
- Used Early Spider upper console: $150 or overpriced offer
- Used Cracked cross member from a 79: $250 or overpriced offer
- Used rear side panel for older Spiders: $100 or overpriced offer
- Used Spider upper console 79+ years: $125 due to condition or overpriced offer
- Used 1995 cc engine block from an 82 with missing crank caps: $6,000,000 or overpriced offer

I'm just sayin'

[htchevyii]

I have noticed he the same thing with some of the used parts on eBay. I call them " dreamers". You can look at completed listings to see what things are actually selling for. You need to find the sellers that are cleaning out the garage, not trying to get rich.

[bradartigue]

I have noticed he the same thing with some of the used parts on eBay. I call them " dreamers". You can look at completed listings to see what things are actually selling for. You need to find the sellers that are cleaning out the garage, not trying to get rich.

I doubt anyone gets rich off of FIAT parts. I also find that parts have remained incredibly inexpensive relative to other marques - look at Alfa Romeo Spider parts (even the parts shared with the FIAT but in Alfa bag vs. a FIAT bag).

I don't criticize anyone for obtaining anything at whatever value was agreed to by the buyer and seller. Are you lacking in brain cells if you buy a $600 ball joint? I think so, but it may be the one ball joint left in the world that is OEM and you have an all original car, so it means that to you.

[SoFlaFiat]

Brad, I have a set of slightly rusty tube bumpers, rear is missing pass side rubber and both front and rear have sagging center rubbers. I hate to do it, but for you and only you!!! I'll sacrifice them at $250 plus shipping!




Sorry, had to do it!! I crack myself up

Actually Brad, if I purchase a spider which has no bumpers, am I still a disrespecting bum if I don't search out some bumpers for it?

[bradartigue]

Brad, I have a set of slightly rusty tube bumpers, rear is missing pass side rubber and both front and rear have sagging center rubbers. I hate to do it, but for you and only you!!! I'll sacrifice them at $250 plus shipping!




Sorry, had to do it!! I crack myself up

Actually Brad, if I purchase a spider which has no bumpers, am I still a disrespecting bum if I don't search out some bumpers for it?

No thanks. As noted, I think people are lunatics to pay what they do, but it's up to them. As to your other point, however you choose to disgrace yourself is entirely up to you. Put panasports on it if you really want to up the cheese factor, or mount little mirrors on the front of the bumpers.

[toplessexpat]

Next you'll be saying my spare hood is over the top!

[SoFlaFiat]

or mount little mirrors on the front of the bumpers.

Oh... If I only had bumpers to mount them on!

I'm disgracefully happy with the way my car looks, you too Andy?

[toplessexpat]

Absolutely Alan!

The big bumpers really don't do much for the front end (apart from the obvious protection issue), and the chrome ones are a nightmare to retrofit.

It feels much more like the original design to run without.

As I've said before though - I don't trust Texas drivers... So the rear one stays