Next check their warranty. What is the warranty on their parts? What is their parts return policy? Do they have free or discount shipping? Is their check out secure and how long will it take to get your parts? What if you have a question, when is customer service available? It looks like a lot to look for before you even place an order but, it is necessary. Every order is not perfect every time so you have to protect yourself and your wallet if there is a problem.
Inquire as to whether or not the mechanic or garage specializes in a certain type of car repair. You may find a garage specializes in brakes, transmissions, a/c, or diesel repairs. Some shops will specialize in a particular type of vehicle. While these shops will work on other systems or vehicles, you may not get the most efficient job done if your needs do not fall within their specialization. Make sure your vehicle falls within the expertise of the shop you choose.
Another, idea that struck me. Heated seats. This is actually a fairly simple idea. You can pull them from any factory-equipped car. Try the local recreational car rentals. Just make sure they can bench test them before you walk out the door. You’ll want the thermostat control with this, which can be mounted under the tail for adjustment while riding. Basically, heated seats are no more then a heating pad element that sits under the upholstery, a top the padding. The heating elements average about 100-140 degrees F. I did a search for “Upholstery Heating Elements” and came up with some good results and even installation instructions and tutorials for various seats. Both OEM and retro fits.
Most salvage companies have “hot lines” that connect them with other companies. These are used to transfer information, such as requests for specific car parts. That means that you don’t have to hop from salvage yard to salvage yard in search of your car parts. You can simply check out a single salvage yard. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’re likely to find it from another dealer via the hot line.
As for the price of auto parts, aside from the age of the vehicle there is the make and model. In this case foreign car parts are much more expensive than domestically made cars. Most people who buy foreign cars don’t realize this or even think about it until it comes time to get their vehicle repaired. Then they get hit with the bill and their eyes pop out of their head. For example, an oil filer for a 2005 Buick Century is about $2.98. The same oil filter for a Honda CRV is $3.98. It’s basically the same filter for the Honda but it costs $1.00 more. That comes out to a 33% markup on a relatively cheap part. Imagine that same 33% markup on a part that costs $60 for the Buick. You’d be paying about $80 for the same part for the Honda.
You may be surprised by the costs that may be associated with your Mustang’s parts. Because it’s a new vehicle, you will have to pay more for them and will have to be careful with them. This is a good way to make your bills higher if you are not careful and break them that you are trying to use. You can hire a professional so that you are not dealing with this risk and that will help you with your money issues too.
