[harsh_ride]

Where's the hot spot to buy OEM parts? I was recommended to an inexpensive Porsche-specializing indie wrench that I may trust for the simpler (but labor intensive) stuff, like knock sensor replacement <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />... But would like to show up parts-in-hand, for fastest turn-around.



Need things like the knock sensor, engine mounts, parts for the emergency brake, etc.



(Yeah, with the exception of timing/balance belts, which are next on the To Do list and for which she'll go to the dealer, all the mechanical stuff on my 968 To Do List is getting done! Yeehaw...)

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[Greimann]

Sunset has the best OEM parts prices. Fill in the form of what you are looking for and they will do the research.



http://www.sunsetimports.com/porscheatcost.php

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[BruceWard]

Not because they are a sponsor but because I really like buying from them I mainly buy from Paragon-Products.com . I sometimes buy from Sunset when they have a much lower price, but typically Paragon has a similar or better price and can ship today vs a several week wait from Sunset.

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[Harvey]

I hear you on the several week wait but is the product the same? Faster shipper I've seen is Pelican.



Harvey

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[RPM]

Sunset shipping can be a bit slow. But in my experience their prices for OEM parts are unbeatable. For example, a rebuilt OEM starter was $225-$430 everywhere I tried (I won't list names, but I tried everyone). Sunset was $95 and their core charge was only $30, compared to $50-90 quoted by others. I always call them to order.

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[gryphon]

A while back I think I read that Sun Coast Porsche in Florida was claiming to sell parts at cost plus SH versus Sunset's price of cost + 15% plus SH. Has anyone done a comparison of these two?



Tom

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[BruceWard]

I hear you on the several week wait but is the product the same?

Paragon will typically be able to supply the original Porsche part or the same thing from the original manufacturer. I.e. a clutch kit in a box that is labeled "Sachs" instead of being labeled "Porsche". Both boxes contain the same thing.

Faster shipper I've seen is Pelican.

I have never ordered from Pelican. Paragon is physically close to me so ground shipping from them gets to me in a day or two. When I have ordered they have always had the product in stock or been able to ship it the next day.

Sunset shipping can be a bit slow. But in my experience their prices for OEM parts are unbeatable

Sunset does have the best prices I have found on Porsche branded parts. Although if you need the parts quickly their fees to expedite shipping can make them more expensive than other vendors.



Perhaps I am misunderstanding the original question but I group parts into two categories;



Factory - parts that come with a Porsche label on them



OEM - parts that come from the "Original Equipment Manufacturer" without a Porsche label.



As far as I know Sunset only sells factory parts with Porsche labels.

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[RPM]

Good clarification on Porsche v. OEM. The starter I described was an re-built factory starter, not a Bosch replacement that all the other vendors quoted for me.

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[968Z]

I tried Sun Coast because they were closer for a Tip front rear flex plate and rear connecting plate, plus a windscreen (or deflector). They quoted regular retail. I asked about the 15% and the person I spoke with said they don't do it. I ordered from Sunset, and saved a bundle. Now if I could only find a shop that charged 15% over actual labor cost! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Harvey]

Talking about Bosch, I wish I'd started a collection of Bosch Parts made in different countries. It would be an interesting collection. Even from Sunset you get original Bosch parts that are made in many different countries. The quality of the cardboard boxes from some almost 3rd world countries isn't too good but I'm hoping that the quality of the actual part is controlled heavily (although low bid out-sourced for Bosche). I've heard of relays being made in Bangladesh but I've not gotton one of those for my collection yet. As long as the quality control is good, I guess I don't care. However, the OEM parts for some of the belts is questionable...is it really an OEM part or not? I can't tell but they don't always look the same...hope they perform the same. It's hard to know if the materials quality is exactly the same or not.



My pet peeve is a company that says they have a part in stock (according to the computer) and they'll ship it the next day...but it's 2-3 weeks later when you actually get it. That's what makes you want to shop elsewhere. Pelican and Paragon both have been fast shippers for me. I haven't used too many of the others. Vertex is OK but not very personalized and you may get a mistake...but they always make it right. Auto Atlanta...I'll just say I don't buy there any more. I've not tried Zims or the others. The prices do vary from place to place on part to part. Performance Auto is pretty fast shipper but limited on what they have...prices not too competitive Much easier to get 928 parts than 968. 911 easier yet. But the 968 is a pretty scarce car too. I'll pay more for parts if the customer service is good...like they help you with advice when you get confused on how to install something...or they cheerfully take back a part they sent by mistake. BTW, I have a brand new Tbelt roller for the 968 that shows up on the PET but was never actually used on the car. Sent by a dealer when I ordered "all the rollers I'd need." No where to put that one.



Harvey



[quote name='RPM' date='Aug 17 2005, 11:41 AM']Good clarification on Porsche v. OEM. The starter I described was an re-built factory starter, not a Bosch replacement that all the other vendors quoted for me.

[right][post="8876"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

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[Eric_K]

I mostly use Paragon. They can get you any part you need at a decent price and their service is usually top notch. If something is wrong with the order they will fix it.



Plus, Sunset won't sell to me because I'm in Washington. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/dry.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Eric

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[Bob Kovacs]

I just ordered some small parts from Zims and it went perfectly. Hard to say if it was the best price. I've always had good luck with German Parts and Restoration (GPR), but the guys there could not find a couple of things recently, so I turned to Zims. I ordered some brake parts a couple years ago from Vertex and the order got slightly scrambled. The company quickly figured it out and took care of it quickly, though. I'd feel comfortable ordering from any of these companies.



--Bob

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[BruceWard]

I started out buying from Zim who would often tell me that they had not seen many 968s. In comparison Chuck and Jason at Paragon own 968s and will go have a look at theirs when I have a question. Zims is the only place that I am aware of that will rebuild clutch forks and has a drilling service for brake rotors.

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[Harvey]

There is an advantage to ordering from someone who knows our cars and understands what "customer service" is. When a dealer ticks off a buyer...the disgruntled buyer usually tells about a dozen people about the bad service and never shops there again. But when the service is good, strangely, people only tell a few others. I run a service agency and we're real careful about our image. And it only takes a few enemies in high or visible places to hurt you.



Also, it's good to be able to call a vendor and ask..."I'm confused, am I about to put this part on backwards?" or "This doesn't seem to fit, are you sure it's the right part?" and get an informed answer with a solution to your concern rather than, "I'm sorry, you're having trouble. We don't do mechnic work, we just sell parts. You may send it back if you wish". Both are nice responses, but the former scenario is the better and worth more money. I don't mind paying for good service.



Harvey

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