Daddy-O

This isn't a maintenance thread...It's a shopping thread. I'm curious about other RX drivers in this forum and your choices (Local vs Mail Order) in buying general parts and accessories for your ride.

I get tired of paying shipping on Internet purchases, and would really rather spend my money in the area in which I live. I know very well you can't get some things locally (Zaino). But as an example, I just picked up a gallon of Meguiar's #34 Final Inspection from the local family operated NAPA store for $23.49 ($24.90 w/tax). They don't carry this in stock, but got it (in 1 day) from another NAPA store 150 miles away...No extra charge. UPS Ground Shipping on 1 gal. of #34 would have been $7-$8 easy.

That being said, I stopped by my local Toyota dealer and got some price quotes. They all seem to be higher than Internet prices, but the difference shows in shipping costs:

Oil filter (Japan production)
90915-YZZB9
$7.34 ea. Plus 6% tax
2 or more $6.00/ea.

Oil filter (USA production)
08922-02011
$5.26 ea. Plus 6% tax
2 or more $4.50/ea

Oil drain plug gasket
90430-12031
$.90 Plus 6% tax

Engine air filter
17801-03010
$15.00 Plus 6% tax
(Got a K&N...I just asked anyway)

Interior cabin a/c filter
87139-48020
$24.37 Plus 6% tax

..............
An example purchase:

Iron Toad.com
87139-48020 Interior cabin a/c filter 1 $21.15
90915-YZZB9 Oil filter (Japan) 2 $11.98
90430-12031 Oil drain plug gasket 2 $1.48
Subtotal $34.61
Shipping UPS Ground 3-5 day - $6.98
Sales Tax - $0
Total $41.59

Local Toyota Dealer
87139-48020 Interior cabin a/c filter 1 $24.37
90915-YZZB9 Oil filter (Japan) 2 $12.00
90430-12031 Oil drain plug gasket 2 $1.80
Subtotal $38.17
Shipping UPS Ground 3-5 day - $0
Sales Tax - $2.29
Total $40.46

When the difference is this close (either way), I choose to buy locally. It makes sense for me...How about you?

RX300TC

Great thread paddy.... you're an analytical type of guy, I like that

That being said, you left out the convenience factor.... with the Internet I can order the stuff anytime. How much is an hour of your time worth that might be needed to go get the stuff yourself? If you happen to be in the area of the parts store anyway, then this is probably an invalid point.

That being said, there is one area where Internet buying ALWAYS wins out: anything over a couple hundred dollars. Where I live we pay 8.5% :eek: sales tax. Plus big ticket items (like exterior mods, side tubes, etc.) are almost never discounted at the local store because they can't maintain a diverse stock. Take my WAAG side tubes for example: locally I would have had to pay close to list price PLUS the sales tax. Instead, I competively shopped on the Internet for the lowest price that INCLUDED shipping also. I made out like a bandit and probably got the parts as quick as my local parts place that would have had to order them anyway also.

So I think you raised a good point, and my answer to which is better: it depends. For small common stuff you need right away then local is probably the best bet. But for the big $$$ stuff, gotta love the 'net

-TC

Daddy-O

I agree, TC, there's no question that on most big ticket items, the Internet is the only way to go, that's why I was speaking of general parts and accessories.

Convenience factor? Geez, my life is too easy already. I like hanging around the Auto Parts stores every now and then. I live in a fairly small city and I feel the relationship I have with the people there is important...Plus it's a vacation from my PC, where I work (and play here).

Hey, any reason to hop in the RX and go is good enough for me.