I hope this thread does not morph into differences/what is good/bad in '99 style model.

Q: How long do you think the OEM replacement parts will be available?

My concern is not only limited to major components like starter, alternator etc but also the pieces that get most worn ... like floor mats, plastic vents, visors etc.


Salim

 

Lexus hasn't been around long enough to test the situation, but I guess Toyota has.

My experience with my old Mercedes-Benz was that, when the body style (newest of that body style) hit 20 years, parts availability went from 90% in stock at dealer and the remaining 10% 1-2 day delay to 90% 1-2 day delay and 10% 1-2 weeks delay (i.e., shipped from Germany). Since that was my only car, that was a major factor in not rebuilding the engine when it went at 220,000 miles.

 

I asked once regarding Toyota parts and they said they keep parts for 30 years.

 

Everything is a matter of how fast you can get it. Don't worry, our vehicles will be long dead before Toyota runs out of parts for the vehicle and honestly, after say 25 years are you still going to use OEM for the vehicle?

There will always be an aftermarket parts place that will have a replacement part.

Rest assured, if you wanted to, you can keep your RX for 50 years.

 

^^ Good point. A while back I could not find parts for 11yr old Accord. That is why I asked.

Salim

 

it all depends on what parts your needing. fast moving items (maint items, alternators, starters, axles etc) will be in stock far longer than other parts like floor mats, visors etc. For example Honda will discontinue accessories at 7 yrs old (doesnt mean you cant get the parts though, you can still get them from a dealers stock or have a dealer locate on them to check other dealer stock, once the dealers sell out then the part is obsolete...unless the dealers return them to honda in which the part will go to the vintage parts warehouse.) Other items like floor mats will be discontinued in all colors but black (even if the vehicle never had black interior!) after 10 yrs or so. Usually after 15-20 yrs all parts begin to get harder and harder to find and alot could be on backorder. The last item I came across that was completely obsolete was an 81 Accord steering rack.