Off The Shelf Parts??

[RUCRAYZE]

isn't that how they start out. do you think pep boys will have on their shelf all the parts we need-not- they do what they all do- including dealers, make a phone call and someone shows up with the part.
First, to note, i have serious limitations in many areas of life,with auto repair right up there.
needed a water pump for my toyota, went to the dealer- wanted $480 (had to order the pump!)- not on his shelf I might be stupid, but i ain't dumb (although some disagree), without going into a parts store, went on line and for $65.00 + shipping got it in a few days (it must have been on HIS SHELF) took it to a little shop- sign said toyota specialists and for $150 got it installed!
I know that many products are exactly the same, processed food being an example, with just different labels.
I'm guessing the parts our cars will have, and pepboys will use, are each "common" units already in use for other cars, and I have difficulty believing that 90% are made in the States! instead of made in the U.S. they should say taken off American shelf! - don't get all bent out of shape, just saying.
In for a dime, in for a dollar, (I'm 1k all in), but do enjoy the banter

 

[Rickb]

If 90% of the Elio parts are made in the USA by USA manufacturers.........then they are made in the USA........I don't think EM would misrepresent that statement and what it means. Who will set the MSRP of those off the shelf replacement parts purchased at our local PB's Service Centers. If we buy all the Elio parts individually it may cost us $13,600 or more. Does a reasonable priced Elio mean reasonably priced parts?

I once bought a part for my Audi and complained about the high price. The VW/Audi Parts Manager said the part is actually made in the USA.......shipped to Germany to be warehoused.......and then shipped back to USA when he orders it.............makes no sense.......but I thought it was interesting nonetheless.

 

[GaPawn]

As a former factory rep for the WD-40 Company, I can tell you that the retail auto parts stores only stock the ~5%~ most popular parts on their shelves. The VAST MAJORITY of parts are stocked at the DC (Distribution Center AKA: warehousing distributor). It is not possible for a small retail outlet to have EVERY part on their shelves. But most distributors run a nightly truck to their retailers so that they can have it for you the next day. When you buy online (from outfits like Rockauto.com, etc.), your order is usually directed to a warehousing distributor that ships directly to you. If you buy from a specialty house online, they often have the part in stock because they only stock parts for a limited type of auto, BMW, OR Mercedes, OR vintage Fords, OR Corvettes, etc., etc.

IF Elio happens to choose to use parts that fall in the "top ~5%~" to build their auto cycle with, then the local Pep Boys will likely have what we need on the shelf. By the same token, as part of the agreement to be the nationwide Elio factory service center, I suspect they will be required to stock the most common repair parts for an Elio at each and every location. But if Elio chooses common parts, that should not be an issue for Pep Boys at all.

Just my humble opinion, wrapped around a WAG (Wild @$$ed Guess), and worth exactly what you paid for it!!!

 

[Terrence]

As a former factory rep for the WD-40 Company, I can tell you that the retail auto parts stores only stock the ~5%~ most popular parts on their shelves. The VAST MAJORITY of parts are stocked at the DC (Distribution Center AKA: warehousing distributor). It is not possible for a small retail outlet to have EVERY part on their shelves. But most distributors run a nightly truck to their retailers so that they can have it for you the next day. When you buy online (from outfits like Rockauto.com, etc.), your order is usually directed to a warehousing distributor that ships directly to you. If you buy from a specialty house online, they often have the part in stock because they only stock parts for a limited type of auto, BMW, OR Mercedes, OR vintage Fords, OR Corvettes, etc., etc.

IF Elio happens to choose to use parts that fall in the "top ~5%~" to build their auto cycle with, then the local Pep Boys will likely have what we need on the shelf. By the same token, as part of the agreement to be the nationwide Elio factory service center, I suspect they will be required to stock the most common repair parts for an Elio at each and every location. But if Elio chooses common parts, that should not be an issue for Pep Boys at all.

Just my humble opinion, wrapped around a WAG (Wild @$$ed Guess), and worth exactly what you paid for it!!!

Good personal experience you provided to us. Thank you my Elio friend for that insight
Terrence

 

[skygazer6033]

Since it seems it will be late 2015 at the earliest before anyone actually takes delivery of their Elio I really doubt anyone will be needing any parts other than oil and filters possibly a serpentine belt for several years. The exception of course being collision damage.