1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Need Advice - Buying Parts online

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by SWprius08, Apr 19, 2011.

  1. SWprius08

    SWprius08 SoCalprius

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2011
    170
    18
    2
    Location:
    Los Angeles (SFV)
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello All,

    I need to buy a OEM AC condenser as probably a flying rock broke the lines. (I will secure the grill with a metal mesh after replacing). Local toyota dealer is quoting about $ 375. While I checked some online stores and their prices are about 20% less including shipping and taxes. I want to know if any one has experience buying parts online from the below sites. Or please suggest a relaible online store for OEM Prius parts.

    toyotapartscenter.net
    Toyotapartscheap.com
    toyotaoemparts.com
    Discount Toyota Parts

    Whats fishy is that all these websites are designed in the same way, and looks like they all use the same format for searching parts. Also what concerns me the most is that none of these are Better Business Bureau Accredited (www.bbb.org)

    Thank You
     
    #1 SWprius08, Apr 19, 2011
  2. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2010
    3,326
    1,512
    38
    Location:
    Santa Fe, NM
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Almost all of them use some flavor of trademotion. They are the online stores of dealership parts counters. Mostly, beware of a price that is much lower than everyone else, and be careful that you don't buy from a dealer in your state that would cause you to pay sales tax.

    My personal favorite is partznet.com (Conicelli out of New Jersey).
     
    #2 seilerts, Apr 19, 2011
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,464
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I am very pleased with the pricing and prompt order fulfillment at Champion Toyota in Houston: toyotaworld.com
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Apr 19, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  4. SWprius08

    SWprius08 SoCalprius

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2011
    170
    18
    2
    Location:
    Los Angeles (SFV)
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    About how many times have you ordered from them? Any issues? Better Business has rated B to Conicelli Autoplex. Which is better than no rating.
     
    #4 SWprius08, Apr 19, 2011
  5. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2008
    2,927
    782
    0
    Location:
    IL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    There's a Toyota dealership in the Chicago suburbs where you can call the parts dept and get a modest discount, probably about the same as what you're seeing. PM if you want details on the kinda-hookup.
     
    #5 a_gray_prius, Apr 19, 2011
  6. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2010
    3,326
    1,512
    38
    Location:
    Santa Fe, NM
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I have only dealt with the Toyota parts guys on several orders, including a return for a refund, and a case where one of the parts was backordered, but they still gave me the top level discount even though the total on the remainder was under the threshold for free shipping, let alone the requirement for 15% off. Not that it is technically a problem, but they will not ship fluids.
     
    #6 seilerts, Apr 19, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  7. SWprius08

    SWprius08 SoCalprius

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2011
    170
    18
    2
    Location:
    Los Angeles (SFV)
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thank you Seilerts and all others for giving advice. At this point I am looking to consider Conicelli Autoplex
     
    #7 SWprius08, Apr 20, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)