Re: Beware of VRC and VRE

[JustaxPHX@aol.com]

>Running a car this old has a few planning issues, one is not to expect
>to be able to get dealer-only (read: no profit in aftermarket) parts on
>the same day.

If you're talking about things like fenders or suspension bushings, then I'd
definitely agree with you.  But oil filters and gaskets?  They're 1) not very
costly, which means the carrying costs aren't that great, and 2) not specific
to only one model of car, which means you don't have to stock very many in any
event.  I believe that a customer-service oriented dealer will keep these
parts in stock even if they lose money on every one they sell, if only to keep
you in the habit of buying parts from them.  Run properly, over-the-counter
parts sales can be a very profitable part of a dealer's business and catering
only to those cars that are still current and/or under warranty is to
potentially give away a lot of business to your competition.  (Unless, of
course, you don't have any, which is the case in Phoenix, Arizona...)

In my case, while it's very unlikely that I'll ever buy a new Audi, I've
bought several used ones -- including one from this dealership -- and if and
when I do, it won't be from them.  I've never stepped foot inside of Carlsen
Audi but considering that I have received better service from them, despite
being 1100 miles away and selling parts for 25-30% under MSRP instead of 10%
over it, you can bet that when I do, I'll buy my Audi from them, even if I
have to pay extra for shipping it to Arizona or hop on a plane to pick it up
in Palo Alto myself.

JG