Parts suppliers...

[Big Sandy]

Here in the UK we dont really have much problem getting parts..plenty of suppliers. Okay, lots of parts are made by Britpart, which have a 'certain' reputation..but you get what you pay for, right?

I have often wondered though, who are your main source of Landy parts in Australia? Do you look at websites like Paddocks (for example) and scroll over the parts they offer...and, are they a lot cheaper?? Delivery..is it extortionate?

I live in what British folk class as a remote area..I always end up paying a surcharge on any parts ordered as I live on an island...(well...they say I do, I do actually live on the mainland, but as Britain is an island, I suppose they are right..but then everybody should pay a surcharge...But I digress..going to use that argument next time...:angel:)

I guess this sounds like an odd question... But its one that has always bothered me. I have friends in Norway, Iceland, and in South America, and they complain about parts availability, and cost. So, how do you guys manage??

[drifter]

I joined the Landrover UK forum and found out about many of the places there like Paddocks - and which ones stocked the better stuff and which ones export. ;)

We have some importers who sell a variety of stuff - and we have some local stuff, too. In the stickies for the various models you will see links to some of the suppliers.

As for delivery and pricing - one example pertinent to what I am doing springs to mind.

It is cheaper (landed cost) for me to buy a set of Series 2 seats from Paddocks than locally.

eBay is as good a source here as it is for other enthusiasts. Sure, we pay a bit more for freight - that comes with the territory.

[Bearman]

G'day Sandy, My experience is that it is worthwhile importing from UK as long as the item is not heavy or bulky. Small items than go through the normal post usually only take a week to 10 days to get here and are substantially cheaper than purchasing locally ( up to 50% cheaper). Would be great if we had a contact/exporter over there as some suppliers will not ship to anywhere other than the EU....Brian

[Blknight.aus]

I call M R Automotive.

it happens so often that their phone number has made its way into one of the most dialed auto dial spots in my phone.

[dmdigital]

G'day Sandy,

I too live in a remote area and get hit with a surcharge on deliveries. Freight becomes a balancing act between what the item costs and what they charge in freight. Everything here comes in either by air (usually daily) or by barge (once a week).

It can be both cheaper and more surprisingly, quicker, to get parts for the UK. But it can also be a lot more expensive due to freight on a small component.

Like you though, everyone in town here has the same concerns about freight. Unfortunately it's a fact of life when you choose to "live out of the way".

I bet you are like me and if you see a good price and "free shipping" you make use of it. I remember there was one on-line shopping place out of Sydney that used to be freight free until too many of us here bought off them and they realised that this was costing them a lot. Now, I don't know of anyone using them regularly due to their freight charges.

[PhilipA]

I used to buy a lot of parts from Paddock but a couple of years ago British mail seemed to increase their prices by 100% or so.

Also Paddock's service has deteriorated IMHO . I recently switched to LR Direct and they seem to have a better service.

However none of the UK suppliers are anything like as professional as US internet suppliers and I buy most generic stuff like spark plugs , LED bulbs etc from the US. There are lots of RRC v8 parts available ex US at a little more than UK prices but just about line ball after the better US Parcel Post costs are considered.
I wish I had bought the fuel pressure regulator I bought recently from the US even though it was a bit more expensive, as both Paddock ( who failed to supply) and LR Direct who finally did after a mail loss and 6 weeks.

Regards Philip A

[Utemad]

If I need it right now I buy from one of the Aussie places that do post and if I have a few things that I can wait a week for then I buy it from Paddocks.

Paddocks is heaps cheaper but if you are only after one item then it is pricey so you wait til you have a list of stuff.

I don't buy stuff over the counter here because the only parts place near me is only open office hours and I tend to be at work at those times.

[Blknight.aus]

Also Paddock's service has deteriorated IMHO .


ran into that problem myself I used to do the wait till I had half a dozen repairs hanging and then go through them then I had a couple of instances with what I assumed was new staff.

Now I just do individual parts for jobs as I need them through my previously mentioned supplier. with small orders more frequently I seem to come out in front.

[Big Sandy]

Interesting stuff... I've had some problems with Paddocks myself, so dont feel like its just you guys! I ordered a SWB Diesel 3 bolt exhaust, and they sent a petrol front down pipe...Upon ringing them they said I "had ordered the wrong item", my problem, not theirs. I badgered and they finally agreed to replace it..then the courier lost it! So vehicle downtime was 12 days....

Interesting that you find parts cheaper from the US...I wouldnt ever have expected that!

And..one thing that really bugs me... Surcharges. I pay one to get things delievered. BUT..I've never paid a surcharge to send something back! Errr...Same distance, isnt it?? ;)

Do you have to pay import duty on parts? Just wondering, as I have had some parts from the US, and got a friend to send them as a 'gift' so as to not pay the import taxes.

[Chucaro]

Not good news, I was thinking in ordering a snorkel from Paddocks for my Defe :(

[5teve]

Do you have to pay import duty on parts? Just wondering, as I have had some parts from the US, and got a friend to send them as a 'gift' so as to not pay the import taxes.

yes but unlike the measly 18 quid in the UK we get $1000 before we are hit up for any charges... so makes things quite easy really!

Thanks

Steve

[Big Sandy]

yes but unlike the measly 18 quid in the UK we get $1000 before we are hit up for any charges... so makes things quite easy really!

Thanks

Steve

Sure, now..that's Britain for you. If they could figure out a way to tax the air we breathe, they would. (I bet there is a hidden tax there somewhere....;))

Snorkel....A friend of mine made one from drainage piping from the builders merchants...seemed to work okay!

Any of you considered getting together, creating a big parts list and getting a container shipped over? Would that be a viable idea, do you think?