Date:         Tue, 27 Jan 2004 21:23:41 -0800
Reply-To:     Kirk van Druten <kirk@LANSHARKS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kirk van Druten <kirk@LANSHARKS.NET>
Subject:      Rear Seatbelt - Solved, Thanks & Note
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hi All,

Thanks for the many kind replies to my question about installing 3-point
seat belts in the rear seat of our 88 Westy.

I haven't been on this list for a long time but am still amazed at the
prompt, kind, thorough answers to questions.  I'm on several other (mostly
technical) lists and the demeanor and tone of this list is notably
wonderful.

While calling the local VW dealers (SF East Bay Area) to locate the part, I
noticed a not-so-surprising phenomenon.  After asking for the 'Parts Dept.'
I gave them the part number for the rear seat belt (thanks to several posts
and websites links with the correct part number).  The first dealer I called
(Broadway Volkswagen in Oakland) quoted my $75 for the part.  EVERY dealer I
called afterwards (McNevin - Berkeley, Lithia - Concord, Something VW -
Dublin and Dirrito Bros. VW - Walnut Creek) all quoted my $119 for the same
part.

So I started inquiring about why I had been quoted $75 for the same part
from the first dealer...

"Er... Uh... Oh yeah - how about $74.37"  Every dealer then quoted me the
exact same lower price.

Apparently there are (at least) two prices for a particular part.  One parts
dept. guy actually told me "We can pretty much charge whatever we like".

Is there a way to find out what a part at a dealer *should* cost?  Do we all
just need to learn to ask for the 'please don't rip me off' price?  I guess
I'll be doing more business with Broadway VW...

Kirk out


Kirk van Druten ------------> kirk@lansharks.net
LANsharks Consulting -----> http://www.lansharks.net
510-601-5475 -------------> 510-601-5130 fax