Date:         Wed, 28 Jan 2004 00:28:21 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Rear Seatbelt - Solved, Thanks & Note
Comments: To: Kirk van Druten <kirk@LANSHARKS.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <BC3C875D.11939%kirk@lansharks.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

In loading my recently acquired  ETKA cd, I noted some info about
loading some files that would give prices. I didn't bother, but if it
can be done, at least a ball park figure could be acquired. A guide so
to speak.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Kirk van Druten wrote:

>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
>
>
>