Is it just me or do other people get surprised when you go to your local mazda dealer and check rx7 part prices? Is this a new thing that Mazda rx7 parts are so expensive? I mean $6 for a small rubber oil filter "O" ring seal? $200 for one oil cooler line, $100+ for a power window switch (drivers side), outer window strips $80+ Why are part prices so expensive? Thanks

-2nd generation 1991 rx7, new owner

 

you got me...but check around on line for prices...mazdatrix.com has a bunch of mazda parts for your 7. below are a few sites that i have....good luck...and welcome to the club...

http://mazdatrix.com
http://www.sunautorx7.com/Sun_Auto_C...Parts.htm#PART
http://www.modacar.com/mazda/frameset_main_mazda.htm
http://www.rx7.com/cgi-local/2catalog.cgi

 

Dealers are typically more expensive than some of the places like MazdaTrix and the like, but generally not to out of line for a true imported car.

When I say true imported car I mean a car actually made overseas. Not like that Toyota Corrolla and truck, DSM, or most of the Honda stuff.

 

dealerships are always gonna charge more for parts. looking around, especially online, for parts is well worth the time, although you may get better warranty coverage from a dealer.

 

Think about the parts you are buying. They go on a car that was only produced, the 2nd Gen, for 6 years. Therefore, half the parts are considered rare. Now, think about this. Does the part you are looking for go on every RX-7 made in that 6 year period, or is it like a Fog Light Switch for example that only appeared on the 89-91 models, making it even rarer still.

Get the idea?

I work at a powersports shop, carrying Honda, Yamaha, etc. and I deal with this all the time. People come in with some ol junk bike from the late 70s and expect the parts to be next to nothing because the bike is worth nothing. The exact opposite is true, the prices are outrageously expensive because the OEM didn't produce many of those parts so their cost of production was through the roof.

 

It's not just RX-7's, and it's not just Mazda. There is so much competition between car makers these days, the profit margins on the cars themselves are quite small. The big margins are on the parts, because (except for common and comsumable items) that's the only place you can get them. Simple economics. You guys are really lucky to have places like Mazdatrix and RX7.com to get you good deals on factory parts.

 

Check out www.Mazdaformance.com in Houston for good parts prices. They give you a good discount & great service. I've purchase a lot of parts from them in the last few months & their prices are significantly lower than the local dealers here in northern California.

Don

 

You mentioned the fog light switch only in 89-91... I have an 88 with a fog light switch, but the lights are gone because the front end got in a little boo-boo before i got the car, and when they put the new front bumper on, it lacked foglights...

[edit] ffs. I can't type on this itty laptop keyboard so late at night... [/edit]

 

This is what it is. RX-7s/Rotaries havent been imported here in some time so its more of a specialty. Its not like a Honda that everyone and there aunt Ethel makes parts for. So there isnt much competition in the aftermarket. If the RX was mainstream then the parts would be cheaper. as far as the dealer is concerned they will always be more expensive. I actually went to two seperate dealers for the same part and one was $15.00 more expensive than the other. shop around it might get cheaper.

 

The cost is also increased because of the cost to them. Think about it. They have to stock parts for these cars...now some of those parts may have been sitting for years. Or, they have to get special orders. It's stuff like that.

 

A lot of standard parts can be had at parts outlets like NAPA, a HELL of a lot cheaper than other places

Wheel bearings, brakes/rotors/pads. clutches, springs, shocks, blah blah.

Lots of things like that are available... but tiny switches and things, and interior trim peices and crap you have to hunt for.

 

Try pricing other stuff from other cars, EVERYTHING IS HIGH!

But when in doubt use the Mazda RIP OFF RULE OF THUMB:

Take what what you think it will cost and multiply by 10, if you want horsepower double it again

 

Thanks for all the replies, it helped me better understand the situation. I guess it also makes going to the junkyard more fun when you find that part you have been looking for..even though when I am home I always think that I should have just stocked up on that junkyard part "just in case"

 

I recently got an account with MAZDA.

I can get parts cheap.

PM me if you have an order of say 4-5 peices.

I dont want to mess with onesies and twosies, that how cheap i get em.

Don't ask for pricing here.
Just PM me.

 

Thank you for the offer Sniper, I appreciate it.