Buying Parts You Don't Need
 

Is it just me, I hope not, or do you buy parts you don't need right now, but are such a deal you buy them anyway? I know about OCD and admit to it. :D

If a good buying opportunity presents itself.....how can that be bad? Moving parts and things break at some time or another so you can smile and replace it without having to hunt for something when you really need it. I guess unless you're hoarding stuff.....like buying 8 spare engines and storing them in the bedroom closet ;)

It is not OCD unless you buy parts that you could never use!!! When you find a good deal on parts that you will likely use in the future, it's called "smart." But if you are buying parts for an Edsel, and you don't have an Edsel, then you might want to talk to someone with a couch in their office. Of course, it might be less expensive to just keep buying parts.

I do the same thing. I needed a monovalve kit for the SDL. Bought one on e-bay for $20. But, the guy would sell a second one for $16. with no additional shipping. So, what the hell, I say. Everybody needs a spare monovalve repair kit! Will I find it when I need it again? That is the proverbial question!

Bottom fishing on eBay has it's rewards and paperweights....

I do this all the time with oil filters. When ordering parts for something that you need now, it make sense to buy some oil filters to amortize the shipping cost. I currently have 4 oil filters for the '83TD and 3 for the '87. I like stocking up on the consumable parts like oil filters and light bulbs.

Hah! Not only do I do this with parts... but it has come apparent that I do this with cars as well. :rolleyes3

All parts bought, which are not implemented during a forementioned time period, should be donated to members of this forum. :D

Actually the term "unneeded parts' is a misnomer. There is no such thing as 'unneeded parts'. They are only parts that you have not had the need to install yet. What some people call unneeded other call warehouse stock or preventive maintenance. Buy the spare and it is guarenteed that you will never use it.

I do this all of the time when I order from Fastlane, I want to spend over $100 to get free shipping. So if I need a $20 part then I need to find another $80 worth of stuff I need. :D When I am only a few bucks under I order a filter of some type.

Changed the oil pan, connecting rod bearings, pan gasket, radiator, timing belt, and alternator belt on a friends 79 rabbit yesterday...had all the parts on the shelf in the back of the garage :)
Out garage is uhm...big....

It's always good to purchase good deals if you feel you may need that very part sometime in the near future. A good example: I'll buy a case of oil if it's a cheaper deal than buying each qt individually, even though i'm paying out more for the total it saves in the long run. I know parts may be different, but filters, gaskets, belts, etc...

Listen, as the USD ($$$) gets weaker, imported parts are going up :eek:
As distributors run out of stock they are finding (I am sure) they have to pay more for another shipment, so they will raise prices - if not already, soon!
This is inevitable, so stocking away something like filters, gaskets things you use will use or plan to use, should eventually pay off. Wise move, generally.
OTOH, my 300D reconditioned head and turbo sitting in the closet are taking up way too much space. Looking for a car to put them in :P

I am in the exact same situation. I have spare oil, fuel and air filters, engine oil, transmission fluids, etc. I've often added extra stuff to have my order reach the amount that would get me free shipping.

I buy extra stuff all the time - especially replacement items.