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Originally Posted by trueog
I'll admit that mercedes parts support is second to none. And yes American manufacutres usually only support their parts until the last model made has had its warrenty expire. So if you own a X car who's production ran from 98-2002 and it came with 4 years warrenty. Domestic makes are quick to dump part production on that car within 5 years of that last year run...so 2007. They say apparently the lower cost non-oem parts are priced so low that it makes no sense to stay in the market(gm dealer told me that).
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What the GM dealer did not tell you is they don't want their old cars on the road. They shortsightedly look at new cars as their only profit center. Since they overcharge their customers on substandard service work most customers stop going to the dealerships and on to quickie lube places after about 20-30K of ownership. These owners also look at off brand aftermarket parts because of the overly high prices of new OEM parts.
Looking at the short term can cost you in the long run. That customer that you rip off won't be back for you to do it again. The reason the American auto industry is hurting so bad does not have a lot to do with the cars. Even though they make some boring cars its the way that American car makers try to constantly screw their customers. You get screwed on day one with a poorly designed car thats programmed to 'self destruct' after a certain mileage and then you get screwed every day of your ownership trying to keep your disposable car running.
Mercedes Benz OEM parts are not cheap but at least you can buy them! The cars are designed for the long term so more owner involvement is needed in the car's service and repair. The Japanese and Americans are great at making cars that need little customer interaction. That of course is because of the huge sacrifice you made in the car's longterm survival. I personally don't like the concept of the disposable automobile. Most people don't think about their precious new car being in the junkyard in 10 years.