PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Pontiac, Saturn . . . Last Call Discounts

aklim · #27 12-30-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

WSJ Article: Long Goodbye

Experts say that in most cases, fears of finding parts or service for orphan cars are overblown. Parts are typically available for many years after the brand disappears, and one can usually find reliable service from a dealer or an independent mechanic. Oldsmobiles, for example, which have been out of production since 2004, can still be repaired at other GM dealerships.

John McDonald, a General Motors spokesman, points out that auto makers are required by law to supply parts for the full warranty period. That can be up to five years or 100,000 miles for some GM vehicles. And often car makers or their suppliers continue making parts long after warranties expire, especially for higher-volume models that generate long-term demand for replacement parts. "It's a profitable thing to do," Mr. McDonald says, though he also warns that parts for cars produced in lower volumes may be hard to find.

Companies like GM often sell or license the tooling for parts to aftermarket companies, so you can usually get parts through one supplier or another, says Stephen Spivey, a San Antonio-based analyst with research firm Frost & Sullivan.

Excerpts from the article
"If I get into a collision, will I be able to replace that front end?" he asks.
The answer is yes, though the part probably won't be as plentiful as the same one for other versions of the G8. And it won't be cheap.

John McDonald, a General Motors spokesman, points out that auto makers are required by law to supply parts for the full warranty period. That can be up to five years or 100,000 miles for some GM vehicles.

Still, owning an orphan car can be more complicated than owning a vehicle that's still in production. There still has to be enough demand to make parts profitable for the manufacturer. That's where problems could arise for lower-volume brands like Saab and Saturn. Some owners with less-common models may wind up hoarding—or scouting out on eBay—parts that they fear will become rare and expensive, experts say.

Resale value may be a particular concern.

I had a pair of 89 Merkurs and finding parts was a PITA. Sold them off and never again would I want to buy a car like that unless it was a real throwaway thing. For $3000, maybe. That way if there is an issue, I drive it over a cliff.