Car Spares

ambarann

Hi, I'm a new member. I have joined so I can share my attempt at saving money on fixing my car by using parts from breakers and the problems we have encountered.

(Sorry if this is of no interest to anyone)

My peugeot 307 sw had some serious turbo problems, peugeot dealer wanted over £3k for a new turbo and related parts so we bought parts from a breaker using an breaker website and paid a mechanic to fit them. (much cheaper)

All started great, we ordered a new clutch from peugeot breakers and also ordered a used flywheel and turbo from NorthCarSpares.com WE supplied the car chassis number and related details so they could match the right parts.

The flywheel was fine and we have used this with no problem but the turbo they sent was the wrong one for my car. (It did not have a wastegate and the connector was on the wrong side)

We phoned up to say they had sent the wrong part and the manager said they had a list which said it was the right part and so we weren't entitled to a refund! They offered us less than half of what we paid for it and hung up!

After some checking it would seem that lots of french cars have different turbo's fitted on the same line of cars so we called again only to be hung up on again.

After calling and getting through to the 'manager' again he stated he would send a courier to collect the part and would refund some of our money after he had inspected it and was sure it was in good order! (in a tone of voice that suggested otherwise)
In fact they have said twice they would get a courier to collect the part but we have yet to see one.

Just for note when the parts arrived they had some printed T&C's which stated there was a 7 day cooling off period and we had only 2 days to notify the breaker in writing if it was the wrong part. Obviously this is not reasonable, especially when they send the parts as quick as possible and we weren't ready to put the turbo in till 4 days after it arrived!

We have now bought a reconditioned turbo from another breaker which was the right one and my car is now fixed for a lot less than the peugeot dealer wanted, however we are currently fighting tooth and nail to get the wrong turbo collected and a refund given.

Hope this helps anyone else who is looking to save money this way - if you buy parts from a breaker over the phone make sure they tell you their restrictive T&C's before you complete the sale and stay away from NorthWestSpares Ltd trading as NorthCarSpares.com!

Am

Apples2

I would argue it would be more beneficial to read the part number directly off the unit you are replacing.
It is common for same spec cars to have slight variances.

I recently tried obtaining some swirl flap blanking plates for my car, no amount of Reg numbers and VIN Codes helped, only way was to dive in and measure the hole myself.

ambarann

Yes but getting to the turbo and getting it out take a ramp and lots of space in the garage - not easy to do and not worth putting the car back together whilst waiting for part to arrive.

The other breaker managed to match the correct part to the car details no problem.

Apparently some unscrupulous dealers will send any part to get your money then delay and delay till they have the right one in stock and then change it. We couldn't wait for this so went somewhere else but I wouldn't trust this particular breaker anyway.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Always worth contacting Turbo Technics before paying main dealer hilarious prices, if you happen to have the right car for one of their stock items you might be paying less than a breaker for a tested properly guaranteed fully refurbed or new turbo.

Car breakers have always been a mixed bunch, in the days of face to face you could judge for yourself if they were honourable, the dawn of internet mean researching the breaker before you buy.

forgotmyname

Midland Turbo seem to get mentioned a lot also. Never used them personally.

Buying parts unseen is risky. Ive had main dealers supply the wrong parts.

paddedjohn

Since you ordered the goods on the phone you are covered by the distance selling regs, these overide any terms the seller tries to impose on you. If fo any reason you dont want the parts you can return them for a full refund including delivery costs as long as you inform the seller within 7 days after the day of delivery, if the are faulty you also have the same rights as if they were new goods.