These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
$75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
channels.

Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
prices for new parts.

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

lanceandrew@aol.com did pass the time by typing:
> Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
> up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
> $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
> w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
> cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
> layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
> channels.

A new high-flow cat for my ZJ, locally installed by Mr. Kim at the
muffler shop across from where I work is only $99. So $75 is possible.

Some places charge way too much for those things.

As for the muffler assembly, that's possible. It's also possible someone
has knocked off a brand name using local parts. I prefer to stick with
known suppliers or those with references like Kolak (who by the way sells
on eBay).

--
DougW

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

lanceandrew@aol.com did pass the time by typing:
> Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
> up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
> $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
> w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
> cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
> layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
> channels.

A new high-flow cat for my ZJ, locally installed by Mr. Kim at the
muffler shop across from where I work is only $99. So $75 is possible.

Some places charge way too much for those things.

As for the muffler assembly, that's possible. It's also possible someone
has knocked off a brand name using local parts. I prefer to stick with
known suppliers or those with references like Kolak (who by the way sells
on eBay).

--
DougW

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

lanceandrew@aol.com did pass the time by typing:
> Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
> up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
> $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
> w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
> cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
> layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
> channels.

A new high-flow cat for my ZJ, locally installed by Mr. Kim at the
muffler shop across from where I work is only $99. So $75 is possible.

Some places charge way too much for those things.

As for the muffler assembly, that's possible. It's also possible someone
has knocked off a brand name using local parts. I prefer to stick with
known suppliers or those with references like Kolak (who by the way sells
on eBay).

--
DougW

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

<lanceandrew@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1143161541.189161.54790@e56g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
: Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
: up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
: $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
: w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
: cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
: layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
: channels.
:
: Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
: on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
: there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
: prices for new parts.


I've bought a LOAD of stuff on Ebay.
short throw shifter
rims and tires
billet grilles,
tow hooks
tow bars
replacement lights
roof racks
light bars and on and on...

BUT
I only buy OEM or name brands.
Either OEM from someone that is wholesaling or a well known name brand.

The only things I have bought that were aftermarket, were pretty much what
you would expect from anything made in China. Junk.
A carbon fiber shift knob and clear corner lights (both for the Cobra)

I would say don't buy it unless you can find a manufacturer's website for
it.
Another thing I do, is check the seller's feedback. Look for someone who has
bought the same thing you are looking for, and email them. Ask them how the
product was, if it fit ok and what the quality is. You'd be amazed at how
many people will give you a review on something like that.

Kate

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

<lanceandrew@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1143161541.189161.54790@e56g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
: Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
: up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
: $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
: w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
: cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
: layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
: channels.
:
: Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
: on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
: there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
: prices for new parts.


I've bought a LOAD of stuff on Ebay.
short throw shifter
rims and tires
billet grilles,
tow hooks
tow bars
replacement lights
roof racks
light bars and on and on...

BUT
I only buy OEM or name brands.
Either OEM from someone that is wholesaling or a well known name brand.

The only things I have bought that were aftermarket, were pretty much what
you would expect from anything made in China. Junk.
A carbon fiber shift knob and clear corner lights (both for the Cobra)

I would say don't buy it unless you can find a manufacturer's website for
it.
Another thing I do, is check the seller's feedback. Look for someone who has
bought the same thing you are looking for, and email them. Ask them how the
product was, if it fit ok and what the quality is. You'd be amazed at how
many people will give you a review on something like that.

Kate

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

<lanceandrew@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1143161541.189161.54790@e56g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
: Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
: up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
: $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
: w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
: cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
: layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
: channels.
:
: Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
: on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
: there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
: prices for new parts.


I've bought a LOAD of stuff on Ebay.
short throw shifter
rims and tires
billet grilles,
tow hooks
tow bars
replacement lights
roof racks
light bars and on and on...

BUT
I only buy OEM or name brands.
Either OEM from someone that is wholesaling or a well known name brand.

The only things I have bought that were aftermarket, were pretty much what
you would expect from anything made in China. Junk.
A carbon fiber shift knob and clear corner lights (both for the Cobra)

I would say don't buy it unless you can find a manufacturer's website for
it.
Another thing I do, is check the seller's feedback. Look for someone who has
bought the same thing you are looking for, and email them. Ask them how the
product was, if it fit ok and what the quality is. You'd be amazed at how
many people will give you a review on something like that.

Kate

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

Just some trivia for you:

A few years back I worked for one of the national "chain" muffler and brake
shops.

We used Walker exhaust. Fairly middle of the road stuff for affordable
aftermarket repair.

We paid on average $45 to $50 for new "universal fit" brand name converters,
and they sold at 1.8 markup.

Direct fit were substantially more.

The old converter we took off your vehicle, we sold to precious metals
dealers, for $15 to $45 dollars, dependent upon the makeup of the catalyst,
and size of it.

Sometimes cheaper is just cheaper, not necessarily lesser in quality.

Spdloader


<lanceandrew@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1143161541.189161.54790@e56g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
> up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
> $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
> w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
> cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
> layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
> channels.
>
> Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
> on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
> there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
> prices for new parts.
>

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

Just some trivia for you:

A few years back I worked for one of the national "chain" muffler and brake
shops.

We used Walker exhaust. Fairly middle of the road stuff for affordable
aftermarket repair.

We paid on average $45 to $50 for new "universal fit" brand name converters,
and they sold at 1.8 markup.

Direct fit were substantially more.

The old converter we took off your vehicle, we sold to precious metals
dealers, for $15 to $45 dollars, dependent upon the makeup of the catalyst,
and size of it.

Sometimes cheaper is just cheaper, not necessarily lesser in quality.

Spdloader


<lanceandrew@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1143161541.189161.54790@e56g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
> up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
> $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
> w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
> cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
> layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
> channels.
>
> Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
> on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
> there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
> prices for new parts.
>

Re: These "Ebay Parts": Whaddaya Think?
 

Just some trivia for you:

A few years back I worked for one of the national "chain" muffler and brake
shops.

We used Walker exhaust. Fairly middle of the road stuff for affordable
aftermarket repair.

We paid on average $45 to $50 for new "universal fit" brand name converters,
and they sold at 1.8 markup.

Direct fit were substantially more.

The old converter we took off your vehicle, we sold to precious metals
dealers, for $15 to $45 dollars, dependent upon the makeup of the catalyst,
and size of it.

Sometimes cheaper is just cheaper, not necessarily lesser in quality.

Spdloader


<lanceandrew@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1143161541.189161.54790@e56g2000cwe.googlegro ups.com...
> Some have brand names, but I can't help but think and wonder "what's
> up" when I see brand new Cat Converters for my Grand Loredo on Ebay for
> $75. I think a saw a whole muffler assembly (cat-muffler-exhaust
> w/pipe) for like $175. On first blush I'm thinking this has got to be
> cheap Chinese junk. However perhaps it's not and simply removing
> layers of margin and mark up from traditional distribution/retail
> channels.
>
> Any folks here regularly by new parts on Ebay? I bought a new radiator
> on there that seems to have been a decent product. Just wondering if
> there has formed a general consensus on a lot of these very cheap Ebay
> prices for new parts.
>