General Chat
Q:
Does anyone here own a car made by a foreign auto maker that withdrew from the U.S.? There are several of them: Fiat, Renault, Alfa Romeo, etc. How much of a hassle is it to get parts and service when a foreign auto maker no longer has a dealer network in the U.S.? What’s the procedure for ordering parts?
The reason why I ask is because a neighbor of mine down the street has a For Sale window sign on his 1985 Peugeot 505 STI. Peugeot withdrew from North America in the 1980’s. The car looks like its brand new and I could use a sedan in addition to my Z. I drove French cars when I was in Europe and liked them. I’m not acquainted with the owner and haven’t talked to him yet. Before asking the owner about it, I thought I’d first check with people here.
A:
Simple Really, write to the export division of the manufacturer (usually in the country of origin) and ask them for support.
Nissan actually stepped on the dick of a local US distributor who said he wouldn't order Nissan Part Numbers supplied by a customer for a JDM car!
Many automotive companies have export parts divisions, and they will ship worldwide. Alternatively you can write to dealers in countries that have distribution networks (Canada has them I believe, poor bastards!) and then it's a NAFTA thing where you may be able to get the stuff through with lower fees, especially if you can arrange a discount through the local distributor.
One of our engineers in Taiwan owns Pugeots. He is a member of the Owner's Club there, and believe it or not, the owners group wields a BIG STICK with the home office! They actually got the trading company handling parts service and distribution BOOTED for poor service, and had the franchise given to another trading company that was buying them parts through ex-official (bootleg and greymarket) channels.
For the determined enthusiast, parts are rarely a problem....US Customs on the other hand...LOL
Good Luck!
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"
A:
buy a parts car is the cheapest way. buying individual parts as needed will eat you alive.
A:
1985 or 2005. parts prices, once located, will make you cry, in most cases used n at ridiculous prices, example: running Peugeot for free= too expensive
Have you shared the left lane today?
A:
There's usually an owners club that is affiliated with a parts supplier.
1971 240Z
"Fear is exciting for me." -Ayrton Senna
A:
Info on all things 505:
http://www.automotive.com/1985/09/peugeot/505/
BTW: Only one official recall listed:
"1985 Peugeot 505 STI NHTSA Recall ID Number: 84V151000
Recall Date: NOV 26, 1984
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Potential Units Affected: 18232
Summary: THE FUEL CAPS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." CONTACT WITH FUEL CAUSES THE FUEL CAP GASKET TO SWELL, PREVENTING ADEQUATE SEALING BETWEEN CAP AND FILLER OPENING.
Consequence:
Remedy: A REPLACEMENT CAP WILL BE SENT TO EACH OWNER OF AN AFFECTED VEHICLE, FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: PEUGEOT, INC.,"
A:
Yugos.
Dragonball Z
A:
Tony, my Dealer here will not order or look up part numbers for my Fairlady Z either. I do have a parts book (copy).