I’m usually the first to admit that, when it comes to Volvo XC90 parts, I’m a bit…how do I put this…picky. Yeah that’s a good word. If I need a part that, if it fails, can cause serious damage to the XC90 and passengers, I will always go with Genuine Volvo parts. Case in point: Timing belt kit. Because my 2.5T is an interference engine, the timing belt has to be of quality. If it snaps, bye-bye engine (probably). At best I’m having someone replace valves and pistons.
So where do I NOT care about using Genuine Volvo parts for the Volvo XC90? Rear wiper nut cover, vacuum lines, oil filler cap gasket, and a few other times I can find an OE or aftermarket part on FCP Euro’s site for less than the dealership is asking. And while 9 times out of 10 I’m happy to buy parts from FCP Euro, there are times when I simply can’t wait for delivery and have to find a good part, fast. That usually means the dealership – Hamilton Volvo.
In Canada – Buying Parts From FCP Euro
Keep in mind that I live in Canada and getting parts from FCP Euro means a few things: The exchange rates SUCKS. I have to pay about $1.35CAD for every $1.00USD as I write this. That’s a 35% premium on every part. I often have to pay duty and taxes on the parts. This adds another huge cost to the parts. Canada is basically a country of government and they take every penny they can in the name of giving you better quality of life – except when it comes to maintaining your XC90.
I do have ways around these additional costs. I’ll save them for another post to help you Canadians out. But for now just know that there’s hope. Ok, where was I? Oh right – Volvo XC90 parts. So, I was changing the oil in my 2004 this weekend and I took the filter housing off as usual and wiped it out like I always do. As I was wiping, I heard a little “crinkle” sound – like plastic breaking.
So the housing itself was in-tact, but the plastic around the relief valve inside of it was crumbling. After consulting a few trusted experts, I concluded that I could insert the filter cartridge and, if any pieces broke off after installation, they would be caught by the filter. But I wouldn’t feel better until I got a new housing. But sometimes, I don’t have time to order from FCP Euro and go pick my parts up in the U.S. a few days later. This was one of those times.
Volvo Dealership Parts Counter to the Rescue
So I called Hamilton Volvo to ask if they had a housing in-stock. They did.
And it was CHEAPER than FCP Euro. Behold:
Yes. The Volvo Dealership Was Less Expensive Than FCP Euro
If you live in Canada, you may have spit out your Tim Hortons coffee at that statement.
Sorry.
If you do the conversion as I write this, the FCP Euro part works out to $33.20CAD.
So, even just comparing prices before any taxes, shipping, and duty, and gas, the Volvo part from Hamilton Volvo was cheaper by just under $5 Canadian. Even after taxes, the pricing was pretty close.
Obviously, the dealership doesn’t list prices online for me to compare, but this little incident gives me hope that I can go to the Volvo dealership for parts when I’m in a jam and not have to worry about totally being gouged.
Even More Good Pricing on Buying Parts From the Volvo Dealership
UPDATE: I just looked back on my records and found that I had bought a turbo inlet hose (Volvo part 31261370) for $53.90CAD including tax, from Hamilton Volvo as well.
$53.90CAD converts to $39.59USD. FCP Euro currently sells the tube for $85.79USD. That’s a savings of $46.20 because I bought from a dealership in Canada. Again, that’s before gas to get there and back, food (I eat a lot) and my time. Again, this Volvo part was cheaper at the dealership. Here’s the comparison.
That’s a big difference. And that’s before you factor in the cost of gas to get to the border (it’s an hour+ drive for me) and back, plus eating, buying other crap I don’t need and then time waiting to declare my goods. It adds up. I’m not bashing FCP Euro here. They offer solid pricing for USA-based customers and there’s a huge catalog of parts with better pricing than a U.S. dealership. There are a ton of factors that go into pricing as well and sometimes currency differences, trade agreements and other factors play into pricing. Also, Volvo does not offer a lifetime promise on parts you buy from their parts counter.
So if you’re buying FCP Euro parts, and you live in Canada, take note. Their prices are good. Usually. Especially with their lifetime guarantee. But the dealership is looking like a good place to buy when you’re in a pinch and need a Volvo XC90 part you simply can’t wait for.
