They don’t make ‘em like they used to. I guess you could say that for some things, but the fact is, they DO make a lot of things way better than they used to. You want a car without airbags and ABS? Have at it. My gut tells me that the saying comes from people who bought something (like, say a foreign car part) and it didn’t perform the way they had hoped – or it didn’t last as long as they believe it should have. When it comes to buying Volvo parts online from a place like FCP Euro or from your local parts store, it’s always a bummer when a part underperforms or simply doesn’t last as long as you think it should and then you realize that you can’t take it back for whatever lame reason you get from the place you bought the part in the first place.
FCP Euro has stepped in to eliminate that bummer feeling with their Lifetime Replacement Promise. There’s no catch here (They literally say “there really isn’t a catch” on their website) – if you buy car parts online from FCP Euro, that part is guaranteed for life. That goes for typical wear items, too. So you got two seasons out of those Genuine Volvo wiper blades that you bought from FCP Euro, and now they don’t clear your windshield so well? Send ‘em back for replacements. Same goes for brake parts – they wear out, you send back, they send new. Everybody wins.
Wondering what the heck you’re going to do with no brakes while you wait for the replacements? Don’t. All you have to do is float the cost of new brakes (or whatever part) for a few weeks. Order new part from FCP Euro and when you get the new ones, send the old ones back, and you’ll get a refund. You’ll have spent no extra money on parts (just the money on shipping) and you’ll have brand new parts to put on your Volvo. Sweet.
The only thing they don’t address on their site is what happens if they no longer carry the exact part you bought. But honestly, I’ve spent thousands of U.S. dollars with FCP Euro over the years (literally THOUSANDS) and they’ve always “made it right” with me when I’ve needed them, so I’m certain they’ll do the same in any situation.
Of course there are a few minor (and understandable) limitations to this guarantee. If you modify a part to fit an application that it wasn’t intended for – you’re not getting your money back. Also if you sell the car, the replacement option does not transfer to the new owner. Makes sense.
When you compare this lifetime replacement guarantee with some of the other “big” Volvo parts retailers online, you quickly see that it’s the best deal out there. Others, including iPd USA, need manufacturer approval and an RMA before you’ll get any kind of replacement part. Lame.
Others, like Rock Auto, will honor a manufacturer’s warranty until it expires, but they don’t do anything on their own to beef that up. Lame, too. 
Essentially choosing a parts retailer other than FCP Euro is a mixed bag of:
- Manufacturer’s warranty,
- Jumping through hoops,
- If it wasn’t professionally installed, the answer is no,
- We only warranty our branded parts,
- Maybe, and…
- No.
With a lifetime warranty, 365-day returns, and no need for an RMA, the only reason to NOT buy from FCP is that they don’t carry the part you’re looking for. I’ve found this a few times. I’m partial to Ate brake parts and FCP isn’t offering them – yet. (I know they’re probably super-expensive to import…I’ve talked to an Ate rep in New Jersey and he explained it to me.)
Another reason to consider a company other than FCP Euro might be the shipping, duty and taxes you pay on parts (I’m looking at you, Canada) but there are ways around that. And obviously duty and taxes aren’t FCP’s fault. But like I said, there are ways around it.
So, ask yourself why you aren’t buying your Volvo XC90 parts at FCP Euro and then check them out.
*I received no compensation for this post from FCP Euro.
