Car Parts' Price Comparison Chart

[junkofdavid2]

There is always "word going around" that this car brand's car parts cost so much, or this car brand's car parts are very cheap, etc. etc.

Are these statements true? Or are they merely 'fact' based on what was said by a 'friend of a friend'?

Or, are they merely assumptions made because they're easy to believe? (Ex. We ASSUME BMW parts are 200% more expensive than Toyota... when we may actually not really have any hard facts.)

So what is fact and what is fiction?

The only way is to state from actual experience the cost of parts which we may have replaced on our own cars, and compare it with other posters who have different brand cars and who have replaced different or the same parts.

Let's start with commonly replaced parts... brake pads, fuel filter, bearings, fan belts, etc. or any other part if you wish.

Aside from the brand, pls also state your car's make and year.

Anyone wish to start?

(Sorry, I don't have a car yet in Thailand... but I'm thinking of getting one soon. )

[junkofdavid2]

Oh, and after posters have shared how much the parts cost for their cars, I'll try to make a chart using an excel spreadsheet and post it here for everyone's benefit.

[Plus]

Bangkok Post often publishes this stuff when introducing new cars. If you know how access their archives you'll find everything you need.

[Cuban]

I'll try to make a chart using an excel spreadsheet and post it here for everyone's benefit.

Phone or visit car repair shops and ask them for their estimated repair costs fo different cars etc, that way you would be able to give guidance as to the cost of repair for a Nissan Tenna at Sommak's compared to Somchai's.

I think you will find that there are too many variations in car make, model and year vs service/repair work carried out to gather enough useful data to allow a trent to be established.

Would you factor in farang tax effects for one person that is scammed vs another that is a repeat customer that gets a Thai price for work carried out?

The stereotypes of Brand X being more expensive than Brand Y is there for a reason.

Would you buy a car based on the 500 Baht differance in servicing costs at a main dealer or because it had airbags fitted and there was a dealer close to home?

I bought my last car because it had two doors and I liked it's alloy wheels - didn't know (care) the make until I was paying for it.

[MaiChai]

Well you could look at the economics? Basically supply and demand? So if there are say, alot of Toyota Vios on the roads, the parts will be much cheaper than a say a Hyundai? Especially if you are happy to use copy parts?

My view has always been to buy a car/pickup that everyone else buys. Then you are assured of cheap parts and expertise to service and repair. The same goes for buying a motorbike; that is why everyone buys the same models.

I was amazed on my Mitsu Triton that for the servicing they charge the oil by the litre, and boy is it expensive (140 baht per litre excluding tax)! Will be glad when its out of warantee as 5 litres of ordinary engine oil is about 300 baht!

[Plus]

There are regular items that need to be replaced repaired more often than others, or even should be replaced (like oil or transmission liquid, for example).

At authorised service centers prices on these things are fixed and so you can easily compare them for, say Camry and Teana.

The problem on the board like this is that even we had something replaced, we don't remember what it was and how much it cost. Pickup trucks are serviced about twice a year, I know break pads cost about 2,000+ plus for my Sportrider but that's about it. The rest of the bill is kinda blurry, and it was in Thai.

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Actually getting this information from Bangkok Post archives sounds like a more interesting project. Even if direct access is not free, there are ways around it.