On 8/16/04 12:01 PM, in article BC5Uc.95772$3T5.94849@nntp-post.primus.ca,
"Mikey" <%noospaam)mikling@eol.ca> wrote:

> In searching for some sway bar end link bushings ( these are thick little
> rubber washers/grommets) for an 89 Legend 4 door, the Candian dealer first
> says that he wanted $12 CAD each. I need 8 of them for $96 CAD for all. This
> price did not include new bolts, spacers and washers which would be an
> additional $24 for a total of $120 CAD plus taxes.
>
> A similar aftermarket part for a domestic car is around $20 to $30. There is
> not much exotic engineering that goes into these. I started thinking.
>
> Went online and found that a Genuine Acura Kit that has the same parts can
> be had for around $16 US at the list price and the online price is less than
> $12 US for the total set of parts.
>
> I phoned up the dealer and enquired why the discrepancy?????? He says
> Canadian Honda just sets the prices for whatever they want and he has no
> control.
>
> I also noticed in the last couple of years that parts for my car are always
> dramatically cheaper in the USA, sometimes multiples. I think Canadian
> owners are getting hosed in a big way.
>
> Makes me wonder about my next car purchase.
>
>

I don't know how it works in Canada, but in the US, the dealers set their
own prices. If you call two or three different dealers you will get a range
of prices anywhere from suggested list to 3X retail. Sometimes you can get
a 2X price change simply by talking to a different counter guy at the same
dealer. You might try calling a different dealer and see what sort of price
you can get.