GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

holy god, c60 axle seal @ toyota: $10.48; @ chevy $50.91

Yup... seems about 90% of the time Toyota parts are much cheaper.

...except for the oil housing cap removal tool... Toyota wants over $100 for it... even the sales tech thought that was outrageous. He said that Snap-On made carries them as well but my best bet is to buy the $10 strap wrench from Cambodian Tire.

...WHEN you can get a Toyota dealer that's willing to help find the part for you... If it isn't fluids, I haven't had luck getting things for our lowly Pontiac from the holier-than-thou Toyota.

The people here won't even try to help you unless you can give them a Toyota VIN. Last thing I asked for was a 1ZZ oil pan -- should be fairly straightforward, I doubt there were many possibilities for oil pans on an '03 1ZZ FWD Matrix but they couldn't look it up. Do Toyota dealers not have some sort of generic parts catalog where they can look things up? Sorry. </rant>

It does pay to shop around, you are correct. Even when it's the same brand it can be beneficial. When I need something for my tin can Hyundai, I check with different Hyundai dealers and also Kia to find the best price, some of the price differences are pretty astounding.

ya, i sort of had to beat the guy up on the phone, sort of like this:

parts guy: i need a VIN
me: you can't look up what a matrix xrs would use?
parts guy: well, yes, but the parts will be different for your vibe
me: i don't think they will, but can you look up what a matrix xrs needs for its drivers side axle seal?
parts guy: it depends on the build date
me: ok, what are my options?
parts guy: 02-04 or 04 and later
me: well, i have an 03, so ill go with the 02-04 seal
parts guy: itll be about $10
me: great, thanks.

granted, i called when i needed an exhaust manifold gasket and i had the opposite experience....GM guy wanted a VIN and i was driving using bluetooth...