posted 07-26-2009 06:06 PM                  

quote:Originally posted by viper&prowler soul:

quote:

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Originally posted by catfish:
some parts,they still make.some they dont.the older they get the more will be discontinued.

Like what spare parts they get will be discontinued¿¿

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I am no expert but the manufacturers are in it to make money.

When they are making parts they likely draw from experience as what quantities they will need to make for a specific model year or production run.

I would also guess that they allow for a percentage above that for defective parts and crash related replacements.

Then they may continue to make some parts based on normal wear and maintenance related items such as suspension, drive line and engine parts.

If after a while the manufacturer sees that they are not selling replacement parts at the expected rate, they may elect not to make any additional "runs" of parts, after all it does cost money to warehouse and inventory these parts. Some of these parts actually have a shelf life like radiator hoses and seals. They could lose quite a bit if these items "expire" sitting on the shelf.

An example of this would be tires. Would you be willing to buy a new set of ten year old tires for any of your cars, I know I would not.

Unfortunately for us, many people are not driving their Prowlers like they would their other vehicles. This results in a lower demand for parts (Like tires and Radiator hoses),the manufacturer may then think twice about the economics of making any more of these parts when supplies dwindle. In short....the more money the manufacturer can make on an item, the more likely they will produce it provided the demand is enough.

It is my opinion that those of us that bought these cars as an investment and have not driven them, have been partially responsible for the lack of maintenance items available for these cars now.

My suggestion would be to get out and drive these cars, wear them out, enjoy them as much as you can then buy replacement parts. This may generate enough of a demand for necessary parts and eventually result in a continuing supply for years to come.