Stealership, VINs, and Part Numbers, Oh My!

[tris91ricer]

I dunno about you guys... But lately, since I've been making parts request calls and such, when calling the local Stealership, I've been getting the "I can't help you without a VIN" assholes. (Some guys can price quote/find part #s, others won't, I don't get it. This makes The Baby Jesus cry.)
I know I'm probably paranoid, but I don't wanna give up my VIN to the dealership. Doesn't 'feel' right, and I go on my feelings more than anything else.
Perhaps we could start a VIN database? (Is that wrong/illegal in any form?)
I think we've got enough people that troll the junkyards often enough, that perhaps they could start writing down VINs and specs from cars already in the JY? So if/when we're in a parts bind with a dealership asshole, we could have a similar VIN handy?

VIN:Model:Turbo or NA:Special Specs

Anyone else behind me on this one, or am I just being stubborn again?

[Subaru_Nation555]

A while back when I was installing my swaybar, I drove my parents Corolla to the dealership about 15 miles to see how much a new OEM endlink was. I told the guy at the parts counter to give me a price check and he just said I needed the VIN number. I asked if he could just look it up by year/model. So I just went home and ordered some whiteline ones. Good riddance. I hate dealerships.

[tris91ricer]

EXACTLY. That's the feelings behind a revolution!

[vrg3]

They don't need the VIN, but it does help make sure that they get you the right part, since there occasionally are changes made mid-year. That's rare, though; usually even if something changes the new part supercedes the old one anyway.

They do also like to be able to track your car. At the very least they send you maintenance notices along with "discount" coupons for service from your local dealership, but I'm sure there's more going on behind the scenes.

In any case, maybe you could use this: http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~v/vingen.cgi

Enter in information similar to your car, but maybe change the serial number a little, and give them that VIN. Don't change it too far, though, or you might end up with a VIN for a car that never existed, which might piss them off.

[LaureltheQueen]

Yeah, they can have trouble. I had the same problem with swaybar endlinks in my 91.

It's not a matter of the person at the parts counter being inept, the computer just prompts them for it.

[BAC5.2]

I've never given them my VIN, even when asked for it.

I am asking them for a specific part. Therefore, I know what I am talking about, and I know what I need. I could bring them the part number, but it doesn't matter.

I've gotten the "we need the vin, or we can't get you the part" and I'll just call the bluff.

In those cases, I say "It's not from my model year, I just need that specific part" and I usually get what I want.

Sometimes I just bring part numbers, so they don't overwork themselves behind that counter.

What I REALLY hate, is when I ask for something at pep-boys, and they ask me for the make and model and year of car, and tell me they can't help me without it.

"Yea, I need a power steering return hose, do you have any?"

"uhh, what vehicle?"

"I dunno, I just need that type of hose"

"I can't help you without a vehicle..."

Piss me off. Just let me root around for my own stuff.

I want to open a 24 hour automotive supply store, and have free roaming. People can get whatever they want, and do it themselves. I don't need to look in a computer for them. They know what they need, they can get it. If they need a power steering return hose from a Toyota Tacoma to hack up and use as a turbo oil return line, Isle 3.

[tris91ricer]

Werd.

Vikash, thanks for the generator. Don't tell me you just whipped that up, I might go crazy.
So I'm not alone, eh?
You rebels you..

[vrg3]

'Kay, I won't tell you.

I also usually go to them with part numbers, or ask them to let me navigate their electronic parts catalog myself. In my experience you can't count on them to give you the right part all the time if you leave them to their own devices. Like, I ordered an ECU temperature sensor and was given a temperature gauge sender once. And my brother bought an alternator tensioner bolt dealie and was given the one for the A/C compressor.

[tris91ricer]

See, that's the kind of shit I run into. The only place I've found that seems to care about Subaru, and take pride in knowing Subaru is the Carter dealership here in Seattle. I talked with Scott (who also worked with Laurel) and I was so impressed with just over-the-phone service. I didn't even mention the prices.. let's just say the love of Subaru shows when it comes to this dealer's pricing and availbility.

[dzx]

Dealerships make me want to hit something. I went with a friend when he bought his mustang a couple years ago and was in the damn place for over 4 hrs.