Parts buying source

[olliecampbell]

Where is everyone buying their parts from?

I would usually use ECP / Autodoc as a default.

This is my first Volvo so am unsure, how competitive are main dealers?
Are there any other independents that I should look at?

[Simmy]

parts for volvo or frf swansea or caffyns volvo some do discounts for forum members you will need to ask they dont always offer it unless you ask as for auto doc there are so many disappointed customers i would not consider them gsf are also comparable to ecp.were you looking for something specific? some dealers have ebay parts stores.

[DaveNP]

As a general picture many people report being surprised by how cheap parts can be from the local Volvo dealer, in my own experience a set of Volvo spark plugs stand out as being quite a bit cheaper from the dealer than 5 good brand plugs from ECP; FRF (who are a Volvo dealership) in Swansea have also served me well for bigger orders but look up their thread in the traders section for the discount code and phone them; I've used Caffyns (also a dealership) via their ebay shop; and to 'shop local' I use Parts for Volvo in Wellingborough even though it's still mail order.
I've also found in the past that buying solely on price isn't necessarily the best as some parts like suspension arms can vary greatly in quality and you're back doing the job again very quickly.

[olliecampbell]

Agreed with all the above. I've had quite a few high mileage cars (Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Subaru) so know the pitfalls of buying by price!

Just after a general picture so thanks gents, just the info I needed.

[MDS40]

Opie oils now sell a wide range of parts.
They have Bosch sensors at very reasonable prices which are a lot less than Volvo want.

[Steve 940]

Hi,

As others above have alluded to, FRF are good

FRF Volvo main dealer in Swansea. They have a deal with the VOC, just quote discount code C000003 if I recall correctly.

Discount varies on what parts supplied, but I had cooling system bits and ranged from 5% to 35%

Importantly they supply genuine Volvo parts, and can get from Sweden if needed.

Best way is to email Chris Harris in parts team, just do email with your vehicle details and importantly the VIN in the reference bar, outline what you are after and Chris will normally do all the parts hunting.

Contact is chrisharris@frf-motors.co.uk or parts telephone is 01792 790066 although I only use email to enquire as telephone is very busy. You do have to phone to make card payment but do initial query first on email.

Link to Genuine Classic Parts that has parts lists for Volvo models, good to save and refer to, but I have never quite been brave enough to rely on my translation of codes as so many different options.

https://catalog.gcp.se/

Cheers
Steve

[volvosam]

I have recently become a Volvo owner by circumstance and have needed quite a few parts.
ECP and GSF seem to have become relatively expensive for a lot of parts.
The Skandix.de site is a good resource for getting part numbers which you can then use to find parts via ebay stores. I have found partsinmotion in Exeter to be very good price wise and always fast delivery.
My parts team at my local Volvo main dealer has really impressed me with their contactability, willingness to help, knowledge and with sensible pricing.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by volvosam

My parts team at my local Volvo main dealer has really impressed me with their contactability, willingness to help, knowledge and with sensible pricing.

Likewise with Bells in Northampton. Always very helpful and no issues ordering from Classicparts in Sweden. They always quote 2-3 weeks delivery for classic parts, but they generally arrive within 3-4 days. It is surprising what is still available for the older cars.