JDMstuff

I stopped by my Mazda dealer today inquiring about the MP3 struts and shocks. After about 20 minutes, the counter guy comes back quoting me a price for $191 each for the rear, and $319 each for the front! I know the front shocks are blue tokicos and I usually buy them for other applications for about $56 each. I also know that Tokico hasn't released the front struts yet to the public yet, but charging 5 times more is insane. Has anyone else priced these shocks locally?

carguycw

Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development sells all 4 shocks for $405 USD plus shipping if you're a member of the Team Support program. Run 2 autocrosses, join the program, and you get Mazda OEM parts for a year at dealer net. You might also want to try an Internet parts discounter such as Trussville Mazda.

My suspicion is that the shocks will be cheaper when Tokico releases them independently, but this doesn't mean anything until they come out, and Tokico's new product release dates are often inaccurate.

Raptor

http://www.mazdastuff.com as them for 525$ for the 4 shocks.

http://www.mazdastuff.com/directory.cfm?CategoryID=196

Raptor

Sir Nuke

another source is http://www.mazdaformance.com/

they have the COMPLETE SET of four for $505

JDMstuff

Thanks guys, those prices are a lot more reasonable.

Sir Nuke

you are more than welcome, that is what we are here for...to help our fellow mazda owners. :{D

zeus

Ya'll should know that the dealers often make most of their money on parts and labor, with a better than 100% mark up. There's little money in just selling cars.

Try this old school SCCA racers trick. Show up at the parts and/or service department a little before lunch with 1/2 doz pizzas and a case of cold ones. Have lunch, BS, but be sure everyone knows you by the time you leave. Just say it's a thank you for what they did for you in the past. Everyone will be wondering what that was, and they will remember you.

In a few days, go back and get what you need, and ask to pay 15% over cost. It'll more than pay for the pizzas if you're buying struts.

I learned this from a bud a while back, and freaked when he dropped off a Sentra SE with a baddly blown motor at the dealer. The car was in full race paint, no interior, and had a roll bar. They rebuilt it under warranty. Even gave it special attention. They expressed in a whole motor, but only used the block, crank and rods to let him keep his trick parts.

It worked for me just recently when I needed a GM central port injector assembly. The one that looks like a big spider. List was $619, I got it for $265. Made it worth every penny I paid for the subs and sodas.

So, next time you stop in to take up the mans time, give it a try. At the very least ask what the jobber price and their cost are. Make an offer 30-40% over cost. Bet they take it.

Sir Nuke

that is a pretty cool idea Zeus......

btw....both of those links we posted ARE dealers...they just have websites and do a LOT of mailorder business....and usually have pretty good deals on nearly ALL the accessories for our cars.