Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying SUV Parts with a New SUV

Just like anything mechanical, a new SUV will inevitably fail and eventually you will need to source out parts to replace the ones that wear out. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages when you are buying parts for your SUV, owing to your status as a new owner.

Advantages

• Warranty period: Many reputable dealers will not only place the major parts of the SUV under warranty but will also offer free replacements for "consumable" parts such as light bulbs, wiper blades and fuses. The amount of coverage you get will most likely depend on your relationship with your dealer.
• Readily available parts: SUV automakers generally aim to have their new models reach the widest possible circulation. One concern that buyers have with new models is the availability of new parts. They are more likely to buy SUV's if they know parts are available. The automakers know this and they provide dealers and repair shops with many SUV parts for new SUV buyers.
• Discounts and rebates: A new SUV should not breakdown at least until the warranty period expires. The warranty does not cover consumables but the concept is a bit hard to explain to new SUV owners. Many SUV makers give deep discounts and rebates to consumable parts. Before buying your brand new parts at full price, ask your dealer if they are offering a discount or rebate in light of the fact that you bought a shiny new SUV from them.

Disadvantages

• Impaired decision making: Most of the time, owners of new SUV's are still in the honeymoon stage with their vehicle. This oftentimes affects the decision making process, leading to a more expensive purchase on what otherwise would be a commodity part. For example, you might only need to replace worn wiper blades but you could be convinced to purchase new wiper motors by a salesman's claim that these motors are more energy efficient and will give you better mileage.
• Lack of qualified service centers: This disadvantage is most readily felt when the new SUV you buy is a cutting edge product, never before seen model except by the car manufacturer. This applies especially to new SUV models that utilize technologies recently invented or developed to qualify under new legislation. For example the new laws require clean and green emissions. Due to the possibly of new processes involved, you may not be able to find service centers in your area that will sell the parts you need, much less possess the expertise to actually install them.
• Relatively expensive: If you don't have a good relationship with your dealer, you might find that sourcing parts for your new SUV may be difficult. Some dealers even take advantage of situations when they are the only dealer in your area who is able to supply the parts you need. You may need to weigh the costs of going across states to get your parts, or be stuck with the nearest dealer and his high profit margins. Either way, you are looking at a more expensive purchase.