Greetings all, Thank you all for your expertise and great insights into Priuses. I have 2 Priuses on Kauai - a 2008 and a 2005. Kauai is a challenging environment for a "computer rich" vehicle, to say the least. I keep them limping along, and with the generous help of many on PriusChat I have not given up on them. My current request is that I am seeking a source of used windshield wipers and brake pads. I have tried my "go to" wrecking yard in LA with no success. If anyone has a source they would be willing to share I would much appreciate it. Even if you only have a source of highly discounted new parts that supplier(s) would be willing to ship to Kauai. Why used? Well, I keep these cars limping along, but the constant rain, outside storage, and humidity, takes a heavy toll. And throwing money into expensive new parts does not help. Thanks.
I'm a big advocate of buying used parts for older cars, and the windshield wipers parts would qualify for that belief. But the actual wiper blades and brake pads have to be new. It's going to be a huge hassle and very short lived effort to install used blades and pads. Not worth the effort.
Wouldn’t hurt to check Amayama; sometimes their prices are lower than online US retailers. And in my experience so far (in Canada): no taxes or import fees.
http://rockauto.com/ When shopping at RA, try to bundle or select item that ship from the same warehouse to save on shipping.
Hi SFO, thanks. Yes I buy parts from Rock Auto quite often, good people with good selection. Best regards
Forgot to mention: same applies with my ref, they source either from Japan or UAE, but it’s best to keep to one or the other if there’s option, to avoid two shipping charges.
Thanks again That’s pretty good insight. Is it obvious with each item where it will/could be sourced, so you can consciously choose? I’ve become spoiled with Amazon Prime! Just FYI my go to Toyota Wrecking yard guy told me that the rubber on wipers deteriorates fast in the Calif sun so he doesn’t sell wipers. This probably saves him a lot of hassles with unhappy customers. And he said that refurbishers snap up all the brake calipers with pads. Might still be findable at a good Pick Your Part. Although I’ve found they don’t get the best wrecks, at least where I’ve been in Southern California and western Nevada.
Yes, very. Try the site. The sources prices and shipping charges are all shown, and cheapest overall highlighted. It doesn’t however, consider keeping to one source, so if doing multi-item purchase you need to consider the options yourself. Also, with some large items, shipping is NOT shown up front, but I was assured by them if you follow through on purchase you DO see shipping while you can still back out.
