[Focus man. Focus.]

oldeguy,Mar 13 2007, 11:07 AM Wrote:I don't know if this is the right place for this question, so if it isn't, you can redirect me.

My question is this. I've been calling around for some prices on the following parts. Water pump, Timing Belt and Valve cover gasket. The cheapest is from a place in Scarborough, called McMaster Auto Parts. They quoted $48.00 for the gasket, $39.00 for the Timing Belt and $46.00 for the Water Pump. I asked the guy why he was so much cheaper than eveyone else, ( almost half the price of Ford ).  Has anybody heard of this place?
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Having worked in the automotive aftermarket for over 10 years until I moved to Castrol I do know that prices vary from one place to another. Be sure that you are getting name brand aftermarket parts. Alot of independant jobbers are moving to cheaper offshore parts rather than the quality aftermarket replacements.

Is the price for the waterpump a new or rebuilt unit? The dealer is usually a new piece and you may be getting a rebuilt from the jobber. Not that there is anything wrong with a remanufactured unit but that might be where the price difference is coming from. The V/C gasket, as long as it is a quality name brand like Victor or Fel-Pro or even the dealer buy it where you get the best deal. Also same for the timing belt, make sure it good quality. You don't want that to fail on you.

Good luck with your quest for the best deal. Be sure to let us know how you make out.