With most parts for most cars available on the net or car mags(for less and sometimes better quality), why are dealers prices still sky-high?? Last week I went to my local dealer to reset my service light, and asked about a new remote fob. $125+ tax. For $125, I told the parts guy, I would buy a full size spare w/ tire and open my door myself(in a Blizzard)! Do they give a discount for your old remote? NO, he barked! So I went to Ebay and got one for $35 total. Now, I know about overhead and dealer mark-up, but come on! Don't dealerships get a monthly allowance from Manufactures???

Then there is the problem of personnel ignorance! I asked the same parts guy about rear rotors and pads. Who made them; he said Volvo. I didn't know Volvo was in business making pads and rotors. We all know most cars parts are by outside suppliers, but this "manager" still thinks his customers are complete idiots about our cars. If I were a car salesman or techician, I would assume my customer knew as much, if not more, about my product. Once at a dealership in NYC(Martins volvo I think), I was discussing the changes in the S70 from my 850, and 2 potential customers started asking me some questions. then he said he wanted to see if he qualified for the "sale" they were having and I suprised him with my answer. He said the previous weekend he was there and left w/o any real info on the car. I told him to check out BB and Edmunds.com