secretsg

That's shop's inside info. Can't released to the public unless owner approves it.

I can guarantee the cost is higher than $150 to the LHS. (maybe not to Tower but they are really a distributor.) What you see in shops in HK, those prices are very close to the cost of Tamiya stuff in North America/Europe or in some cases in Europe.. Lower [X(]

Take the CVA Shock units. Take a look on the package. The Japanese/Asia MSRP is 1800yen or about $19-20usd retail. The TamiyaUSA MSRP is $25 USD. That's already a 25% increase for MSRP. If your LHS gets stuff from TamiyaUSA/Tower then their cost would be that much higher than say Rcmart/Stella who probably orders from HK distributer or from Tamiya Japan.

secretsg

Also like others have mentioned. Markup on parts are higher (excluding electronics.) So if you want to negotiate a deal with LHS it's better to ask for some free accessories/parts to go with the kit you just bought.

Lunchboxer

LOL @ Eman's post..

Eman is explaining what's "cost" means..

Lee, I think, is asking what is the cost.... hee..

The Hedgehog

So I am studying for the MCAT's as of next week! [X(]

lee172

correct!

mechanizeddeath

well my car search has been narrowed to two vehicles now:

1997 Legacy GT. 120k
1998 Legacy L. 110k.

both are the same price. both are white. both are automatic. the GT has the larger but more problem prone (gasket) EJ25 engine, while the L has the anemic but bulletproof EJ22. the GT has leather while the L has cloth, the GT leather is worn and slightly dirty but not split, and the L cloth is intact but stained from use. the GT has a sunroof, and although the motor is good, it appears to be either off track or in need of grease as it does not retract, only pops up. the GT has had rust, most of which was repaired, but the L has some cosmetic front bumper damage yet no obvious signs of rust. the GT has the style of wheels i like, while the L has those ridiculous plastic wheel covers. [:@] the GT has OEM floor mats in good shape, the L has none, but i already have some from my '95.

overall, i'm still unsure. i need to go over the L with a fine tooth comb. the L looks like a slightly better value for the money, but i like the GT better. plus an extra 30 HP is always nice. decisions, decisions!

The Hedgehog

Get the L, the Legacy isn't a performance vehicle so don't jeopardize reliability for a tiny bit of extra power. (My opinion of course!)

mechanizeddeath

That's kind of my thinking as well. True, it isn't a "real" performance vehicle in the sense of a Mustang Cobra or similar, but the "GT" of it is there, even if really only in the chassis. I can't remember the specifics but I think they pulled some of the parts for it from the twin turbo we didn't get here. Regardless, it certainly handles better than my old L did!

must...ignore...wheel covers. [&:]

mechanizeddeath

actually... now that i think about it, i could get rid of the awful plastic wheel covers AND regain the 30HP just by getting some "phat" rims for the L. [sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif] at least that's what all the kids think.

and while i'm at it... some neon and LEDs!

The Hedgehog

Don't forget a gigantic muffler.

Ttam Says Blarg

Lol!!!

Lunchboxer

Let me tell my wife.. she will talk you out of it...

mechanizeddeath

hahaha, glad to see we're on the same page.

years ago, that's one of the things that drew me into the Subaru scene. while the Honda kids were passing gas out of tuba sized mufflers, most of the Subaru crowd were sticking with suspension and brake upgrades, with the occasional nutcase dropping a full STi driveline into a bone stock Legacy Brighton just for giggles. [>:]

Lunchboxer

How much are those Legacy that you are looking at?!

mechanizeddeath

Under $5k, which is my limit. [&o] Since I need 4WD/AWD, in my area I seem to be limited to these choices:

5+ year old GMC/Chevy AWD vans with at least 80,000 miles
7+ year old Subarus with at least 100,000 miles
10+ year old Audis with at least 150,000 miles

this isn't counting trucks and SUVs, of course. this winter was awful, and even if the Toyota hadn't died i couldn't have put up with another winter of spending 30+ minutes getting out of my driveway. [&:]

The Hedgehog

Well Subarus are your only choice out of that group hah.

Audis...... so $$$$ to fix when they have their electrical problems.
GMC... well it's GM (hah just me I'm a Ford guy)

Subaru will do the job.

How about a AWD Mitsubishi 3000GT? (kidding... well kind of )

Lunchboxer

There's actually Audis w/ such high miles?!!? [X(]

lee172

looks like my Cooper S is a distant dream...

Lunchboxer

Hope you get a new job soon, Lee!! Keep the spirit up!!

Besides, you can prob. trade that 50 NIBs for the Cooper S..

mechanizeddeath

haha... despite the almost Chevy/Ford style rivalry between Subaru and Mitsubishi, i would totally drive an AWD Mitsubishi. problem is finding one that hasn't been ruined by a kid. for example, i haven't seen a stock Eclipse GSX in probably 5-7 years.

and yeah that's what i've found... it's Subaru and that's it. i was open to consideration, but even my Audi loving friend was like "no! no! no!' to a 150k Audi... and the vans and trucks go without saying - i can't afford 15MPG! [:@]

mechanizeddeath

haha... one of my friends actually had one go to 200k, but not without a lot of love and encouragement. oh, and money. lots of that green stuff. [&:]

Lunchboxer

Toyota, baby, Toyota.. hee..

Mine will be 209k miles soon.. ! [&:]

Ttam Says Blarg

What do you have in mind after the Toyota goes out on you?

The Hedgehog

He's going to get something to one-up my car. But then I'll be back, don't worry guys.

Lunchboxer

Toyota will never go out..

Besides, I got no money for a new car right now.. LOL!!