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Post by marius on Feb 5, 2011 13:33:33 GMT 2
Hi all Danie also came up with a good idea in his Build up your own spare part stock thread >> locsa.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=technical&action=display&thread=54At the moment my spares are quite limited but I think we should all at least try and get some basic/vital parts from overseas. I would include some of the following in my list of must have spares: - water pump
- timing chain and chain tensioner
- master brake and clutch cylinders plus slave clutch cylinder
- clutch and brake reservoir
- needle bearing for GB (more than one)
- thermostat
- starter motor (probably most expensive part)
- and a couple of rubber boots
I would certainly concentrate on parts that are either unobtainable or very expensive to replace. Some of these parts like the timing chain are actually dirt cheap when you purchase it from Russia/EU compared to what we have to pay for them locally. Regards Marius
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Post by ronnie on Feb 5, 2011 19:04:52 GMT 2
Hi Danie
I have nothing to import at the moment, but will defiantly look at paypal when the time is right.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 5, 2011 19:14:52 GMT 2
Hi Marius
I would also like to build up a stock, but for me there are more important uses for the money. Farmers are usually the same ;D. If you are running the original thermostat I would stock one of them. A lot of the rubber boots are replaceable here so I would not worry about that. A spare radiator cap would be usefull. If you change your brake fluid every two years you should be able to renew the seals and not need to replace the cylinder. Then you only need new kits which are much cheaper. I have only replaced the clutch slave seal and got one at the local spares.
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Feb 5, 2011 19:36:55 GMT 2
Hi Danie I have nothing to import at the moment, but will defiantly look at paypal when the time is right. Ronnie Hi Ronnie No problem. I initially thought the local "Agents" should just get a clear indication that we as a group are committed to stand together in this regard. They are all hard businessmen and do not care a damn about the basic needs of the average Lada owner in our country. Ladas can be bought very cheaply and these "Agents" are fully aware of the fact that new buyers out there will not be aware of their highly inflated prices on some components....... Anyway. I am quite convinced that some owners are committed to "empower" themselves by start importing their own parts soon. Regards Danie
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Post by Charles on Feb 5, 2011 21:28:45 GMT 2
Something that i think also have been done is other parts modifyed to fit.
Charles
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Post by danie on Feb 5, 2011 21:54:26 GMT 2
Some good news - I've just discovered Graf Corvet's (Valerij Nekrasov) e.Bay store in Russia: stores.ebay.com/bestrussiangoodsAnd yes, they do accept payment via Paypal.Enjoy shopping ! Danie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 5, 2011 22:15:06 GMT 2
Hi Danie
Thanks for the information.
Ronnie
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Post by marje46nuns on Feb 5, 2011 23:43:30 GMT 2
Danie
Payment via PAYPAL is really good news – a much better option than queuing in banks!
Thanks also for details of Valeriy's website.
Marius
When I first started using Valeriy I’m pretty sure he confirmed at the time that he only supplied genuine Lada Parts and I’ve always received these. I’ll check if anything has changed but it seems unlikely as the Russian stuff is not expensive and I know for a fact that he doesn’t supply any Chinese parts.
With regard to genuine Lada parts as there are a number of suppliers that officially supply parts to VAZ there will often be more than one genuine spare part in any event. Looking at the various Starter Motors on the Lada Russia site will give an indication of what I mean and there is often quite a difference in price between the various suppliers as well.
Regards
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Post by danie on Feb 6, 2011 6:31:56 GMT 2
Just more comments about Graf Korvet's e.Bay store (the link above).
In the past I have ordered parts which are not listed at the link above. So if you do need parts which are not listed - just send Valerij an e.mail, and you will get whatever you need.
There is no need to be worried about Valerij's credibility. I am aware of more owners who have imported parts from him in the past - and he is not going to run away with your hard earned money !
Danie
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spikes
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Post by spikes on Feb 6, 2011 7:36:33 GMT 2
Hi all Can anyone who have used PAYPAL as well as a normal VISA or MC credit card explain the advantage of using PP. I am not concerned about security of using a VISA or MC for internet purchases. It seems that to benefit from PP you have to deposit money into their account via Electronic transfer or carry the cost if you pay via PP using you own credit card. regards all Spikes PS to Marius & Ronnie - please move this e-mail if you feel it does not fit here S
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Post by danie on Feb 6, 2011 8:20:30 GMT 2
Hi Spikes
When you click on any part on the Graf Korvet "store" list you will get access to the specific part, as well as detail about "Payment Options".
The only available payment option (in Graf Korvet's) case, seem to be "Paypal". I never asked Valerij whether they do accept Credit Cards as well, because I was not too sure about their credibility when I placed my first order with them. So I still do not know whether they do accept credit cards or not.
You are correct - in order to make payments via Paypal, money has to be transfered from your personal (local) Bank account to your Paypal account. And the most practical way that I know of , is to use a Credit Card.
Personally, I do have a strict rule in using my Credit Cards on the Internet. I do not use my Credit Cards to buy from every "Jan Rap en sy maat" on the Internet, and I do regard Paypal as a very safe and secure "paying institution" .
While I do not regard Paypal as "Jan Rap en sy maat", I do not mind using my credit cards in their case.
Danie
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Post by marius on Feb 6, 2011 8:24:18 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie You are right Ronnie - money always tends to flow to other spaces and places. I'm running the original thermostat and so far no problems so I would like to have a replacement ready. I forgot about the radiator cap - that should also be part of my list. My experience with the brake master cylinder have been otherwise - the first one (the original with the retaining screws) went bust because I did not service it back then due to lack of knowledge. The second one I got from Jan was without the retaining screws and I serviced it but it suddenly died on me a couple of months ago and you can't replace anything The current is from the Uno and also sealed . If I ever get a spare it will be the original one with the screws Regards Marius
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Post by danie on Feb 6, 2011 8:56:21 GMT 2
Hi Spikes
Just another point regarding Paypal and Graf Korvet.
Paypal does not deal with crooks, and while Graf Korvet / Valerij is one of their (Paypal's) clients for quite a long period, it obviously says something about Graf Korvet's credibility.
So if Graf Korvet does accept Credit Cards - and you are feeling comfortable in using your cards in this regard, the choice is obviously yours.
Regards
Danie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 6, 2011 9:16:32 GMT 2
Hi Marius
I presume the 2 screws allow you to remove the piston on the original, and the replacement does not have these screws. When you can, remove the pipes and you may find the screws are in there. If they can assemble you can disassemble, as long as it is not sealed for life, and I would doubt if they would do that with a master cylinder.
Ronnie
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Post by marje46nuns on Feb 6, 2011 9:22:56 GMT 2
Hi Spikes I suggest that you take a look at the www.paypal.com website which will answer all your questions. The advantage of using PAYPAL is that your credit card details are never divulged to any merchant and it is considered a very safe and convenient way of making payments. I have also used my credit card to make purchases from overseas but feel much happier using PAYPAL. To open an account is free and only takes a few minutes and to make a payment all you need is the recipient’s email address. There is no charge for purchasing items using your Paypal account but you can also use it to send money personally to anyone else with an email address – family overseas for instance - but there would be some charge involved details of which can all be found on the website mentioned above. Looking at Valeriy’s Ebay website I see that he does also accept Mastercard and Visa payments for these purchases but doesn’t mention this method of payment when you buy direct which I always do. I’ll check this out with him as I have to write to him later on today. Regards
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Post by danie on Feb 6, 2011 9:50:56 GMT 2
Hi Nikki Thanks for the more complete info. I do have some interesting personal experience about how secure the Paypal system really is, and which might be interesting to other members: I was once fiddling around on my computer / Paypal account - trying to find out what my "limit" on my account was - and then I tried to make some changes on my account. While I was still trying to do this - I suddenly received a telephone call. A staff member from Paypal phoned me to tell me that somebody is trying to make changes on my account - and they wanted to know whether it was me ! Bear in mind that my Paypal account has been created on the Internet, and I don't think the account itself is located in South Africa ! Danie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 6, 2011 10:04:23 GMT 2
Hi Danie and nikki
Thanks for all the good information re Paypal. I have filed it away for future use.
Ronnie
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darryn
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
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Post by darryn on Feb 6, 2011 10:35:26 GMT 2
Thanks for finding all this out for us danie- I've been laughing to myself the whole morning looking at the prices- this will make the whole process of restoring my Niva so, so much cheaper!
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spikes
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Posts: 3,689
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Post by spikes on Feb 6, 2011 11:33:59 GMT 2
Hi Nikki and Danie Thanks for sharing. I did read the info on PAYPAL's website but it seems like a round about way to do business. That is why I wanted personal views. Regards Spikes
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Post by marius on Feb 8, 2011 18:44:08 GMT 2
Hi all
Just to quote myself with regard to an earlier message directed to Ventz:
<<Your position as merchant is going to put you in the firring line sometimes - it is to be expected. The same applies to me as I am supposedly supposed to try and keep everyone in line. Unfortunately It comes with the territory and you and I are not always going to win the popularity contest.
However the fact that you as spares supplier and agent is prepared to share your wealth of information in an honest and open way is very much appreciated and welcomed here. Personally my wish is for all parties to participate here on this forum. It is only to the benefit of all.>>
Having said all of the above I do back Danie and all the other members that feel aggrieved by the exorbitant profits the agents seem to make on certain parts 100%.
Backing down and keeping quiet for the sake of politics will not do anything to solve the problem. The Forum is exactly for that purpose where owners and agents could communicate to solve these issues.
Just as an example (and unfortunately there are many) - there is no way that one could justify a price tag of R7000 on the starter motor if you can import it for as little as US$130 from Russia.
We live in the 21st century and the agents should realize that fact. The internet has opened up a whole new market that is easily excessable to everyone. If the agents fail to see that they will be sidelined sooner or later.
Regards Marius
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Ventzel
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Post by Ventzel on Feb 9, 2011 9:37:47 GMT 2
Hi,
My point of view is very clear in the thread "Service: Good or bad??" Please read my letters 14Nov and 16 Nov, it is not necessary to write them again. I don't have anything to add.
Marius, would you please get me more informed about this starter motor if you don't mind.
Rgds
Ventz
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Post by marius on Feb 9, 2011 10:08:19 GMT 2
Hi Ventz All I know with regard to the starter motor is that Chris Swales apparently quoted R7000 for the motor. This is actually quite surprising as I was informed that his prices are quite competitive Regards Marius
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Post by ronnie on Feb 9, 2011 10:16:12 GMT 2
Hi Ventz I am not sure what you mean in your letter today, but if we are referring to the rip off prices SOME dealers are charging, then perhaps we should make it clear we are referring to certain dealers and are not generalizing. I have already stated I am more than satisfied with the prices of the parts I purchsed from you. I could easily import parts if I was not happy as I have no need to use my Niva on a dailly basis. I do not know where the price for the starter for Nikki came from, but I also would be "up in arms" if some one gave me a quote like that. I consider it to be a total rip off . Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Feb 9, 2011 10:18:49 GMT 2
Hi Marius
Thanks for the suppliers name. As far as I am concerned if this is representative of the prices he charges our members he should not be a suggested supplier.
Ronnie
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Post by marius on Feb 9, 2011 12:17:53 GMT 2
Well Ronnie as I have stated in a previous post - this is just one example and unfortunately there are many more such as these.
It is unfortunate that I had to mention one specific dealer's name - but as you can see from Danie's post sadly the dealers are all guilty of such conduct.
I am not saying that everything your going to buy from a dealer is going to be a rip off but certain parts seems to be targeted as major money makers.
Unfortunately my scanner is not working but I will post a pic today of a small list of part prices back in 2000. Very soon after we bought our Niva prices increased dramatically - and I mean dramatically!
Rgards Marius
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Post by ronnie on Feb 9, 2011 12:58:29 GMT 2
Hi Marius
I think everyone should have the right to know the dealers who are overcharging then we know who to avoid. It is very sad when someone can land an item here for R2000 and a dealer can ask for R7000 for the same item. It is sick and it sucks.
Ronnie
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Post by marius on Feb 9, 2011 13:35:55 GMT 2
Hi all Here is a photograph from a single page of the price catalogue back in early 2000. I asked for an indication on what spare part prices might look like. The salesperson came back with a photostat copy with the dealer prices blanked out by a ruler. His comment at the time was "they" don't want me to see the markup on the parts. ;D ;D ;D Fair enough we bought the Niva on the basis that parts were fairly priced and with the promise that parts could be supplied from the huge warehouse in Pinetown within a flash. The day we bought the Niva there was a consignment of nobblies and standard tyres - with rims. The salesman offered me a set for R250 a tyre. I stupidly declined. Due to a huge oil leak on the back diff I visited them on regular intervals in order to make this problem go away that started on day one - but this is another story for another day ;D The very next time - about a week later - the price on these tyres were increased to R500 and soon after wards they disappeared for good Recently I was quoted R1600 for a nobblie! Remember that in the year 2000 interest rates hovered around 25% and the Rand was at it's worst in history. Regards Marius Attachments:
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darryn
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Post by darryn on Feb 9, 2011 15:54:31 GMT 2
It would be funny if it weren't so heart breaking to hear how these guys messed up a really good opportunity by being so geedy. 7grand for a starter motor is like something out of a bad movie.
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Post by marje46nuns on Feb 9, 2011 16:19:42 GMT 2
Hi Everyone
I have more info and prices re importing your own goods but first of all, well said Marius – I hope your words don’t fall upon deaf ears! I would love to buy ALL my Lada spares locally but I simply cannot afford the inflated prices being charged on many of the local components.
As some of you are aware I was recently quoted R7 000.00 for a new starter. I was also advised that a reconditioned one would cost R3 500.00 and a Heat Shield, although not in stock, was around R300.00. As I couldn’t possibly afford these prices I was forced to look elsewhere.
Having ordered from Russia previously I made some enquiries in this direction and I’ve recently ordered a new starter and heat shield from Graf Korvet at prices of $149.50 and $5.35 respectively. The starter is the same make as my original and a genuine part but is not the one referred to by Marius above and in the link provided by Danie elsewhere. Airfreight costs must then be added and are rather hefty at $68.60 - the applicable rate for goods weighing between 3kg and 4Kg. This gives a total of $223.45 which at today’s exchange rate (1US$ = R7.16) amounts to approximately R1600.00.
On arrival in SA Import Duty and VAT totaling 34% will be added to the cost of the goods. At today’s exchange rate the cost of the goods would be approximately R1109.00 and 34% of R1109.00 amounts to R377.06. So, the total cost of importing these goods from Russia at today’s exchange rate would be R1600.00 + R377.06 = R1977.06!!!!!!
However, the price and range of starters does vary quite a bit and as such this won't really be an 'apples with apples' comparison as the local one could be a more expensive model and also a different type. Having said this, even with an extra $100.00 added to the bill the import would still be considerably less.
Payment was quick and easy using the PAYPAL account opened on the Internet a couple of years ago. It took just a few seconds to make the payment, have the supplier verified and receive a payment confirmation. The parcel usually gets posted within 3 days of payment and I now await a tracking number from Valeriy so I can keep an eye on the consignment which should arrive in approximately 3 weeks.
So, it was all very painless - from my side anyway – but I do sympathize with poor Valeriy who has the patience of a saint and certainly deserves whatever profit he makes out of me!! ;D ;D
Regards
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Post by marius on Feb 9, 2011 17:51:17 GMT 2
Hi Nikki Nice to know that I was not far off the mark with my R2000 ;D "I would love to buy ALL my Lada spares locally" - honestly we would all love to do just that! You have spelled it out very clearly - fantastic to see a woman leading the way! Regards Marius
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