Where to get performance parts?

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by that_guy

With roughly 1500 of these cars in Canada, I don't know how much of an untapped market you think there really is.

1500 BRZ sold in Canada only really?

[drewbot]

As much as I'd like to support to local guys, the prices they are asking are generally more than buying from the US, shipping, AND paying duties.

With that being said, I've purchased from @fteightysix and @ft86SpeedFactory at very good prices.

Anything that's quite expensive to ship, such as headers, exhaust, etc. it'll probably be more economical to source as local as possible.

In addition to the above, I'd also check out "uniq performance", driftaround, and NV auto. Their prices were decent on some items.

[f0rge]

Driving to the border doesn't work for me. I'm in Toronto and the time alone is enough to dissuade me from even bothering. Time is money, add the gas and the wait at the border and the inconvenience just isn't worth it unless I'm going to save several hundred dollars.

[AdrianG]

I have found local parts places to actually be pretty reasonable with price. Customer service and delivery have been poor at times, and I'm generally disappointed with a couple local vendors, but their prices have been reasonable. Maybe I'm used to the world of bike parts where a $180 part in the US costs $400 at a Canadian bike shop.

[CSG Mike]

We ship to Canada. Alternatively, we can ship to a place of your choice south of the border.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Pbrown

would love to support local but why the bloated prices from the same vendors as those in the states and elsewhere. same costs to each location yet we get reamed up here. Not weak, intelligent.

Call around before assuming prices are bloated... my brake pads were actually cheaper than most US vendors when I bought them from Touge Tuning last spring.

[Trac Toy]

And now considering the exchange rate isn't all that great and could get worse.

you can't just compare dollars to dollars... there is a lot of additional costs involved in getting something simply shipped to your door. Biggest hit is the brokerage fees unless the US retailer agrees to send it to you via USPS.

Also a lot of retailers will include free shipping in the US if you order enough gear. So consider that when you decide if it's worth an hour drive to Buffalo.

If you time it right (ie get off your ass early in the morning) then there is no wait time at the border. US address opens at 8am if I remember correctly. I've been there and am back at canadian customs in 20 mins.

That was amusing when the border guard asks "How long have you been gone?"

"20 Mins"


Plan your parts orders to make one trip to US Address... it's not worth it going for little part here and a little part there.

Order it all at once, get your free shipping, go pick it up, stash a few items, undervalue you stuff a little, pay less tax. in the end a couple of hours of your time saves you dough.

[86SPEED]

We Have many customers in Canada, Thanks @drewbot for the Tag.

Small items like taillights and side markers are easy and very fair to ship.

It the larger items that get costly - Also with that said the best way to ship is to include as many items in the same box

The best way is to check out the pre calculated price on our store then email us with all your info including your address and items that you want. We do this for AUS and European Customers all the time.

Hope this info helps some of you

[drewbot]

Originally Posted by Trac Toy

And now considering the exchange rate isn't all that great and could get worse.

you can't just compare dollars to dollars... there is a lot of additional costs involved in getting something simply shipped to your door. Biggest hit is the brokerage fees unless the US retailer agrees to send it to you via USPS.

Also a lot of retailers will include free shipping in the US if you order enough gear. So consider that when you decide if it's worth an hour drive to Buffalo.

If you time it right (ie get off your ass early in the morning) then there is no wait time at the border. US address opens at 8am if I remember correctly. I've been there and am back at canadian customs in 20 mins.

That was amusing when the border guard asks "How long have you been gone?"

"20 Mins"


Plan your parts orders to make one trip to US Address... it's not worth it going for little part here and a little part there.

Order it all at once, get your free shipping, go pick it up, stash a few items, undervalue you stuff a little, pay less tax. in the end a couple of hours of your time saves you dough.

If you have the patience to deal with self brokering your stuff with the CSBA, you can get stuff shipped through UPS. It probably takes as long as driving to a border from the GTA, but can be worth it.

[Pbrown]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Call around before assuming prices are bloated... my brake pads were actually cheaper than most US vendors when I bought them from Touge Tuning last spring.

Hankook tires ventus Frisby Ottawa $1400 tirerack al in $650
Klutch rims Free shipping to border saved $300
5 axis spoiler saved $70
winter tires Kankook $600 difference between local and tirerack

soon to purchase Buddy club tails and Perrin 2.5 exhaust from FT86 speed factory. all in will be $1600 can't be touched in Canada. I guess my point is the retailers in Ottawa that I have visited must think I am not aware of the existence of the internet as they keep trying to royally screw me out of my cash.

[daiheadjai]

What mail service do you guys use?
The one I found charges about $6 per package (can pay annual fee to drop it to $1.80 for over 12 packages shipped)

[Stav]

There is perception and reality, if you put a value on driving across, gas, exchange, time etc. In many cases we and many other Canadian business (in most situations given a opportunity) are not only cheaper, but a better alternative.

Give Canadian shops a chance before simply writing everyone off who helps support the community with knowledge and actually keeps inventory and stock in the country you reside and live in...

If I carry it and or have access I will beat any US price period. Done right, in our volume we dwarf most of the vendors in the USA or Canada for that matter. Let me know the price, I will calculate in CAD or better yet sell in in USD to the border and you can pick it up if that's better. What I will not do is fake invoices or other stuff that will be troubling with the Canada revenue agency.

I agree with you many things and items are cheaper in the US, milk,eggs, car parts for an FR-S shouldn't be one of them. They all come from the US factory's or distribution points. So if a US or Canadian supplier gives you a price it really depends on
a) how low they are willing to sell
b) service
c) includes duties,taxes etc.
d) is willing to make sure you are happy with your purchase, offer warranty support etc.

My 2 cents had to chime in sorry.

Thank you

[Captain Stall]

Originally Posted by Pbrown

Hankook tires ventus Frisby Ottawa $1400 tirerack al in $650
Klutch rims Free shipping to border saved $300
5 axis spoiler saved $70
winter tires Kankook $600 difference between local and tirerack

Consider pmctire.com in Sherbrooke QC next time, instead of tirerack. Currently, Ventus models range from low $130s to mid $150s.

[Jay2420]

Great feedback and thanks for responding. It was unfair of me to write off Canadian shops on the original post, my apologies. Buying Local would still be considered my number one option as I feel there is value is dealing face to face on top of supporting shops financially.
@fteightysix was really great to deal with on previous transactions, reasonable shipping and great customer service.

It was nice to see DSG and JRP chime in as well. I do believe there is a growing market here for the twins so I think it's important for people to come on this forum and see good options for Canada. It's the best forum for the Twins IMO.