Parts cannon update: you're never disappointed when you have low expectations

[Dr. Zoidberg]

After a few more canceled orders and other telltale signs, I decided to go the local Toyota dealer. The people were super, duper, helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. The short version is: everything I am looking to buy has been discontinued. And one part that isn't (screws for my mirror housing) requires purchase of the entire mirror. She recommend I take out one that isn't stripped (three are ) and size/thread match at a hardware store.

I was also given more tips on how as a consumer to identify parts that are almost certainly discontinued but still not updated in the database. Even her database had a part that wasn't technically listed as discontinued, but was ZERO stock nationally which means it most certainly is. Also first thing she said when my part was punctuated with a color code (-B0); "Ohhhh yeah if it's got that [suffix], I bet it's gone..."

Indeed they were lol

So anyway I'll play the long game... Forum marketplaces, CL (ugh!), and eBay.

[PowderHound]

@dr-zoidberg going through now with my Toyota. Keeping an eye on local for sale posts like a hawk

[MM54]

Toyota is particularly bad about discontinuing parts, frankly I was surprised I could get a new bumper for my '99 4runner when I did (and it actually fit, unlike the aftermarket one!).

[Dr. Zoidberg]

@mm54 They made them too reliable so they decided the only way to force people out of them was not being able to replace any cracked plastics after 10 years and frustrate the owners to death

[fintail]

@dr-zoidberg I was going to suggest junkyards, then remembered what kind of vehicle you are referring to - no luck there unless it was crashed hard.

[TheBarber]

@fintail Oh I dunno, there is a few out there.
Lots of consoles.

Mirror is a bit harder to find I'll admit.

[fintail]

@thebarber Some of those parts should be OK in a crash.

i don't know if any mass market maker keeps any stock of trim parts for 20 year old vehicles - even if they are like Toyota who might use the same part for 20 years. I can get anything mechanical for old MBs, but even that brand, maybe the best at stocking old parts, doesn't have trim pieces past a certain age.

[Huzer]

@dr-zoidberg If I were one to keep a vehicle for a duration of time, what this tells me is that I should stockpile GX parts while it’s still the current gen.

[TheBarber]

@fintail Yea, usually interior bits and accessories get pretty sparse right after the 10 year rule. Then you have bumpers and other exterior trim that follow soon after. Finally you start to lose the little mechanical bits and the final nail is the big mechanical bits around 20 years. Some of the 90's Hondas are starting to get hard to find parts for in the aftermarket as well.

[fintail]

@thebarber I think I can still get some mechanical bits for the fintail from the dealer - but it'll cost. For some of these older cars, a parts car might be a good idea too.

[wpgmiata]

Just buy 2 of the same vehicle new so you have a parts car when eventually needed

[sony1492]

@dr-zoidberg Have you tried hassling a body shop? They often have to source ridiculously specific parts (clips, trim, screws etc.

[pip bip]

@dr-zoidberg if you have the part numbers, try googling them. you might find them in the middle east or somewhere obscure.