Advice on shipping from US, or local vendors?....
 

Sorry if this kind of thing has been asked, but it's a little bit of a 'expansive' question (and is being asked in 2 forums to cover my bases)

I'm a relatively new owner of an EP3 Civic hatch (2003) and so far she's serving me well with no complaints...and got me thru all that snow with no problems even with a pretty aggressive dropped suspension (Tokico D's and Eibachs)

However, ever since I bought it, there has been a pronounced thunk in the rear end over potholes and up driveways. Sounded like a bumpstop getting hit and was annoying as hell!

I waited til the bad weather ended to get a look at it (at a reputable shop in Rmd) and it was determined to be the adjustable rear camber links being worn out....the passenger side more so as it had literally no more bushing!

So I got a quote for parts and labor (and alignment after changing) and went on my way so I could price out local parts sources for the parts.

To my horror, going thru Lordco was a fair bit more than the shops parts price, even with the typical 'discount' Might as well tell you. The shop quoted just under $200 for the parts and about 1-1.5 re and re. Lordco wants nearly $300 for parts, though different brand I believe?

So, I figured I'd check EBay even though I very rarely deal with US vendors as with the exchange and wait and shipping, it doesn't seem worth it? But shockingly, I saw the kits were going for as little as $40US plus shipping, which was sneakily expensive (around $75 at that bottom price for parts)

Seems if I spent a bit more - say $60 for parts - the shipping would be more around $40. But still, even with the exchange that should be around $120-130 total.

BUT, the extra taxes/duty to get to my door is unknown and I think where it will add up. I have no idea what to expect as I used to pick it up from Point Roberts but right now I just have no time, so it needs to be to my door in Van,

So, my question is, either am I too worried and it will be around $20 extra dollars, or is there a good Honda parts shop that can come a little closer to that US landed price? I would like to stay local, if at all possible.

Sorry so damn long but thanx in advance!

Adjustable camber.... Just use washers and longer bolts. Cheap and just as effective.

Berz out.

If they ship USPS you most likely won't get charged anything at all unless you hit the $300ish threshold... If they ship courier, pucker your asshole because you're going to take it

Ship to a box - do a gas/grocery run and pick up. declair "I picked up a package of replacement camber links worth $60(cost of parts)" take your chances. Don't say "car parts".

try rockauto.com. Bought a few items through them and have not been dinged any duties shipped to my door.

Thanx for the input.

As cheap as doing the longer bolt on a stock set up is, I want to do it right.

And my passport recently expired, so aside from not having time to blitz to the border (45 minutes from me in Van) - I want to get it to my door, or pick it up locally.

I will find out what shipper is being used so I can try to determine the final price. Sounds like USPS is the way to go.

i've only experienced rock auto by picking up at a parcel place at blaine
their prices and selection are generally pretty good.

If you are looking for Honda OE parts.. I won't buy it off eBay unless it is from a Honda dealer.. I would suggest try Honda dealers who sponsors Honda specific websites..

There are a lot of fakes on eBay and it is hard to tell from the listings and once it crosses the border it is up to you to verify / return ship it.

Remember your $300-400 includes alignment and labour. That will probably cost your $100+

contrary to what ppl say, anything you ship thats coming into canada has a chance to be hit with taxes/duties. so take into account 12% extra for whatever the price is coverted into CDN amount. And duties you normally get hit if its something thats not made in North America ie. coming into Canada not from the US.

so for examples sake if its 130$ , add 15.60$ on for GST/PST. Now iuno what other couriers charge, but FedEx has a $10.50 fee for paying your duties up front. So you could look at paying an extra $26.10 for your 130$ pkg.

They aren't OEM Honda parts so that's a non issue.

I figure when it's all said and done it'll be another 40% worst case to my door so $100 US will likely end up at least $140. Not entirely sure waiting up to 10 days is worth $60ish, but at least now I have a better idea for future dealings.

Thanx all!

For an extra $60, I'd rather deal locally, get my parts right away and have an easier time doing a return, if necessary.