Just wanted to relay a good experience I had with genuine parts today. I had been thinking of getting a towbar on my VE SV6 for a while. I bit the bullet this morning. First stop was my local Pedders. For a Hayman Reese towbar (Up to 2100kg), tongue, tow ball and harness/loom I was quoted $1350 fitted. The guy said it would take 3 hours, and loom would be soldered in.
Following reading this post, I figured it would be worth comparing $ with my local Holden dealer parts shop. Factory bar (up to 2100kg) incl tongue, tow ball, fascia/escutcheon (to dress the hole in the bumper), and tow ball cap all for $527 (The guy did trade price for me cos I was buying the whole kit). He suggested I get a quote from the service dept to fit the parts, so I did and they said it would be 3 to 3.5 hrs at $150 per hour. So $450+.
I went back to buy the parts and when I got them home had a look to see what was what, and if I needed to get help with fitting. Each part came with full, easy to follow instructions. Wiring harness plugged in line with the taillight loom (no fiddly soldering). So I thought I would give it a crack. So glad I did. All I needed to borrow was a torque wrench from my neighbour, other wise with basic tools, and an extra pair of hands to help at the odd moment, I had the whole thing done in 4 hours. Saved myself $450! I took my time, but had fun doing it.
Don't assume Holden parts are too expensive, in this case I was pleasantly surprised.
