Orphan vehicle in the driveway?
It may no longer be dealer-serviced here but here are tips to keep it alive
We see them on our roads every day: vehicles no longer supported by an OEM dealership or new model distribution network. Think makes such as Isuzu, Daewoo, Saab, and most recently Suzuki. Many might shrink in fear at the thought of owning an orphan auto, but there are ways to keep them humming on the road and if you’re looking for a cheap pre-owned vehicle, you can get some great deals on these abandoned autos.
The first rule of orphans is that popularity is king. Choosing a higher sales volume ride such as a Suzuki SX4 over an Isuzu Trooper for example, means a greater likelihood in easily finding qualified repair shops and parts. Plus, when it comes to many trim, interior, and electronic items that were only manufactured by the carmaker, salvage yards are more likely to have reasonable inventories.
Hunt down the original store. While car company signage may come and go, the retailers they were attached to often stay around longer. These dealerships may be under a different banner, but many times they still have the same technicians and a good supply of special tools and shop equipment. When trying to solve difficult electronic problems, having a solid contact with the folks that originally sold and worked on your particular model can be a real benefit.
Don’t assume any particular part is available from the dealer only. There are dozens of companies operating in Canada and the U.S. that manufacture replacement parts that were once considered to be only available through authorized dealerships. Think things like door mirrors, window regulators, headlamps, tail lamps and door handles, to name just a few.
But there are components that can only be sourced through the original maker, and when dealing with an orphan this can take a some hunting skill. With such items as interior trim pieces, emission control components, various on-board computers among others, contacting auto salvage companies can be the best route. Many of these firms have electronic access to nationwide networks of used auto-parts sellers.
Beware of firms that offer vehicle computer restoration or rebuilding unless they’re large and credible. While it’s easy for a circuit board tech to identify and replace certain components, the software is often protected by proprietary barriers which few non-manufacturer firms have access to.
Head south for rust-free parts. If your orphan is in need of some replacement metal, there are many firms supplying body shops that can handle most common panels. For rarer pieces, seek out used auto-parts stores south of the salt belt (usually Virginia and states farther south).
Don’t forget independent repair shops. When a carmaker closes up shop, leaving thousands of its products still on the road, many entrepreneurs will step in to fill the gap.