Buying OEM Mazda Parts
 

I used to buy Miata parts from Tommy at Arlington Mazda, and purchased from some other dealers since Arlington went away. Cox being one where I have ordered since getting the R3a.

However, it's been a while since ordering new parts, and it now seems like the environment changed. Every source is now using the same back end system with slightly different prices, but what has me taken back is some VERY high shipping costs. I was going to order a F197-51-9H1A R3 front spoiler end, and I am seeing some shipping rates like $60. It is not that big a part. Are others experiencing this? Is there preferred OEM online parts source? Is there a source that does not use this same part ordering system or shipping system?

No local dealers? Usually they will not charge shipping as they just toss your part in the same shipping container with their other supplies.

Another option is to see if there is a used one in good condition you can pull off a wrecked R3 near you. car-part.com can help you search.

The shipping cost is up to the dealer. I know some charge $125 for a reman engine while others want $500+ (assuming they'll even ship).
When purchasing from a dealer via the RevolutionParts system (all of the RevolutionParts sellers I've worked with have been dealers), the item is shipped to the dealer and it's their responsibility to ship it to you.

You'll probably need to shop around a bit. It's even possible you might find a dealer nearby and can just go pick it up and save on shipping.

Good info above. Also try parts.com.

All the Mazda dealers seem to dump you into the simplepart.com system. This seems to provide no differentiation. Maybe simplepart.com juices the profits by slamming customers on the shipping. I wonder if the dealers are aware of the shipping rates. Maybe the parts I was interested in were an exception of some sort in terms of shipping. I know I was happier when I was dealing with the dealer directly.

Also, has anyone noticed that Mazda 'parts fiche' online has changed through most dealership parts sites? It is now VERY hard to ID fasteners, etc. that are needed in specific locations. Not that it was easy before. Or may it is provided by a third party. Jim Ellis seems to use the old system, that was better, IMO, however, it is now broken for some categories.

I've never heard of simplepart.com. Google search that part number with quotes and the first 5 results use the RevolutionParts system. In RevolutionParts, the dealer sets the shipping costs because they get the part from Mazda and then have to ship it to you.

I too am now seeing mostly the RevolutionParts system. Not sure of the explanation of why I saw (or thought I saw) Simpleparts earlier.

Did you ty MazMart?