Do european car parts really cost that much?

Question

I was wondering how pricey car parts for european vehicles are, compared to japanese imports and american vehicles. I am going to be a first time vehicle owner very soon and i am looking into buying a european model car, but have been told that the parts are very expensive, but i do not understand why they should be so expensive compared to japanese cars because both need to be imported into the united states.
The cars i have in mind are 90's vehicles. When thinking about european cars my first thought is a mark III jetta and an e30 3 series bmw, and for japanese cars, it would be 90's civics, and the nissan 240sx.
I simply want to know what are the general pricing differences for cars in these classes (and time frame) considering that one side is european, and one japanese.

P.S. I do not need anybody to jump at me and point out the reliability or other strong/weak points of these vehicles. A simple price comparison would help.
I need no help in choosing a car, i know quite a bit more than the average bear when it comes to cars. I just have had quite the trouble on finding this information, since most information regarding price, is only relevant to new cars.

Answer 1

maybe you should subscribe to Auto Week to read their comparisons...

Answer 2

European car parts are priced in euros. Euros are stronger than US dollars so we lose on the conversion. Japanese Yen is weaker so we win.



Also, civics and 240sx have been around for a long time. And they re-use the parts from previous generations. So, you have millions of the same parts needing replacement that the factory can just mass produce it and stock up. While the european cars tend to use new parts when they redesign. So cost more to produce the parts when you take into consideration of the cost to reconfigure the factory to produce the parts.

Answer 3

EURO parts are actually CHEAPER many times than AMERICAN car parts. They have THOUSANDS of them lying around, and there areBOSCH and ATE suppliers everywhere. call 1-800 ALL-EURO for best prices. BRAKE parts are the EXACT same only BETTER made with BETTER materials. ALL cars have BOSCH injection, and EURO cars have BOSCH ignition and starters and alternators. They are EASY to work on and repair and are MORE solid than most cars are. They have REAL pre-sprung suspension that are unlike any other from anywhere. They GLUE themselves to the ROAD. ALways check EURO cars for frame rust, and the same for JAP cars. JAp cars use DENSO igntions which are made under license FROM bosch and the sam for injection parts. WHeel bearings are the EXACT same.; All cars are SUPPLIED by other companies for parts. WHen you hook up with the OEM supplier, uyou can get parts for LESS. GM parts, e.g ,are WAY overpriced and generally do NOT last as long as aftermakrte makers in suspension and even for internal engine parts and ignitions. Older jetta's or AUDI's with cis -E III injcetion are the best and easiest to work on and keep going. This is BEFORE crank sensors and cam phasers. I have a 1988 MERCEDES 300E I would GLADLY sell you for $4500-5000 dollars. It is SHOWROOM Perfect except for a small rust area wher the antenna is. The INTERIOR is pure as last week. and it gets 22 MPG. FLAWLESS road car, no vibrations even with brand new MICHELIN ENRGY tires on it. It FLIES when you want it to. REA