Replacement radiator prices rising?

[Joesson]

In 2013 I replaced the OE radiator on my 2002 model with a Coolparts UK product at £46.50.
In 2017 a plug blew out and I lost all of my expensive Mr T long life coolant.
I fixed the problem and replaced with an aftermarket concentrate + water.
All reported on here at the respective times.
From time to time I have pointed Members in the direction of Coolparts UK.
This is unlikely to happen again as I notice today's price is:
£200.00 !

Conversely I have noted an all aluminium product from another supplier at <£100. Of course there is the question of quality, but the OE and my replacement came with an aluminium core and plastic ends, so there is a sealant joint of some sort between the two dissimilar materials, whereas an all aluminium unit will be joining similar materials which is typically an easier bond.
These items have previously been at around £200 so even at that price perhaps a better choice than the price hiked Coolparts UK product.

 

[1979scotte]

It wasn't that expensive a short time ago.
Perhaps there is a supply problem.
On ebay if you unlist an item and then need to relist it there is a charge.
If you change the price there is not.
Perhaps that is what's happening.

[Joesson]

@1979scotte, I guess that would explain the price.
Don't buy now must be the advice, but the all ally one looks OK to me and no plastic plugs to blow out.
My replacement is now coming up to 8 years old so best have a good look at it before the car comes out of hiding.

[Call the midlife!]

I had a look to see if they were out of stock as sometimes they hike the price to stop people having loads in their watch lists or baskets.
It did, however, prompt me to order one from another seller for £42 as I plan to swap mine preemptively when the engine is out and the system drained anyway.
And if I don't it can stay on the shelf until the inevitable.

[gon]

https://www.carcooling.co.uk/radiator-toyota-mr-2-1794-cc-1999-10/99-1.8-i-16v.-man/auto-vehicles-with-or-without-a/c-650-320-16mm-mk-3-12to523

is it the same company ?

[Joesson]

https://www.carcooling.co.uk/radiator-toyota-mr-2-1794-cc-1999-10/99-1.8-i-16v.-man/auto-vehicles-with-or-without-a/c-650-320-16mm-mk-3-12to523

is it the same company ?

I believe that is a different co. to Coolparts UK

[Joesson]

It wasn't that expensive a short time ago.
Perhaps there is a supply problem.
On ebay if you unlist an item and then need to relist it there is a charge.
If you change the price there is not.
Perhaps that is what's happening.

Had another look and it would seem that it is only our car radiator that has the price hike.

[Call the midlife!]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

[rusty0273]

I plan to have my air con condenser replaced when we come out of lockdown. Is it worth me having the radiator done at the same time for the sake of £40-50? No problem with the radiator as far as I am aware but no record of it ever being replaced in 17 years. I assume its an easy job if the bumper is already off for the condenser.

[Joesson]

I plan to have my air con condenser replaced when we come out of lockdown. Is it worth me having the radiator done at the same time for the sake of £40-50? No problem with the radiator as far as I am aware but no record of it ever being replaced in 17 years. I assume its an easy job if the bumper is already off for the condenser.

Have you examined the radiator? Nearside / left rear bottom is where the core seems to deteriorate.
My 2002 went in 2012, found the leak in 2013 and that had had Mr T long life coolant in it since new with a replacement  of fluid in 2012 by Mr T, but he didn't check the rad! I Sorned the car and found the rad leaking 6 months later when I came to use it again.
So 10 years life from my OE, regularly serviced usually by MrT and you are on 17 years!

PS
You say you are "having it done".
This is a diy operation if you want it to be. If not you perhaps should supply the radiator as the theme of this thread is the variance in price of them.

[Joesson]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I have suggested that this is a diy project if you want it to be, however this supplier's conditions state:
THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR WARRANTY ON ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN FITTED BY NON QUALIFIED MECHANICS.

However, the price of this rad is a very reasonable £43.00. I doubt that a  mechanic with the necessary "headed paper" documentation would charge less than £43.00 to fit it and so that is not something to put off a prospective diy mechanic as it is less costly to diy than pay to have it fitted for the "guarantee"!

[Call the midlife!]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I have suggested that this is a diy project if you want it to be, however this supplier's conditions state:
THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR WARRANTY ON ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN FITTED BY NON QUALIFIED MECHANICS.

However, the price of this rad is a very reasonable £43.00. I doubt that a  mechanic with the necessary "headed paper" documentation would charge less than £43.00 to fit it and so that is not something to put off a prospective diy mechanic as it is less costly to diy than pay to have it fitted for the "guarantee"!

I'm fortunate in that regardless of my own abilities my son is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and has his own business so I can always say he's fitted it 🤓

[rusty0273]

I plan to have my air con condenser replaced when we come out of lockdown. Is it worth me having the radiator done at the same time for the sake of £40-50? No problem with the radiator as far as I am aware but no record of it ever being replaced in 17 years. I assume its an easy job if the bumper is already off for the condenser.

Have you examined the radiator? Nearside / left rear bottom is where the core seems to deteriorate.
My 2002 went in 2012, found the leak in 2013 and that had had Mr T long life coolant in it since new with a replacement  of fluid in 2012 by Mr T, but he didn't check the rad! I Sorned the car and found the rad leaking 6 months later when I came to use it again.
So 10 years life from my OE, regularly serviced usually by MrT and you are on 17 years!

PS
You say you are "having it done".
This is a diy operation if you want it to be. If not you perhaps should supply the radiator as the theme of this thread is the variance in price of them.

I would most likely get it done at a local Indy who specializes in Aircon. So, the benefit would be saved labour charges for doing both at once. They previously implied that most of the job was taking the bumper off and then back on so might make sense to do both at the same time. I haven't inspected it but will take a look. Not sure I would recognise an issue or the extent of the issue TBH. Back on the initial topic, I would be tempted with the full aluminium radiator you referred to, for an extra £50 if longevity is a likely benefit. Seems like good value. I am watching it on Ebay while I decide.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333850831995

[1979scotte]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I have suggested that this is a diy project if you want it to be, however this supplier's conditions state:
THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR WARRANTY ON ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN FITTED BY NON QUALIFIED MECHANICS.

However, the price of this rad is a very reasonable £43.00. I doubt that a  mechanic with the necessary "headed paper" documentation would charge less than £43.00 to fit it and so that is not something to put off a prospective diy mechanic as it is less costly to diy than pay to have it fitted for the "guarantee"!

I'm fortunate in that regardless of my own abilities my son is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and has his own business so I can always say he's fitted it 🤓

When did that happen?
He was in short trousers last time I saw him.

[Joesson]

I plan to have my air con condenser replaced when we come out of lockdown. Is it worth me having the radiator done at the same time for the sake of £40-50? No problem with the radiator as far as I am aware but no record of it ever being replaced in 17 years. I assume its an easy job if the bumper is already off for the condenser.

Have you examined the radiator? Nearside / left rear bottom is where the core seems to deteriorate.
My 2002 went in 2012, found the leak in 2013 and that had had Mr T long life coolant in it since new with a replacement  of fluid in 2012 by Mr T, but he didn't check the rad! I Sorned the car and found the rad leaking 6 months later when I came to use it again.
So 10 years life from my OE, regularly serviced usually by MrT and you are on 17 years!

PS
You say you are "having it done".
This is a diy operation if you want it to be. If not you perhaps should supply the radiator as the theme of this thread is the variance in price of them.

I would most likely get it done at a local Indy who specializes in Aircon. So, the benefit would be saved labour charges for doing both at once. They previously implied that most of the job was taking the bumper off and then back on so might make sense to do both at the same time. I haven't inspected it but will take a look. Not sure I would recognise an issue or the extent of the issue TBH. Back on the initial topic, I would be tempted with the full aluminium radiator you referred to, for an extra £50 if longevity is a likely benefit. Seems like good value. I am watching it on Ebay while I decide.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333850831995

Let us know how you get on whatever you decide.

[Call the midlife!]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I have suggested that this is a diy project if you want it to be, however this supplier's conditions state:
THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR WARRANTY ON ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN FITTED BY NON QUALIFIED MECHANICS.

However, the price of this rad is a very reasonable £43.00. I doubt that a  mechanic with the necessary "headed paper" documentation would charge less than £43.00 to fit it and so that is not something to put off a prospective diy mechanic as it is less costly to diy than pay to have it fitted for the "guarantee"!

I'm fortunate in that regardless of my own abilities my son is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and has his own business so I can always say he's fitted it 🤓

When did that happen?
He was in short trousers last time I saw him.

He's been self employed/mobile since last summer when he left the garage he was working at, mainly due to his employer not wanting to pay him what he's worth.

He fully qualified about 2 years ago, I was going to put him through his level 3 so he can do MOTs but he's doing a lot of work for a local agricultural engineer and moving more into that.
The boy done me proud.

[1979scotte]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I have suggested that this is a diy project if you want it to be, however this supplier's conditions state:
THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR WARRANTY ON ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN FITTED BY NON QUALIFIED MECHANICS.

However, the price of this rad is a very reasonable £43.00. I doubt that a  mechanic with the necessary "headed paper" documentation would charge less than £43.00 to fit it and so that is not something to put off a prospective diy mechanic as it is less costly to diy than pay to have it fitted for the "guarantee"!

I'm fortunate in that regardless of my own abilities my son is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and has his own business so I can always say he's fitted it 🤓

When did that happen?
He was in short trousers last time I saw him.

He's been self employed/mobile since last summer when he left the garage he was working at, mainly due to his employer not wanting to pay him what he's worth.

He fully qualified about 2 years ago, I was going to put him through his level 3 so he can do MOTs but he's doing a lot of work for a local agricultural engineer and moving more into that.
The boy done me proud.

And some people didn't think he was capable of changing suspension. 🙄

[Call the midlife!]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I have suggested that this is a diy project if you want it to be, however this supplier's conditions state:
THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR WARRANTY ON ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN FITTED BY NON QUALIFIED MECHANICS.

However, the price of this rad is a very reasonable £43.00. I doubt that a  mechanic with the necessary "headed paper" documentation would charge less than £43.00 to fit it and so that is not something to put off a prospective diy mechanic as it is less costly to diy than pay to have it fitted for the "guarantee"!

I'm fortunate in that regardless of my own abilities my son is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and has his own business so I can always say he's fitted it 🤓

When did that happen?
He was in short trousers last time I saw him.

He's been self employed/mobile since last summer when he left the garage he was working at, mainly due to his employer not wanting to pay him what he's worth.

He fully qualified about 2 years ago, I was going to put him through his level 3 so he can do MOTs but he's doing a lot of work for a local agricultural engineer and moving more into that.
The boy done me proud.

And some people didn't think he was capable of changing suspension. 🙄

Looking back, I think we were BOTH in short trousers the last time we saw you..

[Ozzy]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I brought this very same radiator from the same seller about 2 months ago. Was for £38 then but it was a direct fit and no problems since. Actually looked better quality and was thicker than the original radiator which actually crumbled into pieces in my hand lol. Also, I used the o-ring that came with the radiator, didn't change it as most threads say to do with a new radiator.

Took me around 2.5 hours to do and thats mostly me struggling to remove a rounded of bolt for one of the radiator hoses which isn't bad considering I've never done a radiator before.

[Ozzy]

Also the coolant I used was Mannol AF12+ red
Ebay item number - 202980101949


This is more than enough and needed topping up a couple of times over the next few days as coolant levels dropped as the remaining air pockets escaped and some leaked out a bit as this happened also. It took a bottle and a half all together.

[Call the midlife!]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I brought this very same radiator from the same seller about 2 months ago. Was for £38 then but it was a direct fit and no problems since. Actually looked better quality and was thicker than the original radiator which actually crumbled into pieces in my hand lol. Also, I used the o-ring that came with the radiator, didn't change it as most threads say to do with a new radiator.

Took me around 2.5 hours to do and thats mostly me struggling to remove a rounded of bolt for one of the radiator hoses which isn't bad considering I've never done a radiator before.

That's reassuring then, good to know 👍🏻

[Joesson]

I'll see what the £42 one is like when it arrives and report back.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150561877372
This is the one I've ordered.

I brought this very same radiator from the same seller about 2 months ago. Was for £38 then but it was a direct fit and no problems since. Actually looked better quality and was thicker than the original radiator which actually crumbled into pieces in my hand lol. Also, I used the o-ring that came with the radiator, didn't change it as most threads say to do with a new radiator.

Took me around 2.5 hours to do and thats mostly me struggling to remove a rounded of bolt for one of the radiator hoses which isn't bad considering I've never done a radiator before.

That's encouraging.

[Bossworld]

Not meaning to veer too far off topic but the air con condenser conundrum...

It's been 3 years for both for me, but from memory, the radiator removal would be

- Frunk liner - plastic pop rivets
- Frunk, spare wheel, unplug alarm
- Remove fan(s) from rear of radiator.
- Drain coolant
- Unbolt plates securing radiator to mounts
- Remove hoses
- Remove radiator

Whereas the air con condenser was removing

- Frunk liner - plastic pop rivets
- Purge A/C system
- Remove front bumper
- Think you still need to unbolt the plates securing the radiator to the mounts
-Unbolt the two hard lines to the front of the condenser
- remove condenser and nudge the radiator back to manoeuvre condenser out


So some overlap, but not forced to do both at the same time. As above, sorry if I've forgotten any steps

[rusty0273]

Not meaning to veer too far off topic but the air con condenser conundrum...

It's been 3 years for both for me, but from memory, the radiator removal would be

- Frunk liner - plastic pop rivets
- Frunk, spare wheel, unplug alarm
- Remove fan(s) from rear of radiator.
- Drain coolant
- Unbolt plates securing radiator to mounts
- Remove hoses
- Remove radiator

Whereas the air con condenser was removing

- Frunk liner - plastic pop rivets
- Purge A/C system
- Remove front bumper
- Think you still need to unbolt the plates securing the radiator to the mounts
-Unbolt the two hard lines to the front of the condenser
- remove condenser and nudge the radiator back to manoeuvre condenser out


So some overlap, but not forced to do both at the same time. As above, sorry if I've forgotten any steps

Thanks for that.

[scm2004red]

The Coolparts rad is back on ebay, now £49.50, slight increase from previously but still not bad for a 5 year warranty ( I have no connection with this company FYI)