Venturing into the world of independent suppliers for off road car parts can be appealing, especially when aiming to support new businesses. Driven by this spirit, I decided to try “Liquid,” a relatively new independent aiming to provide Specter Off Road Car Parts, deviating from my usual, more established sources. While their prices weren’t necessarily lower, the idea of backing a newcomer seemed worthwhile.
My order included a TRE (Tie Rod End), a center arm kit, and a knuckle rebuild kit – essential components for maintaining and enhancing off-road vehicles. The first two items arrived promptly and appeared to be of acceptable quality, setting a positive initial impression.
However, this positive experience quickly faded. Unbeknownst to me at the time of ordering, the knuckle kit was out of stock. The shipment arrived incomplete, lacking the crucial knuckle rebuild kit, and devoid of any notification explaining the omission. No note, no email, no phone call – simply missing parts. Upon contacting the supplier, I was informed the kit was “on the way.” So began a two-week waiting period.
Finally, the anticipated package arrived. Eager to proceed, I disassembled my knuckles, only to discover a glaring issue: the gaskets and washers were incorrect. A call to the supplier confirmed my suspicion – “It looks like we sent you the Disc Brake kit, not the Drum kit.” An understatement, considering my clear specification of a drum brake kit for a ’74 FJ during the order, information they had on record. The response was a promise to dispatch the correct kit immediately.
Weeks turned into a month, punctuated by repeated calls and assurances of imminent shipment. Each call yielded another promise, another delay. Eventually, patience wore thin. I demanded order cancellation and a refund.
The situation only resolved after escalating my concerns, hinting at public reviews and merchant code violation reports to Mastercard. Seven weeks after the initial order, the correct parts finally arrived. This protracted delay incurred significant costs beyond just time. The vehicle remained immobile, disrupting schedules and creating inconvenience. Financially, the ordeal resulted in extra mileage and expenses on a leased vehicle, necessitated by the inoperable FJ.
This experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls when sourcing specter off road car parts from less established vendors. While supporting new businesses is commendable, it’s crucial to weigh the specter of unreliable service against the allure of potential deals. In my case, the specter of poor service materialized into a costly and time-consuming reality. I will not be dealing with this supplier again and advise others to proceed with caution when considering “Liquid” for their off road car parts needs.
