GM charging for core on new parts?

Joe 121 · October 6, 2017

I just bought a tail light assembly for my 2014 Sierra from my local dealer.

The parts guy added $50, he said, for a core charge and I would get it back when I returned the old part.

I have never heard of a core charge on a new part before. It was added to a reconditioned parts supposedly to cover the cost of the old part they reconditioned. As far as I know there was no core involved with the new part I just purchased.

I feel like he was messing with me. When did this policy come about?

Paintor · October 6, 2017

take it back and buy it online.

newdude · October 6, 2017

I just bought a tail light assembly for my 2014 Sierra from my local dealer.

The parts guy added $50, he said, for a core charge and I would get it back when I returned the old part.

I have never heard of a core charge on a new part before. It was added to a reconditioned parts supposedly to cover the cost of the old part they reconditioned. As far as I know there was no core involved with the new part I just purchased.

I feel like he was messing with me. When did this policy come about?

GM started this about 3-4 years ago. GM is not alone in this, as Ford, FCA (Dodge/Jeep/Ram/Chrysler) and other OEMs are doing this as well.

Due to the constant refreshing of models after short periods of time, and to control the aftermarket from reproducing them, GM added core charges to many fascias, headlamps, tail lamps, bumper covers, etc. Of course, nothing can stop the aftermarket from buying one from GM and reproducing it...

If you want to keep your old lamp, you can, but you won't get the $50 back without returning it.

take it back and buy it online.

From who a GM online seller? They will charge the core as well as those are run by GM dealers.

O_J_Simpson · October 6, 2017

It is called AMP. Added Manufacture Profit. Yes, GM does that now.

alrockaz · October 6, 2017

Paid core charges on plenty of new parts. You can't have reconditioned parts unless they had cores to recondition. Calipers and power steering pumps come to mind, though admittedly I can't see them reconditioning light housings.

Michael Schimborski · October 7, 2017

I work for the parts department at Mercedes Benz and we do it too. Bumpers and wheels are a couple new ones that even tho they are brand new they put a core charge on so company’s can’t fix them and re sell.

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