Noticed the aluminum radiator in a Jetta I have is corroded where it meets the plastic tank. Not leaking visibly but do see dry coolant residue. Thought of just leaving it be but found this listing for a $52 radiator. How do they sell it so cheap? I've bought from them before and they appear to be good quality rads, but just the packaging and shipping must be half the cost.
That leaves around $20 for the actual part. How can any manufacturer make something as complex as that for $20 while also making a profit. Even with $1 an hour 3rd world labor.
The cost of something like that is very low. The core is likely sourced from a specialty manufacturer at defined sizes. Then, the plastic tanks are attached.
If you check, that radiator fits a number of cars.
Can buy many of the similar radiators locally from parts stores for the same price. I wouldn't be surprised that you could find one on Amazon for the same price. If it is a "prime" item, there's free shipping.
