THE prices of three million replacement car components for more than 4,000 different models produced by 30 vehicle manufacturers are to be made available by the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. Called Thatcham Parts Analysis the service will monitor the prices of an average 700 parts per vehicle for all popular cars up to 10 years old and all new models, updating the information monthly.

The service, available on subscription, will highlight variations and maintain an on-going comparison of costs of similar components from different makers. The service costs £3,000 a year on a three-year contract with an introductory price of £2,250 for the first year.