Some of the HVAC panel buttons on my '99 LC100 are working intermittently. I ordered a replacement unit from a Pakistan based supplier, Shabar Akbar, a seller of LC parts. The unit was packed well and shipped quickly. My mechanic is familiar with my LC, having previously replaced other parts. He installed the replacement unit, and found the 4WD button and Hazard buttons didn't work, and the AC worked intermittently. My mechanic pulled the Pakistan-sourced unit and replaced my original. To date, I've spent over $400 for the unit, shipping, and repair. When I informed Shabab the unit was defective, he says it isn't defective, but provided me repair instructions and offered replacement parts for the bad switches. Huh? No thanks. I asked Shabab for a refund and return. Shabab informed me the Pakistan government doesn't permit payments to leave the country. Shabab also stated it is 'not fair, or a way forward' for him to pay for return. Shabab is now trying to resell it as is, and have the new buyer send me payment. Communication has become unproductive. Defective units can happen, but I recommend, buy from domestic suppliers that offer refund and return.
Pakistan Parts HVAC
- Thread starter LibertyLC100
- Start date
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It sounds like you learned a tough lesson here. Assuming a foreign vendor, like Shabab in Pakistan, would offer a refund was, frankly, naïve. You took a gamble buying overseas—probably chasing a discount—and it backfired. The defective HVAC unit cost you $400 between the part, shipping, and labor, and now you’re stuck with no refund, just excuses about Pakistan’s payment restrictions and shady offers to pawn the unit off on someone else. Recommending domestic suppliers with solid return policies is ironic since you didn’t follow that advice yourself. Dealing with foreign vendors isn’t like shopping on Amazon Prime; there’s no safety net, and expecting one was a rookie move. Next time, stick to local sources or at least vet the seller’s policies upfront.
Next time you're in Pakistan, pay him a visit...
- Thread starter
- #4
Yes, vetting the sellers policies upfront would’ve been wise. My mechanic also purchased parts domestically that turned out to be junk, although he was able to return them. I’ve purchased Saab parts from Sweden, and Austin Healey parts from the UK, and had good experiences previously.
lol, Pakistan is the first warning!
Shahab is very active on the Land Cruiser Facebook groups. I’ve purchased multiple non-Navi factory panels (mostly 2003-2007) and I’ve had multiple issues with each order. He also does replacement steering wheels that are upholstered in Pakistan. He’s at times not communicating and yes there is a risk. He has replaced parts for me and been accommodating to a point - I have also done close to $4k worth of business with him.
Given the issues I’ve had I cannot recommend him and the non-Navi units without reservations as nothing has been plug and play.
Given the issues I’ve had I cannot recommend him and the non-Navi units without reservations as nothing has been plug and play.
