OEM or after market

[Seiji_1113]

So everyone,
Ive just bought a 98 4runner recently and ive been doing quite a bit of work to it and buying lots of parts.
From what i have been reading a lot of people use OEM parts but does everyone?
reason i ask is because OEM costs 3-4 times more then after market parts but does it really last 3-4 longer, or is it really 3-4 times better?
example
OEM drum 190....Aftermarket 55
Set of shoes OEM 150..... After market 44
Im not going to lie i ended up buying the aftermarket ones after finding out my old drums were not machinable which would have been 29 a piece anyways.

Whats everyones opinion?

 

[Stuntmonkey]

It's personal preference really. In my case, when it comes to things like low ball joints, brake shoes etc I will stick with OEM. I know OEM brake shoe kits fit 100% better than aftermarket ones.

 

[fourwd1]

It depends a lot on your wallet.
Toyota parts really are better (for the most part), but they are really overpriced.
Like the brake parts you mentioned.


A lot of other dealer parts (for example an alternator) are more expensive because they are new, while parts store ones are cheaper because they are re-manufactured.
And don't be surprised if you get one and it's bad.

For example, the mechanical fuel pump on a 22R. A 20 yr old used one is better than any parts store one.

 

[BrianSD_42]

ok dude have you even tried to buy real Toyota/OEM parts from a legit online dealer like Camelbak Toyota?

http://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/

Link: Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping


Yes Toyota is more expensive but at least if you order online you get about 25% off the dealer price.

Camelback:

Toyota rotor 4-Runner; All; w/16" Wheels

MSRP,,,,,,,,,,,,,Core ?,,,,,,Online Price
$104.00,,,,,,,,$0.00,,,,,,,,$75.04

.....

AND AutoZone:

Duralast/Brake Rotor - Front w/ 16" wheels

Price: $34.00
Part Number: 31204
Alternate Part Number: BR2082
Warranty: 2 YR
Application: With 16" wheels
Notes: Recommend replacement in pairs.

 

[LittleCaesar]

OEM is usually best, but local house stores (NAPA, etc.) can offer decent alternatives.

Per Brian's post, check online prices for savings over buying them at the stealership.

 

[4Runner4TW]

I live not 10 minutes from Camelback Toyota

 

[TheeMikeB]

I love Camelback Toyota, great prices and free shipping with $150 order. However it depends on the parts like mentioned above. It also depends on your wallet. Most my parts I use OEM if I can afford it and if the part fails it won't kill me. I just replaced all my upper/lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends. But my budget couldn't afford OEM inner tie rod ends so,I went with NAPA lifetime warranty ones. They cost about half of what OEM were and quality appeared similar IMO. And lifetime warranty.

 

[Nelsonmd]

It's personal preference really. In my case, when it comes to things like low ball joints, brake shoes etc I will stick with OEM. I know OEM brake shoe kits fit 100% better than aftermarket ones.

To elaborate on this point, the way I see it is that aftermarket is fine for common wear parts like brakes, belts, filters, fluids, etc. Where I would stick to OEM is safety critical parts like the LBJ's where failure means a crash, or something big and specialized, like a steering rack (or at least OEM rebuilt). I know brakes are definitely safety critical, but they are such a common replacement part that the aftermarket guys I think are fine.

I guess in my head it really comes down to whether I think Toyota developed the part themselves (or closely with an OES like Aisin, Denso, Sankei, etc.) and own some of the IP themselves, or if they are mostly relying on the development and IP of the supplier (like I imagine they would for brake pads; I think the brake pad makers are the real experts on brake pads, not Toyota themselves).

BTW, Toyota of Dallas and Newnan Toyota are a couple other great online parts dealers, they have had the lowest prices I have seen, typically 27-30% below MSRP.

 

[Seiji_1113]

thanks for the suggestion of buying online. I forgot to mention im from canada so the camelback one might not work the best for me but i found an alternative that seems to have much better prices then the dealership.

 

[Swede]

I agree 100% with "Nelsonmd". OEM for critical parts is a must. Also, even though I live in northern BC, I've ordered numerous times from Toyota of Dallas : TRDparts4u accessories for your Toyota car, truck, 4x4 or SUV with Genuine Toyota and offroad specialty parts. I was able to order 2 LBJ's from them, have it shipped to my front door, duty and tax added for LESS THAN HALF THE COST of what the local dealership wanted to charge me before taxes and I'd have to go pick them up!!! TRDparts4u is a no brainer no matter where you live.

thanks for the suggestion of buying online. I forgot to mention im from canada so the camelback one might not work the best for me but i found an alternative that seems to have much better prices then the dealership.

So what's your "alternative"?

 

[Seiji_1113]

I just realized my alternative was not really OEM parts, just a parts store. ill check trd parts 4 u

 

[tek9]

ship them to Blaine (there are several pickup locations like Can-Amer Shipping), go shopping in Bellingham for cheaper food, fill up ~40c per liter cheaper and pick your parts on the way back.

at least that's how I do it.