OEM parts vs. 2nd party parts.

[Northof49]

I'd never run anything but Toyota stuff on a Toyota. Aftermarket stuff has never been quite there in my experience. I worked in a Toyota service center, and we would always find more defects and fitment issues with aftermarket parts than the OEM parts.

I'm always amazed that people will shell big bucks for a new vehicle and then try to cheap out on dumb crap like autozone brand X parts.

 

[Northof49]

Suppose you're right - don't mean to offend you Koz... but saying only "smart" people buy OEM parts only for their vehicles is quite a stretch.

It's not a stretch at all. You're playing the odds, and the OEM stuff is the safest bet. Anyone who tells you different is wrong. I'm not saying the other stuff won't work necessarily, but between one or the other....my money's on the OEM stuff (in the case of Toyota), everytime.

Why does a Toyota with 150,000 miles feel more put-together than a Dodge with 50,000? It's not a mystery....the vehicle is the sum of it's parts, and Toyota makes good ones.

 

[spud72]

Why does a Toyota with 150,000 miles feel more put-together than a Dodge with 50,000? It's not a mystery....the vehicle is the sum of it's parts, and Toyota makes good ones.

No - It's the all around quality of the base vehicle quality of assembly and engineering in design. Not who made the timing belt or wheel bearings... which isn't even Toyota.

Look, nobody is going to argue that going OEM is a bad idea - just in many instances it is simply not necessary and a waste of money. Period. That's it and this is getting ridiculous.

 

[RamThis]

I use aftermarket, NAME BRAND parts that I select for most jobs I do, unless the aftermarket part is not of equal or better quality than the OEM one it's replacing.

Just lumping all aftermarket parts is not a good idea. You have cheapo no-name BS from Awful Zone, then you have high end, as good as or better than OEM parts from higher end suppliers like NAPA or many online specialty shops (Jeg's, Summit, etc.)

Yes, sometimes OEM is best, but not always.

A little common sense is all that is necessary when choosing a non OEM part.

And like said before, OEM is not made by Toyota, they are subbed out to companies that specialize in certain parts, bearings, belts, idlers, brake pads, electronics, etc, and the Toyota brand is stamped on it as long as it meets Toyota's specs. And usually, an aftermarket part, is the same exact part, or at least it's specs are the same, and will perform just like an OEM part. And in alot of cases, you can get a replacement part, that is upgraded or reinforced to remedy problem areas.

 

[Northof49]

No - It's the all around quality of the base vehicle quality of assembly and engineering in design. Not who made the timing belt or wheel bearings... which isn't even Toyota.

Look, nobody is going to argue that going OEM is a bad idea - just in many instances it is simply not necessary and a waste of money. Period. That's it and this is getting ridiculous.

It's everything in my opinion, little stuff adds up. Why do Camry wheel bearings last longer than Grand Am wheel bearings? I'm not rolling the dice that I'm getting the guys who build the GM bearings, instead of the guys who build them for Toyota.

Whether it's made directly by Toyota or not is irrelevant. If it's a Toyota part, it will be exactly (or as close as possible) to what came from the factory on that vehicle.

As I said, I worked in a Toyota service center and I've seen the differences first hand.....so your not convincing me anything different. Feel free to hold your own opinion and save $5 here and there on your 40K vehicle I guess....

And take it easy man...no one's offending anyone here, we're talking about fuckin car parts....

 

[Uneek]

I use OEM Toyota parts for my Toyotas exclusively. OEM Toyota parts are not much more expensive than aftermarket and sometimes it's even cheaper than aftermarket. I use cheap aftermarket parts on my Mazda.

As an example:
OEM Toyota brake pads (last week), ~$38 with parts counter buddy discount.
OEM Mazda brake pads (in 2000), $80 with tire shop buddy using his company discount.
Aftermarket pads for the Mazda (last year), $30-40 depending on type from Raybestos.

OEM Toyota oil filter, less than $4 with washer.
Junk Fram filter for the Mazda, $5.

 

[spud72]

It's everything in my opinion, little stuff adds up. Why do Camry wheel bearings last longer than Grand Am wheel bearings? I'm not rolling the dice that I'm getting the guys who build the GM bearings, instead of the guys who build them for Toyota.

Well, respectfully, you're now getting into an area I don't quite think you have the best understanding of or else you wouldn't have used that as an example.

That's base engineering of the vehicle and not parts quality. You then get into things like L10 life of bearings. Simplified to say when designing the vehicle a manufacturer may choose a bearing of a certain capacity or design which will be adequate. Another manufacturer may choose a bearing that is more than adequate.

The best made bearing in the world won't last as long as a mediocre made bearing if it's simply too small or the wrong design for the job.

Of course, other things get into play like seals, etc.

You may also be interested to know that Toyota and GM use the same OEM for many of their bearings. That OEM doesn't have special voodoo technology reserved only for Toyota.

as I said, I worked in a Toyota service center and I've seen the differences first hand.....so your not convincing me anything different.

And I've been in the auto and industrial parts industry for over 20 years - dealing with both OEM and aftermarket and right back to the manufacturing level. I know enough to not make the blind statement that "XXX" is/knows best. Period. That is simply not the case.

Feel free to hold your own opinion and save $5 here and there on your 40K vehicle I guess....

That's the point - if it was $5 dollars it wouldn't such an issue.

I'll say it once more - there is nothing wrong with going OEM, especially if the price is comparable. But, if you can get an equal or even superior part for less $$, why not? Toyota, no matter how great of a car they make they simply do not have the inside skinny on the best of absolutely everything. To assume they do is being blind Toyota advocate to an irrational extreme.

To try to make a plain, hopefully obvious illustration - Do you really, honestly and truly think that the OEM selected model of tires for your new 4Runner from the factory are the best all around tires you can get for the price?

And, for the record I use Toyota oil filters because they are decent and a fair price.

And take it easy man...no one's offending anyone here, we're talking about fuckin car parts

Agreed - I am not a big fan of blanket assumptions. I don't mean to and I hope I am not offending anyone.

Edited for spelling and clarity (hopefully!)

 

[Northof49]

To try to make a plain, hopefully obvious illustration - Do you really, honestly and truly think that the OEM selected model of tires for your new 4Runner from the factory are the best all around tires you can get for the price? [/B][/QUOTE]
OEM tires are a bad example IMO...they are generally chosen for a blend of fuel economy (rolling resistance), ride quality, low noise levels and price. Tread life and excellent traction often take a serious back seat. You would be hard pressed to find another part(s) on the vehicle in which the compromises are so drastic.

To try to make a plain, hopefully obvious illustration....we did a lot of clutches in 89-95 Toyota pickups. We tried every brand available through the local jobbers, and none of them were ever as simple to install or worked as seemlessely as the ones from Toyota with the same tech installing them. Why is that?

 

[spud72]

You would be hard pressed to find another part(s) on the vehicle in which the compromises are so drastic.

But, Doesn't Toyota have such high standards that they know what's best for my truck?

Thats precisely my point - I am trying to show an example so obvious that it cannot be discounted by a reasonable person.

We tried every brand available through the local jobbers, and none of them were ever as simple to install or worked as seemlessely as the ones from Toyota with the same tech installing them. Why is that?

One would have to look at how they failed to answer that. At face value, I would assume that is an example of the OEM product being the superior one out of the clutches you used.

I am not saying and never did say that after market are always superior. On the contrary - there are surely some items that are inferior to OEM. It just has to be understood that in some instances, believe it or not, after market items can be superior, or at least equal to OEM. That's it. Its a 2-way street.

I think that's about all that can be said. My time in this thread is done as I really don't think I can add anymore to it or make my message clearer.

I also apologize to the OP for dragging this thread out to ridiculous proportions.

 

[RamThis]

Like I said earlier, and take this as you wish, a little common sense goes a LONG ways. :

There's nothing wrong with using exclusively Toyota parts from the stealership for everything, if you are independantly wealthy and/or love pissing money away without researching best quality vs price. Some people are so rich, they can afford not to investigate alternative parts, just slap down a few Benjamins on the Toyota's cashier's desk, and walk away with parts you know will work, and never had to do a minute's research. It's all the fad with the six figure income folks!! And dealerships LOVE these folks too!!

Other folks, like myself and I'm sure alot of others here, dont have gobs of disposable income. That's why we spend a little time to research possible aftermarket parts, upgraded parts, etc, to see if there is an equal quality part or superior part to the one put in a Toyota plastic bag, at a price savings that will allow us to still get that Egg McMuffin in the morning on our way to work and not worry about spending that two some odd bucks or if we can make the mortgage payment next week.

And yes, I have done aftermarket research on all my vehicles, actually drove down and held parts in my hand and used calipers to make measurements, etc. Put parts back in the box and say "no thanks" and gone straight to the dealership and paid the full price. I will not compromise quality to save a buck, but when a buck can be saved, and not sacrifice quality or possibly increase quality, I'll go that route every time. (common sense)

 

[kingbiscuit]

Took the 4runner to the shop. Got the waterpump/timing belt/drive belt changed and the bearings. Ran me like $700. Ouch. I knew that was coming when I bought it. I also found out the rotors need to be changed, which is why the car vibrates some when it stops. I think I am going to go to a different mechanic to get that fixed. And I don't think I am going to be doing OEM for that. The mechanic also said there was something up with the rear axle. Leaking fluid etc., and it is one of 2 possibilities. One possibility is $180 to fix, the other is $1100. I think basically totally replacing the axle. :bash:

The Santa Monica toyota didn't mention the axle problem or the rotor problem when I got it looked at. Im pretty upset with them. I am going to get a 2nd opinion before I drop $1100 though. Im not sure how im going to handle this if infact it is the axle. Im going to picket Santa Monica Toyota if they don't give me the inspection money back.

 

[Northof49]

Like I said earlier, and take this as you wish, a little common sense goes a LONG ways. :

There's nothing wrong with using exclusively Toyota parts from the stealership for everything, if you are independantly wealthy and/or love pissing money away without researching best quality vs price. Some people are so rich, they can afford not to investigate alternative parts, just slap down a few Benjamins on the Toyota's cashier's desk, and walk away with parts you know will work, and never had to do a minute's research. It's all the fad with the six figure income folks!! And dealerships LOVE these folks too!!

Other folks, like myself and I'm sure alot of others here, dont have gobs of disposable income. That's why we spend a little time to research possible aftermarket parts, upgraded parts, etc, to see if there is an equal quality part or superior part to the one put in a Toyota plastic bag, at a price savings that will allow us to still get that Egg McMuffin in the morning on our way to work and not worry about spending that two some odd bucks or if we can make the mortgage payment next week.

If the price difference between OEM and aftermarket parts for a brand new 4Runner is the difference between your house being foreclosed or not, you need to evaluate many things before that micrometer ever touches that metal......

Family finances and the parts department at your dealership being the first 2 coming to mind. Either way, if you're driving a brand new 4Runner and a bunch of other vehicle, you do have "gobs of disposable income," by worldly standards, so don't sell yourself short. Either that or you're financed to the tits like way to many Americans, in which case see suggested evaluation item #1....

 

[RamThis]

If the price difference between OEM and aftermarket parts for a brand new 4Runner is the difference between your house being foreclosed or not, you need to evaluate many things before that micrometer ever touches that metal......

Family finances and the parts department at your dealership being the first 2 coming to mind. Either way, if you're driving a brand new 4Runner and a bunch of other vehicle, you do have "gobs of disposable income," by worldly standards, so don't sell yourself short. Either that or you're financed to the tits like way to many Americans, in which case see suggested evaluation item #1....

Actually I only have one car payment and a house payment, rest is paid off.

By not spending frivously on un-needed costs here and there, it is possible to have extra money to pay things off early. Kinda like how we put a hundred bucks a month extra on our car payment, AND our house payment. And even with a fairly new house, two kids, taxes, car payments, daycare for two kids, utilities, etc, I can still pay cash for a $1100 sunroof. Because I spend wisely, not blindly.

And I work on lawnmowers for a living. Not bad for a grease monkey.

Nice how Common Sense works even for your finances. :

Oh, and for the record, the FEW times Ive ever let a dealership work on my vehicles, and they used OEM parts, the parts or repair never lasted more than three months to a year. When I decided to fix certain items myself using more researched parts, mostly aftermarket, never had to touch it again.

Spent nearly two grand to have the trans rebuilt in my truck. made it, oh, 22K miles or just over a year, it had a one year warranty. I got pissed, wasnt going to pay a shop to build another trans, so about $600 later and some methodic parts research, I rebuilt my own transmission in my 2000 Ram.

60,000 miles later, trans still barks second gear and shifts perfectly.

Saved myself about $1,400.

That's how I can have so many nice things and cars, I use common sense and some research. Not blind faith in one brand or company. It's saved me many many thousands of dollars over the years.


But alas, we agree to disagree. Let's just move on since this thread will never get anywhere seeing as our views differ so greatly. :beer:

 

[Northof49]

Agreed, 2 different philosophes clearly. Use whatever works for you. I resell my vehicles so often, I'll never SPEND thousands on repairs, let alone SAVE thousands. I take the safe bet on car parts, and pound for pound the OEM stuff is exactly that. I stick by my initial statement, which was intended for the general audience, not necessarily for the guy who's ok with rebuilding an automatic transmission at home....cause that sure ain't the majority of us;

You're playing the odds, and the OEM stuff is the safest bet. Anyone who tells you different is wrong. I'm not saying the other stuff won't work necessarily, but between one or the other....my money's on the OEM stuff (in the case of Toyota), everytime.

 

[spud72]

Actually I only have one car payment and a house payment, rest is paid off.

Congrats! That's always an awesome accomplishment. We paid off the house and cars last year... just to buy the new Runner last month and go back into debt for another year! :bash:

 

[Koz]

We could debate forever on OEM vs aftermarket parts. The fact is consumable parts (aftermarket), such as tires, batteries, motor oil, etc usually are just as good or better then OEM but vital parts such as electrical/electronic components, mechanical components, all body parts, etc have proven to work better and last longer. In addition, most Toyota parts (OEM) come with a lifetime warranty.

Koz

 

[RamThis]

Agreed, 2 different philosophes clearly. Use whatever works for you. I resell my vehicles so often, I'll never SPEND thousands on repairs, let alone SAVE thousands. I take the safe bet on car parts, and pound for pound the OEM stuff is exactly that. I stick by my initial statement, which was intended for the general audience, not necessarily for the guy who's ok with rebuilding an automatic transmission at home....cause that sure ain't the majority of us;

I'm a buy one and drive it till the wheels damn near fall off kinda consumer lol. I'll keep a vehicle until it is ugly as hell and beat to shit, but my vehicles mechanically are always top notch, I hate to leave something broken, because once you leave one thing, another thing breaks, and it snowballs until you have so much to fix, you'd spend a ton of money. So, I'm constantly nitpicking my vehicles mechanically.

This is the first vehicle I've bought personally since 97. :