Originally Posted By: SHAMUS
I am constantly amazed at how so many on BITOG will speak of their cars/trucks that had to run $30k to $45k to buy, but will insist on buying a filter because it was a couple of dollars cheaper than a better quality one. I just don't get it
Agreed 100%! Maybe if I had a $1500 beater I would buy a Fram for it. But then again, I could spend the same or even less and buy an OE filter at Wal-Mart( AC/MOPAR/Motorcraft )or something like a Napa Silver/Proselect. For the same or maybe $2 more I could buy a Bosch, Wix/Napa Gold, Purolator, Hastings, Baldwin, etc...
I truly see NO reason to buy Fram filters. If performance is your criteria for buying a filter they are adequate at best. If quality of construction is your criteria for buying a filter they are one of the most( if not the most )cheaply constructed filter out there that is readily available. If they offer a decent filter it is extremely over priced and is no better than the average Wix/Purolator that costs less at that point. If price is your main criteria for buying a filter you can get better than a Fram for slightly more $$$, the same $$$, or even less $$$.
To me there is just no valid reason to select a Fram and use it purposely. There are generally only 3 main reasons to buy a filter to start with and in all 3 of those instances a different filter mfg's offering can do better for you. Now, if for some reason ONLY Fram offers your filter, or the only aftermarket filter is $10-$12+ and the Fram is $4, ok I can see that( I would spend the extra money personally but I can see this argument ). If the filter came as part of a package deal and you want to use it that too I can see( I would throw it out or sell/give it away with a disclaimer relieving me of any liability personally however ).
To purposely go out and select a Fram filter as your filter of choice, over all the countless other filters at similar cost that are vastly superior in performance and quality, thus ultimately providing superior reliability, is beyond my ability to comprehend with all we know to be fact about them. You kow, I have never heard a Framite defend Fram filters with the claim they are the best available and that is why they use them. I have only heard they are "good enough", "I have run them for X # of miles and my engine hasn't exploded yet", and similar comments. No ringing endorsements just that they are "good enough".
I would not want someone like that as my Dr, my mechanic, my contractor, my teacher, etc... It isn't like I think if you runa Fram your are toast. It is just that the filters are made so poorly using such cheap materials, yet they cost as much as superior offerings, I can't grasp anyone purposely buying them and using them.
Don't get it???