When to stick with OE?

[RamFan]

After reading the recent Bilstein shock thread I thought I'd pose this question. As we all know OE parts are often overpriced, imo though there are some items that should remain OE (on a stock vehicle) regardless of the increased price. You don't have to go to the dealer either since often times the OE is simply a rebranded part. I know everyone has different ideas but I'm interested to know when you think sticking with OE shouldn't be a question.

My list-
Spark plugs
Shocks/struts
Suspension components
Sensors
Major engine components

Of course there are instances when an OE component is simply sub par and substituting a high quality aftermarket part would be better. However for most situations an OE part that is chosen for that specific vehicle or for the type of expected driving that a typical driver would put that vehicle through is probably a better choice than gambling with aftermarket. Just my .02 cents.

 

[V8man]

Spark Plugs should be OE.

 

[AandPDan]

I'm not sure everything needs to be OEM but at least "name brand" in most cases. I have no issues with aftermarket shocks or brakes, not that I'd buy them off Ebay.

Major engine parts? You probably won't find them except at a dealer.

Water pumps, alternators, etc? Things have changed in the last 20 years or so. It used to be you could find a quality rebuild. Nowadays, who really knows.

Spark plugs, OEM. I don't listen to marketing.
Sensors, OEM (or the OE manufacturer, if known).

I'm a big fan of boneyards for some parts.

 

[hounddog]

Spark plugs not necessary. As in late model RAM trucks. They come through with el cheapo nickel tipped plugs. There are better,more durable out there. Shocks? If you want the same ride as new. Then yes. Suspension parts. NO. Sensors. Maybe. Engine parts. No.

 

[Corvette Owner]

I decided to stick to OEM brake pads when my Nissian Murano's ones lasted 90,000 miles !

 

[DuckRyder]

Through long experience I have pretty much given up on aftermarket parts with a few exceptions.

Spark plugs, oil, oil filters, and occasionally batteries.

Aftermarket solutions to known issues.

Upgrades from known quality manufacturers (EG: Bilstein)

Alternate distribution channels of OE parts (EG: Behr radiators with the BMW or Mercedes emblem removed)

I don't get why people buy a brand of car presumably based on research that must at least in part include reliability and then put the cheapest aftermarket garbage they can find on it when it does need a part.

AND with the advent of dealers selling parts on the internet OEM parts are very often not much if any more expensive than the junk.

 

[JetStar]

+1 for dealer parts on line. I'd buy from my local dealer, but he wants to bend me over the counter for full retail.

 

[NHGUY]

Sometimes OEM parts are really aftermarket parts,sold to the carmaker and boxed as their very own (Standard Motor Products makes a lot of relays/switches and sensors for OEMs)(GMs aftermarket exhaust is really Walker)(Prestolite has long supplied Chrysler with wires/coils).Sometimes though,the aftermarket supplier is given strict specs and guidelines for the part,and that is not followed in the aftermarket to allow for higher profit margins and 3 step distribution (maker to warehouse distributor to jobber store).Its always a c r apshoot,but I prefer vintage OEM parts (as in 1980/90s Mopar boxed products),as everything is made cheaper today.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: JetStar
+1 for dealer parts on line. I'd buy from my local dealer, but he wants to bend me over the counter for full retail.


+2 has made availability and price pretty competitive.

 

[mrsilv04]

Thermostat.

 

[The Critic]

Thermostats, any ignition parts (including spark plugs), strut bellows and bump stops, any electronic or emissions sensor, drive belt tensioners, timing components, gaskets.

That's all I can think of for now. On the mainstream cars, I've found that OE parts are often equal or lower in price that premium a/m if you look hard it enough. It is also important to note that many OE parts will have updates after the vehicle has been released, and the aftermarket will not have the updates on their parts (i.e. holes for pad springs on Honda brake pads).

 

[Donald]

When the cost for OE parts is not that much more but the labor involved is significant.

1) Fuel pump in my 93 Suburban required the tank to be dropped.
2) Pressure governor and pressure sensor for the transmission in my Jeep.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
On the mainstream cars, I've found that OE parts are often equal or lower in price that premium a/m if you look hard it enough.


This is definitely not my experience. Ordering online or trying to negotiate with my local dealers generally won't net me lower prices on OE parts than premium aftermarket parts.

I'm not saying OE parts aren't sometimes worth the extra cost, but I've never been able to get them cheaper than premium aftermarket parts.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
Originally Posted By: The Critic
On the mainstream cars, I've found that OE parts are often equal or lower in price that premium a/m if you look hard it enough.


This is definitely not my experience. Ordering online or trying to negotiate with my local dealers generally won't net me lower prices on OE parts than premium aftermarket parts.

I'm not saying OE parts aren't sometimes worth the extra cost, but I've never been able to get them cheaper than premium aftermarket parts.


I would say Hyundai is definitely an exception. Nissan is a hit/miss, but usually higher. But Honda and Toyota OE parts are fairly competitive with premium aftermarket.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: stephen9666
Originally Posted By: The Critic
On the mainstream cars, I've found that OE parts are often equal or lower in price that premium a/m if you look hard it enough.


This is definitely not my experience. Ordering online or trying to negotiate with my local dealers generally won't net me lower prices on OE parts than premium aftermarket parts.

I'm not saying OE parts aren't sometimes worth the extra cost, but I've never been able to get them cheaper than premium aftermarket parts.


I would say Hyundai is definitely an exception. Nissan is a hit/miss, but usually higher. But Honda and Toyota OE parts are fairly competitive with premium aftermarket.


I've had good luck with this in reference to BMW and Ford as well. Of note are the BMW parts, and they all seem to be of high quality and European origin (usually Germany) and are quite inexpensive.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL

I've had good luck with this in reference to BMW and Ford as well.

What are the good sources for Ford parts? I personally haven't owned one, but my brother recently bought one and I'll be helping him do some repairs. I did a little googling today but I wasn't impressed with the online Ford dealers sites I looked at.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL

I've had good luck with this in reference to BMW and Ford as well.

What are the good sources for Ford parts? I personally haven't owned one, but my brother recently bought one and I'll be helping him do some repairs. I did a little googling today but I wasn't impressed with the online Ford dealers sites I looked at.


For me? I struck up a good relationship with the guy at the Ford parts counter who set me up with a jobber account.

 

[Kool1]

Excedllent thread!!! I always bucked the dealer parts only mentality in favor of quality aftermarket parts. Recently I found that Cardone Select, O'reilly Auto Master Pro, and EMPI axles all caused vibrations in my CRV. I finally bit the bullet and installed Honda axles and the darn vibration went away. I installed a Beck/Arnley alternator in the CRV at 100,000 miles and thought I was changing my alternator as a deferred maintenance item to avoid future problems. After changing the alternator, every so often I would get a flash of the battery light for no reason. Thinking I had a fluke bad alternator I changed the Beck/Arnley alternator for another Beck/Arnley unit. Again I had the same problem with the battery light ocassionally flashing for no reason. I then decided to try a remanufactured Honda unit and the battery light stayed off. My friend who works as a Honda tech kept warning me that OEM parts are the best and I always insisted that qualtiy aftermarket parts cost less and get equal to or better life than Genuine Honda parts. I am now starting to believe in some parts that should only be OEM, the big question is which particular parts?

 

[stephen9666]

I'm surprised to hear about an issue with the Beck Arnley alternator. I've been very happy with the BA parts I've bought, and I've bought quite a few in the last year.

I'm not surprised to hear about problems with aftermarket axles. That's well documented.

 

[Kool1]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666
I'm surprised to hear about an issue with the Beck Arnley alternator. I've been very happy with the BA parts I've bought, and I've bought quite a few in the last year.

I'm not surprised to hear about problems with aftermarket axles. That's well documented.


I to was quite surprised that the Beck/Arnley alternators gave me problems and the exact same problem twice. Beck/Arnley alternators are remanufactured by independent rebuilders so I am not against Beck/Arnley as a company. I do have Beck/Arnley motor mounts which appear well made even though they do say Made in Taiwan and I do have a Beck/Arnley ignition switch which also is Made in Taiwan. The country of origin does not prejudice me. If the part works well I don't care what country it is from.