When to stick with OE?

[panthermike]

I also try to stick with OE parts when I can. I will however buy aftermarket fluids, filters, brake pads, batteries, and sometimes spark plugs.

One example that makes me feel this way is one with our F250. An aftermarket starter and solenoid were installed. A few months later, the solenoid short circuited and melted the battery cables. Also killed the starter. I put on some Motorcraft parts and all has been well since.

 

[01rangerxl]

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.


In the US, fordparts.com lets your order online directly from participating dealers. It is not the cheapest option, but is very convenient. Not all dealers participate. I have used it multiple times with no issues. You can choose between local pickup or having the parts shipped.

I am a huge fan of Titus Will Ford in Washington state though. They are across the continent from me, but I have ordered a few parts from them pre-fordparts.com and never had an issue. Their prices are extremely competitive, and their customer service is excellent.

Lastly, many generic Motorcraft parts are on Rockauto.com and they will generally always have the best price.

 

[sasha]

many OE components are sourced out.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: V8man
Spark Plugs should be OE.

 

[Oregoonian]

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.

As an example of the above....I needed to replace my left headlight assembly...on my 03' Ford Focus SE. The dealership in my area quoted me $203.

I went online (Amazon) and looked for an aftermarket headlamp assembly....and found priced them anywhere from $40 to $109 or so.

I ordered one for $49...and it arrived one day later (I love Amazon). It fit perfectly and I'm pleased I went that way and saved over $150.

 

[Artem]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: V8man
Spark Plugs should be OE.

x2. The OEM spark plugs for my 07 Civic are either NGK or Denso. The manual says to use either one and gives part numbers. I found them cheapest on Amazon ($13 EACH) vs what the dealership was charging ($27 EACH!!!)

The local Autozone wanted $18.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: Artem
Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: V8man
Spark Plugs should be OE.

x2. The OEM spark plugs for my 07 Civic are either NGK or Denso. The manual says to use either one and gives part numbers. I found them cheapest on Amazon ($13 EACH) vs what the dealership was charging ($27 EACH!!!)

The local Autozone wanted $18.

Originally Posted By: Artem
Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: V8man
Spark Plugs should be OE.

x2. The OEM spark plugs for my 07 Civic are either NGK or Denso. The manual says to use either one and gives part numbers. I found them cheapest on Amazon ($13 EACH) vs what the dealership was charging ($27 EACH!!!)

The local Autozone wanted $18.


+3.... I would defiantly stay with OE spark plugs.

I changed out my original SP's on my 03' Ford Focus at 103K+.... with Autolite Double Plats....and they work perfectly. Should be good for another 100K. I believe they cost me about $24 or so on Amazon...and then sent in a rebate for $6.00. They arrived 2 days after I ordered them (Love Amazon service).

I've be told by several mechanics...to only replace with the OE plugs. I think thats good advise.

 

[SLCraig]

I am not sure I understand the spark plug thing.
OE as in made by the people who make the car?

Most cars use NGK from the factory, is that considered OE? (I am not considering it OE)

I will generally install NGK on anything when I'm replacing plugs. They are the best out there.

For shocks and struts, I prefer KYB.

For engine related items most of the time OEM is my preference. (Starter, alternator) Wheel bearings. Axles, etc.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: Artem
Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: V8man
Spark Plugs should be OE.

x2. The OEM spark plugs for my 07 Civic are either NGK or Denso. The manual says to use either one and gives part numbers. I found them cheapest on Amazon ($13 EACH) vs what the dealership was charging ($27 EACH!!!)

The local Autozone wanted $18.



You still chose the OE plug. You just didn't go through the dealer. I'm not advocating purchasing through the dealer. I'm advocating for using the original equipment for certain items. Spark plugs being one of them. Like you said, Honda gave you the part number and you stuck with it. Therefore you stayed OE.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
I am not sure I understand the spark plug thing.
OE as in made by the people who make the car?

Most cars use NGK from the factory, is that considered OE? (I am not considering it OE)

I will generally install NGK on anything when I'm replacing plugs. They are the best out there.

For shocks and struts, I prefer KYB.

For engine related items most of the time OEM is my preference. (Starter, alternator) Wheel bearings. Axles, etc.


My answer above answers your question regarding Spark Plugs.

 

[asand1]

When I worked for VW the coolant sensors for the early 00 vehicles were garbage. OE isn't always the holy Grail of auto parts.

I would go OE on timing driving water pumps.

 

[danthaman1980]

IMO there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the OEM vs aftermarket question. There are way too many variables. If you really care to get the best part or the best bargain, the best thing you can do is RESEARCH each part you need to replace. Find a couple good vehicle-specific forums and read what has worked for others. Find out who made the OE part and look for that aftermarket brand. Go to the parts stores and ask to see the part in question. Make up your mind, track your results, and SHARE your experience with others (here again the vehicle-specific forums come into play).

 

[cutter]

I go by what most people recommend on a forum for a particular make/model, oe or not.

 

[PandaBear]

Usually I'd check online and see if people run into problems with aftermarket parts, if not, I'd go aftermarket, otherwise OEM.

 

[Silverado12]

You can get OEM parts from mail order discount stores. Don't necessarily have to go to the dealer. I just buy all my parts aftermarket from Carquest, O'Reilley's or NAPA.