When would be a good time to buy oem parts pre-emptively?

[2009Caraman]

I will likely keep my toyota for many years so Ive been pondering the idea to buy a set of struts, motor mounts and some brakes for when I need them in the future.

Is there a time when it may be best to buy oem parts? Are they more expensive when the car is new then slowly get cheaper or anything like that?

 

[dguzzi]

As your funds allow it! (I do the same thing)

 

[slacktide_bitog]

when it's a common failure item

 

[2009Caraman]

As your funds allow it! (I do the same thing)

This is nice. Now would be the time I guess.

 

[benjamming]

I wouldn't do that for brake pads as aftermarket is very capable in this area.
Are you thinking coil springs as well as the struts?

 

[rijndael]

I wouldn't do that for brake pads as aftermarket is very capable in this area.

Especially if you opt for NRS pads. They're quite nice.

 

[2010Civic]

At least in my experience with Honda parts they get more expensive as time goes on. A similar part for a 5 year old car is cheaper than a 15 year old for example.

 

[2009Caraman]

I wouldn't do that for brake pads as aftermarket is very capable in this area.
Are you thinking coil springs as well as the struts?

Just the oem struts. Ive never had a coil spring failure.

 

[CarbonToast]

I wouldn't buy more than 6 months ahead. What if your vehicle is hit and totaled out?

 

[THORROMIG]

..

 

[CarbonToast]

Also, if a pre-purchased part is damaged, bad, or doesn't fit you will be beyond the return window.

 

[supton]

I wouldn't buy more than 6 months ahead. What if your vehicle is hit and totaled out?

This. In something like 14 months I lost two cars due to accidents. It happens. [Thankfully not often!]

If you had something a bit more exotic I could see buying spares... but for a run of the mill Toyota? Just seems like parts will be available for quite some time, and by the time they aren't so easy to get, at least in my climate, the vehicle is likely toast anyhow.

 

[andrew_j]

I will likely keep my toyota for many years so Ive been pondering the idea to buy a set of struts, motor mounts and some brakes for when I need them in the future.

Is there a time when it may be best to buy oem parts? Are they more expensive when the car is new then slowly get cheaper or anything like that?

Never.

 

[D60]

The only thing I might consider is brake calipers. Rebuilds are junk.

It might be nice to stash away a steering rack, but that's a lot of $ just sitting there. And OEM racks are often available for a long time -- I just got a Mopar for an '11 Grand Cherokee (nearly $1k!). And I guess with electric racks the landscape here may be shifting....

 

[zzyzzx]

New old stock shocks and struts are often bad out of the box, as they go bad with age.

 

[eljefino]

I stock up but on aftermarket parts when they go on clearance on Rockauto.

Just got front rotors for my Miata for under seven bucks apiece!

I'm ok stocking up on consumables for 4th gen Prii because between my wife and myself we have two so even if one leaves ahead of schedule the parts will get used.

For me to buy OE, I'd need to be convinced the part had a 100% failure rate, and also that said part would be unavailable due to low demand. This doesn't make sense! Closest thing I can think of are drum backing plates for Saturn S-series-- no dealer network, no other GM used them, and they're rusting out rather reliably.

 

[dfarr67]

Due to location I keep and alt and starter on the shelf. Anything else will be either be catastrphic or give me time to look. It is best to have parts before you absolutely need them- usaully cheaper that way.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Only time this is a good idea is when you own more than one of the same generation and make of car. Like mentioned if its totaled then you got a bunch of useless parts.
Parts? I say get the ones that someday will be not available, many of the secret little electronic modules, electrical connectors etc.

 

[eljefino]

Only time this is a good idea is when you own more than one of the same generation and make of car. Like mentioned if its totaled then you got a bunch of useless parts.
Parts? I say get the ones that someday will be not available, many of the secret little electronic modules, electrical connectors etc.

A parts car may be the most economical source for this once a certain time has passed.

Be sure to get the dealer computer or equivalent to program the vin-locked modules. Look at the current lack of dealer support for anything over 10 years old and expect that to continue if not worsen.

If you want an extra, extra key fob programmed that's probably a good idea while you still can.

 

[KrisZ]

Buy another one that’s been hit in the rear and park it.