Dealer Parts vs. Aftermarket

Having worked in an aftermarket auto parts store, I can tell you that there is actually a pretty big difference in the quality of parts you get when you buy aftermarket.

During the year I worked in the auto parts industry, I frequently noticed people coming back and saying that the part didn’t fit on their car, especially on older or less common cars.  It was the right part number, and according to the computer catalog it should have fit, but it just didn’t.

One thing that was probably going on here was that aftermarket parts are often made to fit a variety of models of cars.  Because they are interchangeable, the companies save money by streamlining the manufacturing process somewhat.

Another problem is that aftermarket parts generally don’t last as long as genuine Toyota parts, Nissan parts, etc.  This is because the aftermarket companies use substandard materials in order to cut costs.  Aftermarket parts are less expensive for a reason!

The parts you buy for your car really do make a difference.  By purchasing genuine OEM parts you may be spending more money, but it will be money well spent, guaranteed.  What good is that lifetime warranty on an aftermarket part if you have to replace it every year?  Figure out how much more the OEM part would have cost, and then figure out whether the time you are putting into replacing the part every year is worth more than the money you have saved by buying aftermarket!

So next time you are looking for Toyota Highlander parts, think twice before buying aftermarket.  OEM really is worth the extra money!

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