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So where should I be buying my automotive car parts?

verisimilitude 7y ago
I like RockAuto. But since I had a bad run-in with a supposedly-quality oil pan for an Aisin transmission, I've increasingly been using OEM. Like, from the local dealers. But, there's always things like brake calipers from TRW which are identical to the VW-branded ones (but far cheaper). Anyway, I avoid Dorman and a whole host of other parts manufacturers. If I need to get it done in one day, OEM helps...
- delfinom 7y ago
  I had one bad experience from RockAuto and haven't gone back. One OEM lists a part as compatible for a Honda Accord 2006 V6 belt tensioner when it is basically incompatible it comes in as the pulley's are different sizes from factory (and you can't tell in their images). They made it incredibly difficult for me to return it for god knows what reason. A different OEM sourced elsewhere was the correct kit out of the box :/
olyjohn 7y ago
From the OEM as much as possible. I know their parts are "expensive" but nobody debates that they have the best fitment and quality compared to places like AutoZone, O'Rly, etc. The only other option is to look for the company who builds the OEM parts and find their suppliers. For example, you'll find Exedy builds clutches for companies like Honda. So if you can get an Exedy clutch from your local parts store, it's usually the same as the OEM part. If you do research too, you'll find that there are a lot of high-quality aftermarket parts suppliers too. If you are looking for bearings, you can usually look for places that sell SKF bearings (or whatever you prefer), and measure and cross reference the sizes to find what fits your application. So what it comes down to is, it depends on the part, and it depends on what is available from where. It's basically a giant research project for every part.
- quaquaqua1 7y ago
  >from the OEM as much as possible I think I'll take my chances with the "Mexican" parts you've described as I have seen them installed in countless cars and road deaths have only been dropping year over year. There is no need for me to crucify myself financially because German plastic is supposedly better than Mexican.
  - delfinom 7y ago
    Honestly, there's nothing wrong with "Mexican" parts specifically just "aftermarket" quality outside of known aftermarket brands. For example, an after-market engine mount isn't going to kill you when it goes bad, but your wallet is going to be a lot emptier compared to just buying the factory part after you replace the damn thing every year. (I've had the experience, I tried a few aftermarket brands, I've since gone exclusively to factory and haven't replaced an engine mount in years)

I like RockAuto. But since I had a bad run-in with a supposedly-quality oil pan for an Aisin transmission, I've increasingly been using OEM. Like, from the local dealers. But, there's always things like brake calipers from TRW which are identical to the VW-branded ones (but far cheaper). Anyway, I avoid Dorman and a whole host of other parts manufacturers. If I need to get it done in one day, OEM helps...

delfinom 7y ago
I had one bad experience from RockAuto and haven't gone back. One OEM lists a part as compatible for a Honda Accord 2006 V6 belt tensioner when it is basically incompatible it comes in as the pulley's are different sizes from factory (and you can't tell in their images). They made it incredibly difficult for me to return it for god knows what reason. A different OEM sourced elsewhere was the correct kit out of the box :/

olyjohn 7y ago

From the OEM as much as possible. I know their parts are "expensive" but nobody debates that they have the best fitment and quality compared to places like AutoZone, O'Rly, etc. The only other option is to look for the company who builds the OEM parts and find their suppliers. For example, you'll find Exedy builds clutches for companies like Honda. So if you can get an Exedy clutch from your local parts store, it's usually the same as the OEM part. If you do research too, you'll find that there are a lot of high-quality aftermarket parts suppliers too. If you are looking for bearings, you can usually look for places that sell SKF bearings (or whatever you prefer), and measure and cross reference the sizes to find what fits your application. So what it comes down to is, it depends on the part, and it depends on what is available from where. It's basically a giant research project for every part.

quaquaqua1 7y ago
>from the OEM as much as possible I think I'll take my chances with the "Mexican" parts you've described as I have seen them installed in countless cars and road deaths have only been dropping year over year. There is no need for me to crucify myself financially because German plastic is supposedly better than Mexican.
- delfinom 7y ago
  Honestly, there's nothing wrong with "Mexican" parts specifically just "aftermarket" quality outside of known aftermarket brands. For example, an after-market engine mount isn't going to kill you when it goes bad, but your wallet is going to be a lot emptier compared to just buying the factory part after you replace the damn thing every year. (I've had the experience, I tried a few aftermarket brands, I've since gone exclusively to factory and haven't replaced an engine mount in years)