OEM vs. aftermarket parts

[cd_photo]

Wondering if anyone has any thoughts about using OEM parts over aftermarket. OEM parts cost a lot more, but I'm wondering if they end up lasting longer and are better for your vehicle. So much of the cost in Delica upkeep is labour (for those who aren't mechanically inclined), so it would seem to make sense to buy better parts that will last longer to reduce labour costs.

[konadog]

What does OEM mean?

[Firesong]

Original equipment manufacturer or something along those lines... Original Mitsubishi or what was in to begin with.

[Rattlenbang]

I think it really depends on the parts. Heavy wearing parts I would go OEM if I could afford it; CV joints for example are seriously worth junk if not OEM. But smaller ancillary parts like senders, alternators, starters, belts and so forth I've always had good luck using jobber parts. Having said that, about 10% don't work out of the box, but if they work from beginning they tend to last.

[Yokohama]

OEM parts are going to be good, except for the Denso oil filters that Mitsubishi sells, they are the worst oil filters I have ever seen.

That said, some aftermarket parts are really the OEM parts; it is just that the manufacturer also sells them under other brands. Beck Arnley (aftermarket) parts are many times either OEM in a different package, or another high quality part. My Beck Arnley ball joints were made in South Korea, but many of their parts and even Moog parts are made in Japan.

Some aftermarket parts may look slightly different from the stock OEM parts, but are just as good, maybe even better in some cases. It really comes down to first, the country of origin and second, the manufacturer.

I would just look on the box or part before you use it and make sure to not use any Chinese made parts. Return any that are. I have seen Chinese made parts go bad in such a way that it could be dangerous.

Acceptable countries for parts are: USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and most of the EU.