Aftermarket parts vs OEM

When it comes to Toyota, is it bad to use aftermarket parts rather than factory? I mean non engine stuff doesnt exactly matter but im wondering about under hood parts. Main reason why people go with Toyota is because their engines are great. But do you compromise that greatness with aftermarket parts?

 

Oem FTW

 

Depends on the aftermarket mfr. Denso is fine, as is Aisin and Advics. In some cases the parts are better than Toyota OEM. Stay away from the GM brands Delphi and AC Delco.

Keep in mind Toyota's markup on parts is on the order of 300%. The dealer then tacks on another 30%. So it is quite possible to get aftermarket parts of good quality at a lower price, simply because there was less gouging in the supply chain.

 

And cost is the main reason why im looking else where. New throttle body through dealer is like $1000 and i can get one somewhere else for half that. Same goes with an IAC valve. Toyota wants $300 and i got one for half that through Rock Auto.

 

Bump

 

Try to stick with oem or atleast the company that made the original oem parts. Im referring to under hood parts here...

 

Toyota oil filters FTW
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-oil-filter-made-in-thailand-vs-the-competition.123608/

No right answer. I would assess each part individually. Sometimes aftermarket is an upgrade at a reduced price. Sometimes aftermarket is junk compared to Toyota. I don't think there's a good every-case answer or rule to live by.

 

I have been using Duralast from autozone for 8 years on my Mazda MPV and recently my 2004 tacoma. Timing belt, water pump, belts, brake pads, rotors, etc. Never had any problem

 

Went with a Delco valve cover gasket 3,000 miles ago and it's already leaking. Going with OEM next time...

 

Someone earlier said Delco was a brand to stay away from lol

 

My machine shop uses a lot of engine parts from either don gross or engine tech. Only the dealers send their own parts but thats for warranty purposes, they have no choice. Head gaskets kits are either victor reinz, felpro, or some OEM/OES asian import brand if not european. In the 30+ years my head machinist has been doing stuff, hes never had any issues or had to do any warranties because of aftermarket products. always been customer error.

Part wise, in the 8 years of xp ive had in auto parts (mostly at napa), ive seen a countable amount of aftermarket products actually at fault. Something like 4 or 5. The rest was either normal ware and tear or abuse like hitting the starter when the relay or switch was the issue. I personally believe the top tier aftermarket suppliers can be better than OEM/OES. most of it is at napa. Rockauto has a lot of quality suppliers. if it shipped faster and for free, i believe a lot of other auto parts stores would shutdown.

You have to be pretty tech savy though. Know your truck, know how to diagnose, and make sure you know what the problem truly is and how it happened.

1 weird thing about what has been said before, Delphi makes a lot of engine management parts for '05+ tacos. My '06, half the parts under the hood had the deplhi stamp on it. Chevy/ACDelco only stopped using Delphi cause they wanted to cut costs. Bit them in the ass though since thats about when their trucks started going to shit

 

I guess ive neve had an aftermarket part fail or not work exactly, but any issue ive had has been a fitment issue.

I like napa and its very convenient for me and where i live. But as an example, i had to get a new steering pump and the bolt holes wouldnt exactly line up. I had to drill out one of the holes so it would bolt up. Thats my beef with aftermarket. But usually everything works without a hitch i suppose. I still try to go oem or oem manufacturer when i can though, or if its a really important component. Like a steering pump that i shoulda went oem on. But damn the price difference, especially on something like that can sure be a huge jump between the two.

 

I buy from Extreme Terrain, Empyre Off Road. Tacoma Pro shop, Tire Rack, Taco Vinyl. and others. Toyota can't compete with MBRP, K&N, Bilstein. etc. for engine and suspension upgrades. AlphaRex headlights are like no others too. Morimoto, ...