by Richard Saare

Created on: May 24, 2008

It is best to use original manufacturers replacement parts when and if you can. But there are definitely situations that preclude and or prevent doing so and sometimes the mere cost is a limiting factor. OEM Parts, Original Equipment Manufacturers Parts can be outrageous in price. The reason is simple; Original Manufacturers tend to design and produce replacement parts at a much higher degree of accuracy and quality. After market manufacturers know very well that you are either in a position that you have no choice for one of two reasons. (1) The part is no longer available through OEM or a dealer, and or, (2) The cost is so astronomical that it is just not worth paying for the part through a Dealer. Especially in older vehicles that are used for day to day transportation to and from work or school. If the vehicle is new and or expensive there is little choice but to buy from the dealership.

These price situations are especially common amongst the Sport Utility Vehicles, 4X4's, Boats, Campers, and most Luxury vehicles. If it says Luxury, pleasure, or recreation in the title you will pay extra at the dealership and parts houses world wide! Example: I had a Lincoln Towne Coupe and the wheel bearings for a 1971 Lincoln Towne Coupe, were 40 bucks a pair, the same bearings are used the LTD and the Mercury Marquei,they were $10.00 cheaper for these models. Supply and demand are the normal venue for production of replacement parts in the automotive industry. However Ford is a cut and dried 15 years of production without exception. After which they will not manufacturer parts period. And for the most part they will not sanction the after market industry because of quality concerns. This is probably a ploy to drive people to buy new vehicles. In the end it is again a supply and demand issue, if there is a demand then there will be a supply. If there are no OEM Parts then you are stuck with after market.

If at all possible a person should use OEM Parts and having repairs done at a dealership mandates OEM Parts, but thanks to places like NAPA, (National Auto Parts Association), and a few others that carry well made after market parts that do last we are given atleast some degree of choice. These are also guaranteed for the life of the vehicle. In the end it is personal preference, price and availability being key deciding factors!

Another thought for the parts purchaser is what kind of vehicle are you buying parts for. If you are into High Performance and or Off Road then there are no OEM Parts available. The after Market Parts are designed to the highest standards in their particular industry. In these realms, if there are OEM Parts available they are generally substandard as they are designed for the occasional user of these types vehicles. Another contributing factor is whether you drive this particular vehicle daily to work and or school. Vehicles break and there is nothing you can do to stop it and sometimes you are left without a choice. High Performance Manufacturers are in the business of staying in business. If there parts are substandard they will be out of business in eventually.

The only reason to buy OEM Parts is quality and precision. If the after market part is better then use it!

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