Hey Scotty, may times you suggest after market but others you suggest OEM, is that based on the individual category of parts ex. alternators & radiators etc or is it more specific to the automobile itself, ex Toyota OEM alternators, radiators, MAS etc =very good, while aftermarket avoid on certain individual parts for specific autos?
If it by category can you give us a general list of which part to buy, OEM vs After Market?
Aftermarket is ok on certain things, However, OEM on all others, sensors, plugs, fuel pumps, coils, etc.
That would be a looooong list! And it depends on the vehicle manufacturer too.
I get OEM for things like Fuel pumps, water pumps, sensors, electronic modules etc.
Aftermarket is fine for things like brake pads, wipers, air filter, belts, headlights, rotors, etc.
Batteries & Alternators are a different animal. OEM is very good and you can depend on it, but it'll cost ya and arm and a leg. Aftermarket is a whole range from bad to good with all kinds of prices.
Some rebuilt things, like brake calipers, are actually OEM cores but they've just put new rubber gaskets and seals on them.
I think this is something you just learn from experience. Some clerks at consumer part dealers know what's good and can help you out. But some others might get deals from certain manufacturers so they'll try to sell you that brand.
The best source for part knowledge is independent shops. They see all the broken stuff that comes in, and they know what's good. Shops have accounts with commercial suppliers, and those suppliers deal only in good stuff because their business depends on it.
