When it comes to cars (and heck even life), there are times to cheap out, and times to spend the extra buck or two.
Scotty even says “I’m too cheap,” from time to time. But he also recommends pricier options from time to time.
From your automotive experience, what’s one thing you can cheap out on, and what’s one thing it’s best to spend the extra buck on?
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/oem-vs-after-market/
- generally speaking, don't buy oem consumables: fluids, filters, spark plugs, brake pads, gaskets, hoses etc.
or parts that don't matter like plastic trim pieces, mirrors
- expensive, critical parts that you only need to buy once or twice ever: OEM.
sensors, valves, water pumps etc.
Or things that a difficult to access, and you do NOT want to do the job again under any circumstance.
fuel pump, injectors etc.
That’s a good general way to look at it.
Thanks!
Exactly what Mountainmanjoe said. I swear, I think I'm kin to him lol. Good advice!
common sense right
I understand what you mean, Scotty confuses me sometimes between the "buy the OEM" and "get a cheap one it will work just fine". So I have the same question as you but what I've noticed is things that are related to the car's computer or engine control module (ex. Mass Air Flow sensor or just sensors in general) absolutely need to be OEM, while things that are simple and/or quite independent from the computers like a radiator can be cheap and work just fine. Things like wiper blades or windshield washer can be cheap but heavy repairs like a suspension should be quality.
Tires and brakes = Spend for GOOD ones
Filters, fluids, etc. = Buy what you want
I would go cheaper as the car nears its end.
Makes sense.
I think with safety and reliability being primary, maintenance has to be something you just can't cheap out on. I try to think about what I want versus what I need. When I need to change the oil and filter, I look for the sales. Same for tires, wiper blades, etc. When I need brakes, I do not cheap out.
I hear you. On tires. I usually go with the quality name brand that is on sale at the time.
10-4
If you can find out the OE manufacturer of the part, that is usually a good way to "cheap out" versus getting the genuine part with the makes brand name. This is especially true for BMW parts. Often times, when you compare the genuine part with the OE manufacturer part, they are exactly the same, with the BMW logo scratched off.
In this case, I don't recommend cheaping out by getting the cheapest part overall, but by getting the same part without the brand name as the genuine part at a lower cost.
Another place I "cheap out" is on none critical components, is to get genuine parts from the a car in the junkyard. Genuine new parts are an arm and a leg. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, but sometimes don't have the same fit and finish as the genuine part. Junk yard parts are often genuine at a fraction of the price.
I've done this for side mirror assemblies and rear light assemblies. For the mirror, mine got smashed, new ones were super expensive. I tried an aftermarket mirror assembly, and it just didn't fit right. The junkyard assembly fit better.
For the rear light assembly, it also got smashed. And the junkyard one fit and worked perfectly.