Genuine OE vs Aftermarket parts
Discussion
Probably been discussed many times but what would you people recommend?
My 2008 GTI needs front top mounts doing and I’ll also be getting both rear shocks replaced. Also on the cards will be rear discs and pads although maybe a little later.
I’ve managed to dig out the VW Part numbers and genuine OE prices aren’t as bad as I thought on eBay though still higher than aftermarket equivalent.
My 2008 GTI needs front top mounts doing and I’ll also be getting both rear shocks replaced. Also on the cards will be rear discs and pads although maybe a little later.
I’ve managed to dig out the VW Part numbers and genuine OE prices aren’t as bad as I thought on eBay though still higher than aftermarket equivalent.
Are you sure they're genuine OE on eBay?
A lot of dealers do sell part via eBay stores, so they could well be. But there are a lot of cheap copies in fancy boxes too, so just be weary of what you buy and who you buy it from.
ECP/CP4L usually do decent aftermarket, some are OE manufacturer if you splash out the higher priced equivalents.
Also worth trying your local specialist too, as they may get decent discounts from OE suppliers and will know which alternatives to avoid, etc.
A lot of dealers do sell part via eBay stores, so they could well be. But there are a lot of cheap copies in fancy boxes too, so just be weary of what you buy and who you buy it from.
ECP/CP4L usually do decent aftermarket, some are OE manufacturer if you splash out the higher priced equivalents.
Also worth trying your local specialist too, as they may get decent discounts from OE suppliers and will know which alternatives to avoid, etc.
VAG use Lemforder mainly for suspension parts and sometimes Febi / Febi Bilstein, so anything from them should be ok. In the past I've bought Lemforder stuff which has had the VAG logo and part number ground off so they (Lemforder) can sell the parts as aftermarket, and cheaper!
Also, a good alternative for high quality aftermarket suspension parts is anything made by Meyle, particularly their Meyle HD stuff which is over-engineered / weaknesses designed and manurfactured out / better than the OE stuff.
Also, a good alternative for high quality aftermarket suspension parts is anything made by Meyle, particularly their Meyle HD stuff which is over-engineered / weaknesses designed and manurfactured out / better than the OE stuff.
Also...
For shocks, get either Sachs (normally VAG OE) or Bilstein aftermarket replacements. Quite often if you look on German e-bay they do matched spring (Eibach) and shocker sets (normally Bilstein) for lots less than over here.
Brake discs, my current favourites are the Brembo items ECP / CPL sell, they are really nice things, the exposed bits that normally rust are enamelled! Not much more than Pagid stuff they sell, just wait until they have one of their sales on.
For shocks, get either Sachs (normally VAG OE) or Bilstein aftermarket replacements. Quite often if you look on German e-bay they do matched spring (Eibach) and shocker sets (normally Bilstein) for lots less than over here.
Brake discs, my current favourites are the Brembo items ECP / CPL sell, they are really nice things, the exposed bits that normally rust are enamelled! Not much more than Pagid stuff they sell, just wait until they have one of their sales on.
Part prices on ebay are very often higher than new; chancers assuming that most people won't bother price-checking with the perception that stuff on ebay is cheap. Call your local branch of TPS and ask for a quote.
Most branches of TPS are happy to deal with the public but even if they won't there's zero stopping you opening a cash account as 'John Smith mobile mechanic'.
Most branches of TPS are happy to deal with the public but even if they won't there's zero stopping you opening a cash account as 'John Smith mobile mechanic'.
Yes, the genuine OE stuff I’ve seen on eBay is being sold by main dealers and the like.
I’ve never used TPS, might give them a go but if they don’t deal with general public anymore don’t think I can be bothered to set up a fake company trade account.
What a rip off though, like someone above said OE shocks are made by Sachs; you pay more for a VW branded Sachs shock compared to the exact same part with the Sachs logo on instead.
I’ve never used TPS, might give them a go but if they don’t deal with general public anymore don’t think I can be bothered to set up a fake company trade account.
What a rip off though, like someone above said OE shocks are made by Sachs; you pay more for a VW branded Sachs shock compared to the exact same part with the Sachs logo on instead.
AI1694 said:
Yes, the genuine OE stuff I’ve seen on eBay is being sold by main dealers and the like.
I’ve never used TPS, might give them a go but if they don’t deal with general public anymore don’t think I can be bothered to set up a fake company trade account.
What a rip off though, like someone above said OE shocks are made by Sachs; you pay more for a VW branded Sachs shock compared to the exact same part with the Sachs logo on instead.
Most of them say "trade only" officially, but I have no issues with my local one (Gloucester).I’ve never used TPS, might give them a go but if they don’t deal with general public anymore don’t think I can be bothered to set up a fake company trade account.
What a rip off though, like someone above said OE shocks are made by Sachs; you pay more for a VW branded Sachs shock compared to the exact same part with the Sachs logo on instead.
AI1694 said:
you pay more for a VW branded Sachs shock compared to the exact same part with the Sachs logo on instead.
Double the length of warranty (that you can actually use) and assuming ordered on chassis a number a better chance of fitting first time. Availability from TPS usually excellent too.Possible to buy cheaper but often not worth the bother.
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