There are more companies making aftermarket parts than there are brands of cars these days. But how do you know which are best? You don't have to buy original equipment parts to get quality, in fact many brands of aftermarket parts provide service which is superior to OE components. However, you do need to know a few things to ensure that you are getting a quality part for your car.
My first word of advice is to buy a brand name part. These usually give the best service for the money. Don't skimp when buying important parts, especially safety related items such as brakes and tires. The money you save now could cost you a lot more in the long run. Everyday I hear people tell me that they can find parts cheaper than those I install. That may be true, but will they last as long, do they have the same warranty, and most importantly will they fit correctly. Many cheap aftermarket parts are a one-size-fits-all part that usually don't.
Speaking of warranties, let's touch on that for a moment. Many aftermarket parts carry a better warranty than their OE counterparts. Some even have a lifetime warranty, even rebuilt parts. But what good is a lifetime warranty if the part fails and has to be replaced every month or so? Again, look for a quality part that will give the service you expect. It is ridiculous to purchase an inferior part that you expect to wear out, like brake pads, just because it has a lifetime warranty. Some parts, such as Monroe struts and shocks and Moog suspension parts do carry a lifetime warranty and provide superior service to original manufacturer parts. Research the parts you are buying. Find out how the brands compare then make an informed purchase.
Many companies also offer rebuilt or remanufactured parts. What is the difference? A rebuilt part is generally inferior to remanufactured. Companies that rebuild parts generally only replace the component that caused the part to fail in the first place. Remanufactured parts are usually stripped to the bare case and all the components are replaced with new parts. In my personal experience I have installed rebuilt alternators and starters that failed immediately after installation. However I have very few problems with quality remanufactured parts, such as those offered by Delco. Also, stay away from rebuilt water pumps and fuel pumps--I have had very little luck with these parts lasting any acceptable period of time.
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