Do parts brand names really matter for a Dodge Caravan (2004)?

[ummmgeee20005]

I need a timing belt. Thinking hey while I am there may as well replace the water pump. It's a 2004 Dodge Caravan (2.4), noninterference engine.

But it's cold outside and work has been piling up so I am thinking maybe I could just have a mechanic do it and spend a little for labor.

So I call and get some prices and they are marking their prices up for way more than what I would spend for the part if I bought it myself. But they argue it's because of the brand name of the part and that it's completely superior to other parts and therefore will last longer. I don't "buy" it.

So they wanna sell me Mopar timing belt for 94 bucks, which I get the same for 68.88 online; Or I can get the belt at Auto Zone for 31.99 (Duralast). So what do you think?

The guy is really trying to sell me on the more expensive brand saying it's guaranteed to last for 100,000 miles. Uh - yeah okay that's generally about the time you change timing belts anyway. Just thinking.

So tell me what you think about quality vs. cost. I don't regularly go around changing timing belts so I don't know. Just wanted to get others' takes on this concept.

 

[blanderswake]

Go for the brand-name products. Your car (and your safety) are too important to trust to some fly-by-night company that has poor little Chinese kids build their crap for them. I had to replace a front wheel bearing on my Blazer, and instead of asking about the price, I asked if it was made in America.

 

[s_negley]

yes it does matter.i work at a dealership and i see our parts lasting longer and fitting better then any of the aftermarket stores.i know paying more sucks,but you get a way better product.

 

[dodge man]

use the gates belt kit on that one it comes with a new tensioner and all the things needed to replace it with and its half the cost,and actually better than the original,any dodge dealer will tell you their part is better because they want to sell you that part,i never go back original on belts its too expensive from a dealer,an after market water pump is also alright to use on it,i own two of those cars and both have after market parts on them and neither one has caused any problems,good luck.

 

[Vipassana]

The mechanic is going to use the parts that are warrantied by their business.

Sure, you can buy it cheaper.

Doesn't mean he has to install it. He can't guarantee where you got the part, or how good it is, etc.

When you go into a restaurant, do you bring them a slab of meat, and ask them to cook it for cheaper, because you don't like the price of their steak?

Sure, you can buy it cheaper. And you can do it yourself.

If you want someone else to do it, pay for the service, and trust them to use the parts they think is best. But don't tell them how to do things.