"OEM isn't always the best bet... worth keeping an open mind and researching specifics case-by-case."
Totally agree with this. Had a similar experience with my Audi a while back—dealer pushed OEM brake pads, but after some digging, found aftermarket ones that performed better and produced less dust. Saved a bit of cash too. It's definitely smart to research first rather than assume OEM always equals superior quality. Good call bringing this up.
Yeah, OEM can be hit or miss depending on the part. Learned that lesson with my old Civic—OEM headlights were pricey, but aftermarket ones lasted just as long and cost way less. Always worth checking reviews first... saves headaches later.
Totally agree on checking reviews first—saved me from buying some sketchy brake pads once. OEM isn't always worth the wallet pain, especially for older cars... aftermarket can be a lifesaver if you're careful.
Reviews have definitely saved my butt more than once, especially with aftermarket parts. Had a similar experience with suspension components—almost bought some cheap shocks that looked good on paper but turned out to be garbage according to multiple reviews. Dodged a bullet there.
But honestly, OEM isn't always the gold standard people make it out to be. Sure, for critical stuff like timing belts or sensors, OEM can give peace of mind. But for brakes, suspension, exhaust... aftermarket brands often deliver equal or even better performance at half the price. You just gotta do your homework and not fall for flashy marketing or suspiciously low prices.
Older cars especially benefit from aftermarket options since OEM parts can get scarce and overpriced real quick. I've kept my old Civic running strong for years thanks to carefully chosen aftermarket parts. Just gotta stay sharp and trust your gut—if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Good points about OEM vs aftermarket—I've had mixed results myself. Speaking of keeping older cars running, does anyone know if Illinois insurance rules get stricter or more complicated for vehicles over a certain age? Seems unclear from what I've read online...
