Just wondering if there is a known “list” of parts that should never be replaced with anything other than Toyota OEM parts.
My axle boot is ripped and I’m preparing to pay for a new front left axle. I see non-OEM parts for under $100, while OEM is over $500.
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Cheap brake pads, oxygen sensors, knock sensors, tpms sensors, maf sensors, duralast alternators
I work in Toyota parts and these are the most common comebacks for parts
If you buy a non-OEM axle, you’ll get non-OEM axle service life and ride quality.
On my car, I would never use aftermarket parts for:
- Load bearing suspension parts (struts, ball joints, control arms, etc) because they affect ride quality.
- Major engine components or accessories, new or remanufactured (heads, pistons, cams, VVTI, water pump, or alternator) because I don’t trust the service live and because they can cause major damage to other components if they fail catastrophically.
- Major body components (glass, bumpers, paint)
Things I would use quality aftermarket for:
- Oil
- Filters (oil, intake, and cabin)
- Drive belts
- Consumables (light bulbs, fuses)
- Things that are unlikely to cause major damage if they fail or aren’t perfect (head or tail light lenses, covers, body clips, floor mats)
If you go aftermarket, go quality. Don’t buy the cheapest and expect it to match Toyota quality and don’t buy the most expensive and expect a miracle.
Beware of counterfeit parts if you buy OEM online. They’re getting popular with scammers. Never trust Amazon reviewers.
It’s funny because over 5 years of Camry ownership I’ve never seen anyone claim you needed OEM anything. I have a Saab now and there’s a consensus among the community that for spark plugs if it’s not NGK it won’t run correctly. I was under the impression that’s another reason to pick the Japanese brands (and the Detroit big three to a lesser extent) over anything euro