It's all about the quality of the part.
Very little is made in the US today.
I have had the best luck with "Made in Japan" after replacing too many "Made in China" GM AC Delco parts.
It's not so much the cost of the part, but the of labor to have it done.
Part: $40, Labor: $400+.
If you can do it yourself, it's the best route.
My first AC Delco Ignition switch was done by the Chevy Dealer.
They said that they had to take the entire Dash out to replace the switch.
That was 4 hours of labor plus the switch.
Ouch!
Lasted less than a year.
The second one lasted a little over a year.
The third "Made in Japan" is doing well.
Thankfully, I found Dicktator, SSRFanatic and MIKE IN AZ after that.
Here is what I noticed on some parts when comparing the original part to the replacement:
- Plastic has replaced metal
-Seals and Gaskets are thinner
-Rubber is thinner
-Different Metal, e.g. no more brass on brake hoses.
Now, I alway try to find a better quality part.
Maintenance is expensive.
However, if Mike in AZ ( Simple Engineering) has it, I stop there.
It's not just Auto Parts today, it's parts for everything.
Take a look at you 2" X 4".
