How to Make Your Car Last Forever: Avoid Expensive Repairs, Improve Fuel Economy, Understand Your Warranty, Save Money

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OEM VERSUS AFTERMARKET


Let’s say that your repair shop calls you at home to inform you that your
alternator needs to be replaced and the estimated cost is $120. This cost breaks
down to $90 for the alternator and $30 for the labor. You say to yourself, “Wait a
minute, where’s yesterday’s paper?” After rooting through the trash for 10
minutes you triumphantly return with the paper raised above your head looking
like a victorious knight who just returned from battle. You exclaim, “Here it is! I
knew I saw a sale on alternators!” The ad pitches “the same” alternator on sale at
the local discount auto parts store for $29.95. You call your garage back and tell
them you’re going to supply the parts (Why not? You’ll save about $60). The
garage says they will install the part, but there will be no warranty. You agree, no
problem. The part is installed and goes bad in four months (just 30 days out of
warranty!). Both the garage and the local discount auto parts store deny any
warranty responsibilities. You have to purchase another alternator and pay to
have it installed. Wasn’t such a bargain after all, was it?

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