Junk Parts , Junk Results: Why You Should Never Buy Cheap Parts 

I installed the AISIN kit two years ago on my '07 Forester thanks to your EJ253 SOHC timing belt video! 24k miles later, I have zero issues. Your videos saved me hundred$ if not thousand$ of dollar$ on maintaining my aging Subaru. Brakes, ball joints, CV joints/axles, I did it all myself with NO previous experience thanks to you! Accumulated a nice collection of tools in the process as well.

I remember when you were camera shy when we work on our weak points is when we grow .

A lesson learned from my father (50+ years as a mechanic) who taught me the trade (me now a 40+year mechanic). Never use customer parts and Never take something apart until you have parts to put back on. Quality is remembered long after price had been forgotten. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work. I like your work ethnic.

I'll second the Subaru brand parts. Their online network has schematics that makes finding parts much easier. Their cross-reference is a bit goofy, but as long as you're diligent with the Subaru branded comparability, it's a safe bet. I'm in the middle of a manual swap and they have some odd ball parts for not much that I can't find anywhere else. They also use the same parts for 20 years so it's gonna be available and cheap. No other OEM does this.

People choose to drive Japanese cars because they are reliable. If you start changing a Japanese car into a Chinese car piece by piece it quickly turns into an unreliable Chinese car. I totally agree with you regarding OEM parts made in Japan. Virtually everything made in Japan is superior quality. It is in their culture to produce quality. I Drive a 30 year old Toyota LandCruiser that is serviced by me with only Japanese Parts. It remains just as reliable as the day it left the factory. I wouldn't even fit a Chinese air freshener. I wonder if the customer ever got to see this video so they can understand what you were trying to say and what we all say in the comments. I never ever read one comment saying how reliable Chinese products are. Not one.

Need more good honest mechanics like you in this world!

Mr Subaru does not have to do these shows. He is a caring gentleman. Thank you Mr. Subaru for what you do.

a shop put a new aftermarket coil into my sisters outback to fix a misfire, the misfire returned a week later......I put a genuine subaru coil on it and haven't had an issue since moog heavy duty swaybar links are really good(thick construction and is greaseable) and I will not use any other brand swaybar link, they are pretty cheap on rock auto

I bought my son a 2002 Dodge 2500 when he got old enough to drive. Shortly after we got it, at 120,000 miles, the original water pump failed. Sent my wife to the local parts store while I was at work and they sold her the cheapest replacement they had. Put it on on day off the next day. Not a year later I was converting the steering to 3rd gen setup and, while underneath, noticed the drip off the AC compressor (telltale sign of leaking "weep hole" in water pump). This time I picked up the twice as expensive genuine Cummins water pump and put it on. Lesson learned. Good advice you offer in this video.

I´m with you 100% on it. Installed a Aftermarket Rear Crank Seal on my Girlfriends 97 impreza wagon, leaked worse than it did before. it wasn´t even a bad brand, they are oem parts for a lot of german cars. Had to pull the engine again and it will get a OE Subaru one now. never using aftermarket parts on subarus again.

It seems to me that many times those customers who want cheap parts put on their car are the ones who will scream in your face the loudest when those parts go bad. (even though you did the best you could). I remember hearing a story about a guy who came in with a van where all the brakes were bad - so dangerous that the shop turned the guy away when he refused the quote - started telling the shop they were just trying to rip him off.

I always get nervous when someone else works on my car, because of previous disasters and I really like doing my own work, with that said, I would definitely trust you working on my vehicle. You are a very conciencious mechanic. Much respect.

I’m with you 100% on this as well Mr.

"Una y no más, Santo Tomás" I agree with you. Always OEM spare parts when we are replacing parts that have been designed and manufactured by vehicle Brand, (engine, gearbox, supension and steering components, headlights, external mirrors, some windshields…)

A known used working part is better than an unknown cheap part.

Regarding belt kits, here in Europe its 600€ from a dealer. Full engine rebuild at independant garage costs 800€, aftermarket belt kit 200€. So far I'm taking my chances, no problems.

Doing the timing belt next week on my 04 Forester XT, will do water pump with genuine cast impeller type, replacing all the bolts as well for the idlers and pulleys, got to do one of the rocker cover gaskets as well, doing coolant, thermostat, hoses; replacing all gaskets etc will be all genuine Subaru parts being used. If you are patient and prepare in advance you can source genuine parts at good prices.

You're a good man to put up with that nonsense and help that customer out. What can you do ? Some people just simply like to learn the hard way

Well hopefully you learned, don't strip the car down until you see the parts. Unless it's a trusted customer. Another great video!

I learned my lesson after replacing 3 distributor caps in 6 months in my 99 blazer. As soon as I switched to an acdelco I had no more issues

I agree 100% with you. I've made the mistake several times buying cheap parts trying to save some money but won't be doing it again. Within a year and half, I had 2 aftermarket power steering pumps( AC Delco & Cardone) fail on my 02 WRX. Installed an OEM one and havent any issues whatsoever. With my 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, I've made the mistake several time trying to save some money and every time its come back to bite me... Cheap aftermarket wheel bearings, ball joints, rear shocks all failed within a couple of months. Detroit Axle remanufactured power steering rack failed right out of the box. Ended up buying OEM parts and havent had any issues since.

Totally agree with you on this! We will sometimes do this for customers depending on what it is. High ticket items, we tell them the risk is to great to go cheap. Smaller items like brake work, sure. But just like you, we tell them flat out before doing anything, that there will not be any warranty on the repair.

And that’s why I don’t go on business on my own, the world is FULL of dishonest people. Great video.

Another great video. I am a official fan. Been in and out of auto repairs for 40 years. Got out because of the frustration you just went threw. Always tried to help customers but to a fault. Allowed customers to bring there junk parts and more then once it bit me in the butt. Thousands of dollars. Just don’t do it no more. Just work on my own 07 outback with 200k. 👍👍

This is so sad! Mainly because the customer is stubborn about using Subaru parts. I get it, OEM parts are more expensive, but usually necessary. The only after market parts I use are brakes, mainly because I’ve used aftermarket breaks my whole like and have been fine. But before I sold my 08 Impreza I had to replace the gas door cable because it snapped. Guess where I went to go buy it...! 100% with you sir!

I agree that for many parts the OEM parts are best. There are many exceptions however, such as the water pump / timing belt kits you mentioned and things like Moog stabilizer bar links and ball joints - which are much stronger (and greasable) than the half plastic OEM ones. For wheel bearings I prefer Timken for the price. For oil filters I prefer the Mazda (ROKI) ones that Subaru used to use and are better quality. Of course going beyond OEM for things like heavier sway bars (Whiteline) for better wind stability, or skid plates such as those by Primative Racing just make sense if you drive your Subaru on anything but pavement.

Done that learned my lesson. Just say NO ! Write no warranty on th back of th R.O. or pass it down to the next available tech because I magical got over loaded with work. A few hours off the pay period makes less difference than the heartbreak to follow.

Completely agree with you about only using OEM parts. I could feel your frustration through the video about being forced to put on el-cheapo aftermarket parts.

I’ve been using all oem parts in my 03 wagon. Besides mishimoto radiator and tubing, y pipe up. It’s all been pretty turn key replacing with your videos and help from a buddy👍🏼

Aisin kit is all I will use now after these videos. I’ve done a handful of timing belt/water pumps on Subaru’s and always had good luck with gates kits. I’ve always tossed the water pump and gone oem so I can’t speak for the gates pumps. The last one I did was on my 03 legacy gt last year. I got the kit and saw that gates had switched to cheap Chinese idlers and such. Apparently there is two kits they offer now. A Chinese kit and a more expensive Japan kit. I ended up getting the Japan kit and haven’t had any issues after about 20k. Cross my fingers it stays that way. Like I said though, aisin is the only kit I’ll buy now. Thanks for the videos!

I’m experienced with yamada pumps. I was a technician that serviced many of their diaphragm pumps. A bit over complicated compared too Wilson or sandpiper but used quite a lot in food processing. Very good quality brand, Yamada.

I did watch the whole video. You pointed out a really good example of using poor crappy parts. . BTW, I see you are really putting your Fuel cordless right angle grinder to the test!! Thank you!!

I have experienced the exact same type of kit. The tensioner lasted the guy not even 20k miles, let go and took out every intake valve in 2008 Legacy. I use aftermarket parts all of the time, but there are times when I will not use them

Wow man. I been bound up on this myself. A few years ago against my better judgement installed a "cheaper" kit and it failed. So, I have seen and learned this myself.

I agree that subaru run better with genuine parts. I once had a 2001 2.5 outback which kept over heating, yet there was no loss of fluid. My local garage then changed the gate/valve for a non genuine valve costing £50, but it didnt resolve the issue. They then wanted to change the radiator, but then spotted a small hole in the head gasket.... Was a common issue over the miles with that model. Head gasket was changed, costing me £1000,but, you guessed it, it didn't resolve the issue, was still overheating. I then googled an American website regarding such issues and a chap stated that he had gone through such issues, in fact he had also changed his radiator and gaskets, valves/ thermostat (for non geninue), changed all radiator pipes and sensors. He was getting to the point that he was about to change the ECU. But decided to replace/ swapthe newly fitted valve /gate/thermostat to a genuine part, and hallelujah, this resolved the issue. He found out later that the genuine part had a wider bore, width, therefore so more coolant would flow through. From this, I asked my local garage to replace the said part, valve, for a genuine part. It was only £40, cheaper than the non geninue. It shows that some garages are in the habit of just buying non genuine, admittedly to try to save the customer money, but this experience cost me dear. Anyways, this resolved the issue, temp was back to normal. I also find similar if a garage put a non genuine air filter into my subaru. The car still runs OK, but there is something missing. Similar to if I put supermarket fuel into my car (I now drive a H6 2006 outback) , its not as happy as say BP or shell or esso petrol etc. My son has a 2.0 impreza, and was complaining that it was lacking power. We then had it fully serviced, new sparks etc, but it was still sluggish. I then found out he had been using supermarket petrol for months. I suggested using BP standard unleaded. He actually filled it with BP ultimate, that's the higher octane in the UK, and as soon as he drove away from the filling station, he reported that is suddenly restored its power. It just shows you that cheap doesn't pay. Subarus deserve better anyway

I just wanted to say thank you, I needed to do a timing belt replacement and I looked online and ended up with that exact crappy Chinese kit. I was gunna install it but it looked like crap. I was debating on actually installing it but then I saw this video and your other one about the aisin kit and I quickly got that kit and am now returning the crap one. Thanks

I replaced the timing belt in my 2011 2.5 legacy. I followed a recommendation from a mechanic and used a USA made belt from gates. 10 month and 30,000 miles later. Bye bye belt, I was lucky my engine didn't suffer any damage.

And that's why I did not install customer supplied parts ...well extreamly rarely anyway ...but never when it comes to that type of repair because that's just a very bad experience for all involved waiting to happen

A very good example and good reminder to use good parts.

Thanks for this video! I would love to have these longer-form videos in podcast form as well, even if it's nothing fancy or official. Either way, great info!

So I just put some brighter headlight bulbs in my car. Only took 1 1/2 hours, taking my time lol. I kinda miss my 93 pick up. But man I hate that the person befor me but those grey caps on wrong. I ended up breaking a clip. Lol

I think this was a learning moment for you personally because this customer was trying to unload their problems onto you under their dictate of how things should go according to them. Never let the customer push you around because of a sob story, smooth talking or outright belligerence and yelling. Their problems aren't your problems. Obviously be professional but have teeth where necessary, it's your shop not theirs. All you can do is tell them what you would charge them, what you will use and how long it would take to repair under your terms. I've seen this exact situation happen where customers step on toes and try and lock in different prices from different vendors and then have the audacity to run their mouths and therefore run your name through the mud. Lesson is: if the customer is making demands from a position of weakness be very careful how you handle that situation they could be trying to hold you hostage with their car.

Been there done that. Customer didnt wanna pay for the kit, just a water pump please...but the worn belt, but the grinding idler, but but but...NOPE just do the water pump...ooook customers always right🤔

Totally agree with you. I learned the hard way. I was young dumb and broke. Bought a timing belt kit off ebay for cheap. Mind you it was for a lil 95 civic. Damn belt snapped and left me stranded. Lucky for me, i had a non interference motor so no bent valves. Might not be the case for others. Lessoned learned big time. No junk parts. OEM all day.

Great video and time saver....Go with OEM ! Btw, "Cheap Parts + Cheap Customers = Expensive Repairs" Cheers

Just saw a 22b STI and reminded me of you

I am with you on that. We always used OEM parts for my cars. I just replaced my rear breaks on my Legacy Limited 2015 and I used the pads supply by Subaru. Those electric brakes are a pain in the back but we got it done 😫😫😫. I also did replaced the spark plugs with Subaru's parts. Some people want to do penny wise and dollar foolish. Too bad for them.

I learned the hard way. Totally agree with you.

Glad I watched this video and saw the poorly aligned parts those people bought for the job. People often think they are being ripped off with the cost of repairs but this goes to show they are ripping themselves off when they buy cheap parts. False economy!

Just got me a set of Subaru oem wheel cylinder grommets repair kit. I’d rather overhaul the originals than buy chinese ones. Subaru dealers give a good 20% off when you buy parts online. Good video!

Shows the issue with any car brands parts pricing, if they scaled back their margins, they would get volume sales, they price themselves out of many workshop jobs, they are simply too expensive.

When I did my 22R timing chain, and guides I looked up the cheapest parts I could get. Then I started to watch videos on it, and learned to get METAL guides for it. Toyota went cheap with them, so not everything original is good.

Moon products are questionable I did mood hub assembly went bad after several months great vid tho Robert i have changed my views about am parts even aautozone and advance parts aswell

I have the same view of putting parts on. I'll at least go through a parts store for parts. That's my way of saving them money. Because yes, it's not as cheap as rockauto/amazon. But it's generally a little cheaper to much cheaper than what a dealership would charge for parts. They think parts stores cost a lot, so they find it even cheaper. But when you compare the parts stores to dealerships, it's pretty much the same comparison. And I've been using o'reilly's for a few years now and have never had any issues out of the parts I use from there. For most parts they're generally readily available. Order it early enough in the day and have it same day. After 3, it's first thing next day or around noon. Compare that to up to a week or more to order offline. As well as, like you were saying, if there is a problem that arises with a part I just put on. It's a quick trip up to see about swapping for a new one. Instead of spending all the hassle of trying to return parts online, waiting for money to transfer, etc. And you did also bring up the parts mark up, which a lot of people look at as shady. But if you go to any shop (at least in my home town) they buy their parts (the same ones I get) at a generously discounted price, and still charge you a percentage more than the over the counter price for it. It's how literally any shop makes money. Because if you paid what it actually costs, then the only money you make is for labor. Which for me doesn't usually amount to much for the amount of work I put in. It's hard for anyone who isn't in the automotive repair industry to understand these things. I try to help people out when charging for labor. But in doing so, I hurt myself by not making as much as I should be for how much time and effort I put in to making a quality repair. I take my work seriously, and it's a bit of a slap in the face when I'm expected to install parts that I know are junk or won't last as long as what the customer would like it to. As you were saying. It's my reputation on the line. So when anything happens to the vehicle after I've worked on it, it's automatically my fault. You get too many of those and nobody will ever bring work to you. Then comes the going out of business sales. All the time, money, and effort that went in to even trying to make the business. Wasted. Because people are too cheap to buy a quality part. Which in some cases they are literally putting their life in the hands of. Especially suspension components. It's not a matter of if the part breaks, because all parts wear out. It's what you're doing when it does. Something like that could be catastrophic. All for the sake of saving a few bucks. Good quality parts last a good long while and usually let you know well in advance when they're going bad, and give you a fair amount of time before it gets real bad. Cheap junk parts work kind of ok, until they don't. And you never know when they'll go bad. Could be a couple days/weeks/years. But that's not the kind of gamble I want to take a chance on

The Japanese have partner OEM suppliers. This group of partners is called their Koritsu. When buying online for any critical component I always verify that it is manufactured by an OEM supplier for quality reasons.

I need to do the 60K service on my Evolution IX. I hear talk of $250. Must be nice. The timing belt kit, including the water pump, is about $750 for the Evo. To be fair, I've had the car for the past 14 years and this is my first real expense, other than the usual (fluids, tires, pads). Still, I'd much rather spend $250. Enjoyed the video. Totally agree regarding aftermarket junk.

I’m with you on this one, a few weeks ago I had a customer bring in a Chevy Trailblazer with a cracked exhaust manifold. They had bought a Chinese replacement from eBay that included a gasket. No matter what I tried the gasket would not seal to the cylinder head. OE gasket and an additional hour of labor had to be charged. Cheap parts are extremely aggravating.

I have seen it with the aftermarket fuel pumps,junk and OEM is the way to go.Rock Auto is actually a wholesaler,they have no warehouses buying from the competition reselling the parts.Customer supplied parts,the part is sometimes the wrong part too and have encountered this a few times.NGK also makes the AC Delco spark plugs for GM

Yeah what you said at 2:56... the Aisin and Denso parts often just get a Subaru or toyota stamp. The Aisin and Denso part just doesn't have the OEM brand name but it is literally the same part. I've been using Aisin and Denso parts in place of Toyota branded OEM parts for years with no issues on my 86 4runner. That said thats the only workaround I do, I research and find out who makes the parts for toyota and if I can't find the OE manufacturer I'll get it through the toyota online parts discount program. I would never use parts store brand parts on my vehicles .... no Moog or any of that crap either. It's just penny wise dollar stupid to use crappy parts. You might end up having to replace a crappy part in 6 months so you are paying for crappy part and labor and then paying for the good part and labor a second time. Might as well just pay once. Thats the best case scenario is paying twice... you might end up with a catastrophe from using sub par parts. Also just be aware that getting parts from amazon can be bit iffy these days because even if you find what looks like the OE kit it could be Chinese counterfeit which is becoming a big problem lately. The worst part of dealing with customers like you had in this video is you are damned if you do damned if you don't. You know that when those shitty parts fail they aren't going to blame themselves for buying junk parts, for sure it's going to be your fault in their eyes.

Only the finest eBay parts go on my Mitsubishi Eclipse 😂

You must still kinda like that white U.S. General toolbox. It looks like a pretty good deal. I bought my Forester from someone who had a shop do headgaskets on it, and after working on it, I've always questioned the work they did. It also uses quite a bit of oil, so who knows what's been done to it.

What a freaking nightmare !!!!! Sorry you had to go thru all that BS.

%100 agree unless you know your quality after market parts that are beneficial to the car as well not just for the sake of making the car look good or sound better when in fact it’s doing more harm. My mechanic is the same he will refuse to do such work as he sees it that’s his name and reputation cause when ( only matter of time ) when things go wrong they blame the mechanic the company and never themselves and knowingly the shitty parts despite multiple times not to install it and being warned. Again great content wish you worked here in Australia mate need more honest people like you that take pride in their work still.

Learned that some years back when I bought a new ICM for about $250 only to find it didn't have the pin for the crank position sensor(didn't notice when first assembling), start the car, no tachometer and timing badly off. Wasted, about 2 hours labor, $250 on the now useless part and another $350 for the quality part. tried to save $100, ended up losing $250.

Well that was amusing :-) I began my mechanic career as a "Factory Trained" Subaru tech in 1974, when my day consisted of FF1Gs and DL/GL 1400s (and the occasional 360). I've not worked at a Subie dealer in ages, but have owned many, still maintain some for family & friends, and they hold a special place. Sooner than later, every wise tech will arrive where you are: very fussy about the parts you install, for all the reasons you mention. It is still a very satisfying process to open an Aisin kit and see all the OE-quality goodness!

Again with you 100%

Lol my 2008 Legacy 3.0R with 234000 miles, has proven that to me especially with power steering pumps. Unless it’s a high-quality aftermarket part, Or OEM part. I usually don’t go for it. Although as of now it has OEM parts from the junkyard like two axles a power steering pump and an alternator. And she runs great. She’s my junkyard princess LOL but I totally agree with you don’t buy cheap parts, almost always use Subaru genuine parts. Subaru parts.com is one of my favorites. Then again my Subaru being my first car I have learned almost everything about maintaining it and fixing it from you so thanks.

I'm pretty big on finding who makes the OEM part too, saves a ton of cash. Which is why it drives me nuts I haven't been able to find, for sure, who makes super blue coolant. Most expensive coolant I've ever bought, and it kills me every time I buy it. I've also been having good luck with going on Subaru dealer sites, searching for the part number I need, and finding it on Amazon. I think everyone kind of needs this experience as a lesson. I thought it wasn't a big deal when I started maintaining my cars myself. But just handling an oem part vs an auto zone part, the difference in quality is very apparent. And man, if Mr. Subaru quoted me 720 bucks to change my timing belt, I'd be throwing the money at him, buying him lunch and staying TF out of his way.

Lesson learned....never tear into a car without parts....and always inspect parts making sure you have the correct parts....have had boxed and packaged wrong parts before....not speaking from experience of course

I agree with you 100% you get what you pay for if you buy that cheap junk head gaskets head bolts and so forth especially for Subarus and other cars is going to fail and you going to be doing the job again I did some research on Asian Auto Parts they are made in South Korea South Korea is a big maker of Japanese Auto Parts they make 40% of a lot of Japanese car parts and they are good parts little more expensive but you better spend that extra money listen this guy knows what he's talking about

Never use Chinese axles! Cost me a little under 1K to fix because of my mis-diagnosis. Spend the extra 100 per axle and buy genuine Subaru. You’ll save yourself a lot of aggravation.

very interesting material. I was thikning many times on using cheap parts on my spare car but aftre this video, never consider it again. costs twice even i m reparing my cars myself...

I realize this is old news now, but my god what a mess. I'm so glad I found your videos and because of that I put an Aisin kit in my 2011 Outback. I am pretty sure I would have bought a Gates kit otherwise, because with belts they used to be a good name. That, and this lady either should buy you a puppy or something for your troubles, or have one hell of a kick in the ass and NEVER be allowed within 100m of your shop.

Great help getting your insight thank! I agree and like to go with factory but the problem here are the counter part people. It’s discouraging when you have an older car 98 and they make issue about researching and ordering. The attitude is like just to much trouble so buy a new car would you. There are 3 dealerships with in 30 minutes and they are all the same- unfortunately.

In Perú there Is a phrase that says "cheap stuff Is expensive"

Most customers don't realize that parts mark up is to cover the labor if warranty work is needed. They want to save a few bucks, and then get mad at you when it cost them hundreds of dollars to warranty out their supplied parts.

That poor EJ253...sigh Got the Aisin kit myself 3 years ago for my 07' Legacy and no issues with timing components. I believe I had the Yamada pump in my Legacy, I'd have to dig it out and look.

getting oem parts in australia is a real headache, often you wind things in stock locally and will have to wait to have it shipped from japan, apart from that the people who do sell the oem stuff inflate the prices and it gets a bit insulting tbh. it kind of leaves you in a position where if you need to do a quick fix and keep the car on the road you are left with no other options

Buy cheap buy twice. Good example for customers to stick with OEM genuine parts if they want to keep their car on the road

Wow, that's some crazy stuff!! That offset surface on that water pump is absolutely horrendous, and then to have a shitty tensioner too. Ughhh. I've had good luck sticking to just Aisin or Contitech too.

genuine old always better bet than cheap off brand new . I see original fuji pumps on non turbo motors leak free and pretty good bearing state at over 200K . The oem bearings and tensioners that cheap out of subaru packaging no one needs buy no brand junk . I use aisin kits or make my own up with oem bearings and Dayco belts and they quality/value and fit right and last right . Suspension another good area where buying cheap parts cost you more and ruin the car . Suspension parts from mainland japan like triple 5 (555) and Kayaba Japan good and can be good saving over subaru oem . Napa do some nice high quality greasable balljoints that I liking but they no cheaper . I rather deal with used parts over budget poor quality new as you actually bolting on worse parts than you throwing away most times ...

Another excellent video., thank you for showing us!

I miss when gates used to be good.... now they are so cheap I fear them

Nice vid... well explained. LoL I winced when u said u tore the car down.. I knew what was coming next. Could’ve been worse if the car sat in your shop tore apart and the customer never had parts to bring you :)

I wonder if this was a big lesson of being too nice. I work in IT and I feel I have to be rigid, it protects everyone. But as you said, buy cheap, get a cheap result. Get OEM, set and forget

Subaru warranties some of their OEM genuine parts for a period of time which is a nice bonus. Japanese made parts are almost always better quality.

OMG OEM is the way to go!!! LOL AISIN is the best for your import jobs OEM QUALITY!!!

Mannn I wish I watched this earlier just installed a gates kit on my 07 wrx

I will USE oem parts on my new 22 REX 👍🏼

I wish every shop owner would talk to their insurance company. Ask them what will happen if they install customer supplied parts, a catastrophic failure occurs and they’re sued. Would they be covered? It would open some eyes! They can write “no guarantee” on the invoice all they want but, it’s not going to save their ass in court. The judge is likely to say, “You’re supposed to be the expert, yet you folded and installed the parts anyway. I find for the plaintiff.”

One website I always keep bookmarked is SubaruPartsForYou. They are a network of Subaru dealerships that like to provide genuine parts direct to consumers, and all the times I've ordered from there it ships from one of those dealerships.

I bought a 35$ ac compressor for my 07 civic hybrid at junkyard and, 15k miles after this thing just work s fine as ever :D

I work at a Indy shop and it Kills me everytime I take a nice factory lightweight alloy caliper off and bolt up a "brake best" cast caliper on...there is a reason the factory parts are spendy, they are superior quality!!!

Got an 04 outback just replaced all 4 struts with autozones duralast struts and duralast front wheel bearings and hubs. But when it comes to the motor I'll always use OEM parts.

Can’t agree more. All the Chinese parts I put on my ‘99 forester are junk. I’m paying the price doing my head gaskets for a second time. I did buy an aisin kit and the tensioner was junk. Failed.. luckily timing belt guard at the crank prevented jumping teeth. Don’t buy cheap parts

That customer straight up intended to deceive you and I wouldn't have faulted you for making them tow that car out of your shop after you had torn it down.

Great video, thank you 🙏🏼.

I also think in a couple years Toyota will probably buy the rest of Subaru since Toyota has some interest in Fuji heavy-metal as well.

Wow at least the gates kit looked half decent. But with now owning a Subaru I will be putting a good Aisin timing kit in the car. I believe it has a Carquest kit in it. All Chineseium.

I always go with OEM parts from Japan. Cuz I want my Subaru last longer.