Wondering if people stick to OEM part if it would cost more versus a cheaper alternative, that work the same (like a $600 difference example). Thinking about the logic behind it. Especially with shops.

 

I work in aftermarket, and have done so most of workng life, with a few deviations in dealerships along the way.

Very few car makers actually MAKE their parts anymore, they are made by some "contractor" somewhere, and generally fit other cars etc as well. That alternative fitment is not esay to find.

I look at what is out there, brand names help a tad, and then check the Genuine price, availabilty, etc, and make a decision on the day.

OE or OEM is prostituted way too much these days.

OE is Original Equipment.
OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Make of what you wish.

 

Snag can be that a cheaper part does not by any means always work the same. Sometimes they don't even work.

COPs are an example. Also air filters. Oh and bulbs.

 

I can understand the classic muscle scene by finding everything still intact which is rare. I was just looking at the catalytic converter and I was sLAPPED IN THE FACE whaaaat!!! Those magnaflows are looking pretty nice .

 

I think you will find that Magnaflow has been an acceptable replacement cat on these cars.

Gus
www.jagrepair.com

 

To say I'm cheap is an understatement. I even have a Scotsman's wallet, with a velcro flap that screams when opened.

When deciding how much to spend on parts, whether from the dealer ($$$$$) or no-name parts (½$), or anywhere in between, I generally aim for the middle ground. I stay away from the least expensive stuff, knowing full well there is a good reason some vendor could sell it dirt cheap. (Chinese electronics are enough to make a grown many cry.) On the other hand, I hate spending any more than absolutely necessary, so I rarely go with dealer parts, except for some specific instances.

What I've found works best for me is to purchase from the original manufacturer that produced the part for Jaguar. For example, was it Bosch that made the O2 sensors on the early models? Having a brain fart, would have to research that. But whoever that manufacturer was, they will gladly sell me the same part they sold to Jaguar. The main difference is the same part will come in an ordinary Bosch box instead of an apparently gold-plated, diamond-crusted Jaguar box.

Another factor is to consider is what would happen if a part failed or wore out prematurely. If a part is not critical and is relatively easy to change, I might go with a decent quality part from a good chain like NAPA. For example, I bought a set of front brake pads and discs there several years ago. They've worked great. They seem to be high quality, and even if they weren't top notch parts (although I doubt it), the pads and discs aren't going to suddenly disintegrate and put me in a ditch somewhere. They might wear out a little sooner, although so far they seem to be holding up perfectly fine. These are easy enough to change, so I'm fine if I only get 90% of the life if I'd gone with genuine Jaguar parts.

If a part is difficult to access, it's getting a genuine Jaguar (or equivalent) part. The ignition coils on the RH bank of the V6 come to mind. That's not a place to gamble with low-prices coils.

If there's not a huge price differential, I do like to go with factory parts whenever possible. It's a poorly kept secret that our cars were built with many Ford parts. The forum has an extensive list of Ford parts that are identical to what Jaguar will sell you. My employer does a lot of business with nearby Ford truck dealership, so I get a huge discount. This lets me purchase genuine MotorCraft parts at a price comparable to regular parts at NAPA. That's probably my favorite option. Even if you don't get a discount, you can find MotorCraft parts online at very reasonable prices. That's probably the best of all worlds, as you get the identical parts offered by Jaguar by at down-to-earth prices. Not giveaway prices, mind you, but still very reasonable for the quality you get.

If working on a transmission, I recommend dealing with a transmission parts specialist. Jaguar can only sell you factory-specified parts. Meanwhile, a transmission specialist might have something like an aftermarket shift kit that firms up the shifting behavior, which prolongs the service life. Jaguar can't sell you that because it isn't in their official parts network.

Same goes with suspension parts, I think. If the bushings or ball joints in a suspension arm wear out, Jaguar may only be authorized to sell you the entire arm assembly. (Not 100% sure, but someone will correct me if I'm wrong...) Meanwhile, an aftermarket vendor might have a repair kit that will save you a LOT of money.

 

Forgot to mention the one application for which NOBODY should ever buy genuine Jaguar parts:

The stock Spin-O-Matic lug nuts.

Plenty of discussion on the forum about solid replacements that can actually be removed when needed.

On the same subject, there can be a substantial weight savings if keeping the original lug nuts. Since you're not likely to be able to loosen those cursed lug nuts by the side of the road if you have a flat, especially if using the matching Round-O-Matic lug wrench, there's no point in carrying the spare. Might as well take it out and save some weight, plus gain some extra storage space under the trunk floor. That would be a good place to store a pair of comfy walking shoes to make sure you can always get home.

 

Tuck a can of Fix-A-Flat in those walking shoes and you might not ever need them.