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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:	Cars in the UK
Notice:	Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:	COMICS::SHELLEYELD

Created:	Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2584
Total number of notes:	63384

2087.0. "Pattern or 'Genuine' parts?" by PEKING::GERRYT () Thu May 20 1993 15:34

    HAs anyone any horror stories relating to fitting 'pattern' parts
    instead of genuine replacement parts on any vehicles.
    Do any marques fare better/worse than others?
    
    I've a VW Passat, and wondered whether it's worth the initial saving to
    fit pattern parts, seeing as now the exchange rate makes the original
    parts so expensive. Front headlamp 87.44 pounds (just the glass and
    reflector unit!)
    
    A company near London "Euro Car Parts" advertises in the VW
    magazines...was just wondering what they're like.
    
    Thanks
    
    Tim

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2087.1	DON'T WORRY... GO FOR THE REPLICA PART!	SUBURB::PARTRIDGES	Stefan Partridge	`Thu May 20 1993 15:42`	19
	Hi Golf Man here. The place in question, I have been to many times with my mate as we both own Golfs. The replica parts ar O.k. and are of a good standard, so its worth travelling there, but make sure its in stock before you go down, as alot of people go there at the weekend. If you are looking at a headlamp and glass, why worry over just a headlamp and glass, the thing to worry about when it comes to mechnical parts. My advise is go ahead and save your money, if you are still worried contact hella and ask them how much they do the part for. You can get these sort of items from Lucas. I hope my advise has helped GOLF MAN
2087.2	It depends	RDGENG::RUSLING	Dave Rusling REO2 G/E9 830-4380	`Thu May 20 1993 16:00`	6
	I've mostly been lucky, but I have had a replacement alternator from Cafco that was totally naff and burnt out rapidly (they did give me my money back, but it was inconvenient). Dave
2087.3		NEWOA::CROME_A		`Thu May 20 1993 16:31`	12
	Go for it ! The only time I would be cautious would be with body panels In my experience they can be good, and you may think they look great - but once the car is sprayed they show any tiny inconsistancy with panel lines and shape. As for a headlamp - I'd be suprised if VW made them themselves anyway, I think its a Bosch unit. Andy
2087.4		PEKING::GERRYT		`Fri May 21 1993 17:29`	7
	It's a Hella unit, and our local (non- VW) garage could not source a 'pattern' model!! I was stitched up by VW.....and no 'breakers' with correct stock in. there are so many types of Passat headlamp unit! Tim
2087.5	Some good, some bad...	CMOTEC::JASPER		`Mon May 24 1993 13:45`	15
	...As for pattern headlamps, I needed a unit for my Carlton. As the car is also labelled OPel in other countries, my friendly mechanic told me of 3 vendors who made the unit, & got me the cheapest. Now, as for pattern parts in general : Eurofitquick exhaust systems dont seem to last as long as genuine Vauxhall. Also on my mini I replaced a CVJ with a LES Smith pattern. The original CVJ lasted 8 years, the pattern 9 months, definitely a bad buy. My advice is for load-bearing parts, BUY GENUINE. Tony
2087.6	Who can Say	WOTVAX::BANKSM	Out to Lunch	`Tue May 25 1993 09:56`	7
	Just a thought, but when you buy "genuine" parts, how do you know what you are getting ? I used to work at a garage where we regulaly went out and bought non-Ford (Motorcraft) parts and put them on the punters cars (and presumably charged them the "Ford" price). I also unwittingly got my exhaust done at another Ford Main Dealers, thinking that it's worth the extra for a genuine exhaust 'cos it'll last longer... only it didn't. Did I get stitched up ?
2087.7	Confused? you will be ......	WOTVAX::STONEG	So hard, finding inspiration....	`Tue May 25 1993 10:15`	4
	Martin, I thought 'Motorcraft' were genuine Ford parts ??? Confused_of_Warrington