I was just pricing up parts for my dash overhaul and there is decent price difference between Mopar and aftermarket heater core and ac evaporator

$36 for spectra heater core, $135 for Mopar

$49 for four seasons evaporator, $330 for Mopar

Mopar or nocar? I'm having a hard time justifying the over $300 price difference just for a genuine oe part. Any input?

 

 

That's the issue. Name brand parts that were great 5 years ago could be complete garbage now because of a change in suppliers.

Great responses! I'm not promoting a think tank or any of that such, but it's great to see the responses of experience on this forum. It gets me thinking outside my own box 

Most of the discussions here end up becoming a "think tank" of sorts. It just seems to be what happens when people are able to get together and share their thoughts and opinions without name calling, purse swinging, hurt feelings, or severe cases of sandy mangina that are found on some of the other forums.   

Purse swinging?

20 minutes ago, Royal Squire said:

Purse swinging?

The side affect of sandy mangina syndrome. 

Have you ever come across a thread were a bunch of grown men have resorted to picking each other apart via petty insults and put downs simply because someone doesn't agree with them?  That my friend is internet purse swinging at it's finest. 

Thanks for the explanation. There is a wide range of knowledge available here!

On 1/20/2016 at 6:41 PM, tbo1450 said:

Email next month before u order anything. 

Greetings!!

Is this offer open to others?

Thanks,

Ed

On ‎1‎/‎21‎/‎2016 at 4:31 PM, Royal Squire said:

Purse swinging?

 

Just want to add that I bought my 02 with manufacture date of October of 2002 some of the last of the second gens and the Ball Joints and tie rods only lasted for 64,000 miles. My first gen, I know has different design but didn't need anything up front till after 300 K. I think you are right Dave about quality changing.

Edited September 18, 20168 yr by JAG1

Like my truck is also 2002 as well like @JAG1 and I cleared over 150k miles with OEM ball joint on all this rough country and dirt road travels including trailer towing. I'm on my way to 300k miles now and I'm pretty sure my cheapo ball joints (not Moog) will make it to 300k they are still tight yet.

Edited September 18, 20168 yr by Mopar1973Man

So between my old man and I we have installed aftermarket and factory parts for nearly 60 years combined. that being said some aftermarket is questionable (big chains) napa has even cut costs I've noticed.  But the reliability is still there.....

Universal replacement is trouble I lost my antenna when I swapped bodies then installed a universal mast that broke off at 75 MPH and almost broke my passenger window.  The base had to be replaced as well and factorychryslerparts.com came through with base and mast for the same price as just the base from the dealer....  this site is powered by a dealer sourcing new old stock parts from discontinued and current dealers holding stock on shelves collecting dust...

On the flip side my OEM Chrysler stamped 600 dollar rear window leaks and not many people like to work on these trucks rear window so I have to pay lots of money to fix a new window, I don't get it.... 

 

Surprised no one mentioned Mopar going under and needing to liquidate stock and dealers... ie oem parts and so on, then overhead went up on remaining parts, therefore price went up along with contractor changes due to the need to cut costs.

Another item to consider I believe you are correct on the ten year mark but year 1 to 5 the part carries a premium then year 5 to 10 they try to clear them out then after year 10 price often starts creaping up again....

 

That being said I go aftermarket unless it's not available then I hit up this site for info then this one factorychryslerparts.com then compare with dealer