OEM vs Rock Auto (1 Viewer)

[Winter Borne]

I'm looking to do some maintenance to my 2015 4Runner - Trans flush with trans filter; Serpentine Belt; and all fluids flushed. I noticed that OEM belts are 65 bucks but Rock Auto has them for 18.00. Same with the transmission filter, OEM is 65.00 and Rock Auto is 26.00 and it includes the pan gasket... Just wondering if it's better to pay Toyota for these parts or are after market brands okay? Same for oil and fluids... Toyota ATF only or will a quality synthetic ATF be okay?

Thanks.

mk

 

[titanpat57]

I only use Toyota parts.......that serpentine fails in a wicked place at 1 am....the money you saved will evaporate when the tow truck shows up.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I also only use OEM Toyota or buy the part directly from whomever made it for Toyota. (i.e. I will buy an Asian water pump directly instead of ordering it from Toyota. The only difference is the box it comes in.)

 

[Land Shark]

No reason not to buy these items from Toyota especially when you can call a supporting vendor and get 25% off msrp.

 

[Winter Borne]

No reason not to buy these items from Toyota especially when you can call a supporting vendor and get 25% off msrp.

I didn't know that was an option - is there a list of Toyota supporting vendors out there? Thanks - mk

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I didn't know that was an option - is there a list of Toyota supporting vendors out there? Thanks - mk

Under the "Vendors" tab at the top of the page: Vendors

 

[bigredmachine]

using rockauto for some things is fine. belts, some gaskets, more non critical things you can get away with aftermarket. stick with oem things for more crutial things like axle gaskets, internal engine and electrical things