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Replaced more often is not a problem as much as the time in service, or the engineered MTBF.
The original Boge rear shocks on my 240 lasted 19 years. They were getting 'soft' ,and rear bushings were being done, so I figured new ones were in order, so I replaced with OEM type new Boge now made in Turkey. The one on the right side lasted 5-6 months before is started clunking and sounding like a wounded moose. It was replaced and now the other side ( 1 year old) is starting to do the same. The originals did not make any noise, but were soft, and still useable. I would be happy if the new ones were in service even half the time of the originals. Or at least 5 years. Not months.
The Perfect Circle/Dana tie rod ends lasted 1 year before the rubber boot crumbled and dropped off, exposing the ball. Ruined.
The OEM type/brand 240 new ignition switch was FUBAR right out of the box. I sent it back, and opened up and repaired the 19 year old original.
The OEM radiator ( plastic/aluminum) in my daughter's Camry lasted 12 years. The MTC brand replacement lasted 6 months before the bottom plastic tank split at the seam. The Valero (?) brand that it was replaced with ( store changed suppliers), is now leaking at the sides. It is not the car, it has been pressure tested, and put up perfect numbers. Just pure junk. I see a pattern forming here.
And it is certainly not a disparaging or demeaning comment on the countries of origin of the various products. Folks all over the world can, and do, make quality products.
The lack of quality comes right from the top of each company involved. It is a corporate culture that values profits, and the quick buck, over all else. Including manufacturing a quality product they can be proud of, or repeat customers.
If I treated my customers like that, I would have been out of business years ago.
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Gary Gilliam Sumerduck VA, '94 940 Regina 165k '86 240 195k, 93 Camry 4cyl 5spd 245k
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