Chris, you always know how to explain things well.

To everyone else looking for the "right" brand:

There's a sort of faith we consumers of replacement parts require, not unlike the generalization methods we use to look at other people to decide at a glance whether they are good or bad or if we'd like to know them better.

We want to know what store, what brand, what country of origin, made what day of the week, is the smartest pick for all our parts. In a world where the economics of manufacturing isn't the same in January as it was in July, there's no hope for finding the one smartest place to get all your parts. Even the manufacturer, Ford/Volvo, who has the longest term stake in quality reputation may be changing its priorities for replacement parts 15 or 20 years obsolete.

There's no formula. Sorry.

All we can do is learn as much as possible about what makes a part good or bad and try to determine for ourselves if we want to install it or return it. I can't believe Scan-Tech actually makes much of anything, but they are the "largest supplier of Swedish aftermarket" parts, so it is conceivable they as a distributor have a great influence and choice on who will be making their motor mounts or fuel pumps next week and how much they will be willing to pay for them.

We can vote with our parts money. Speak up when your supplier sends you crap; send it back. If Scan-Tech is the sore thumb they'll eventually feel it. And be thankful you are not Hyundai enthusiasts looking for good parts.



--
Art Benstein near Baltimore