Opinion/Experience With Aftermarket Timing Belts, Water Pumps

2001 Accord EX, 4 cyl, 5-spd

Have heard mention on here of belts and water pumps purchased through
places such as eBay and was wondering what the opinion/experience is
with such. Labour is a pretty big part of the job so are these non-OEM
parts generally up to the task? Don't know yet if I can convince my
mechanic to use aftermarket parts supplied by me but I thought I would
ask here first about the general reliability of such items.Thanks.

Balls

 

Aftermarket is not nearly as good as OEM and will fail /far/ sooner.

If all you want to do is get through a winter and dump the car in the
spring, aftermarket is fine. If you plan on keeping the car for a few years
more, go OEM.

Few mechanics will be happy with you supplying your own parts. They make a
good buck off parts sales, and can often get better quality aftermarket
then you could (think WorldPac). Don't nickel-and-dime your chosen techs,
OK?

 

Ebay has both cheap Chinese knockoffs and good parts at low prices.
You can even find dealer stock at well below retail. You have to find
sellers with excellent feedback, though, and ask if the parts are made
in China. I've also gotten decent knockoffs made in Taiwan: $600 Toyota
Camry headlights for $100. Not 100% perfect, but 95% is good enough...