Quote:
Originally Posted by fitcious
I am going to jump in on this- although TRD parts are more expensive, they have the rights to do so. Reason being is because they have warranty from dealer and is exact match to the vehicle. In addition, all TRD parts are all tested extensively for many hours- and we all know engineers and R&D aren't cheap- thus resulting in the higher price items that carries the TRD brand. TRD wouldn't just slap on their name for the sake of it- even though some parts are to believed made by other suppliers, the parts are vetted and tested by TRD before they get released to the public.
As for the eBay knockoffs- I am not against them, I have an eBay rear diffuser as well, it really comes down to preference, financials, and peace of mind for certain parts. I also want to believe that some replicas are sold at such discount vs the real thing because the replicas did not get extensively tested, thus lower cost to produce and validate- TRD or other name brand did most of the grunt work already.
I understand that aesthetic parts might look and feel the same as genuine ones, but under stress, in extreme weather or just over time in general- I believe the genuine parts will be more durable and reliable, not to say higher resale value.
Again, I think some replicas are really nice and looks just the same as the genuine stuff, but I have to disagree that the quality of the parts are equal.
Just my thought.
|
I say the warranty wouldn't really mean much since they are non mechanical parts, the most that can happen would be warping somehow but that rarely happens.
I would completely agree if the aero in question produced significant downforce. But the aero parts shown on the car and the TRD spoiler in particular I believe received very little R&D if any at all. I'm thinking at most the spoiler was thrown in a windtunnel to see if any lift occurred. Other TRD parts, I'm sure actually do experience some R&D.
I will say some replicas may not be equal but they are pretty damn close and the price difference alone justifies it for me atleast. And molded plastic is just molded plastic can't see much a difference in the process being used between TRD and a knockout off to warrant much of a quality difference of the final part.