Parts - Same part? 25% more!

[johnben]

Hi Folks after my brake failure I am now at the position to source parts, using the master cylinder as an example I find I can pay £195 or £150 for this item. I know of the saying 'you get what you pay for' but this is not true in all circumstances. Does anyone know if the cheaper product is the same or the same quality or am I just paying for the name of the bigger company. Both products include VAT and have similar postage.

John

Series 1 2 + 2

[mgcjag]

Hi John.....if the parts are from the same supplier then ask them the difference...what maker etc.......shopping around you can always find exactly the same part/make at different prices......."as original" in my opinion is usually a better choice than "after market"....there is know way of telling just on price...you have to ask more questions or read the description/ technical spec.....or even ask on here..anyone purchased an xxxxx they can reccomend..Steve

[Bob.]

Hi John,
I went for the more expensive UK manufactured Lockheed products rather than the cheaper replicas made in China. Can't comment on any actual quality differences but picking up on your query on your other thread, the servo came radially aligned spot on to pick up the original brake pipes.
Bob

[AshM]

John

Have you considered having your original parts restored? As others have said, original parts are generally superior to replacement.

I have had all of my brake and clutch master cylinders refurbished at 'Past Parts' during the winter and am delighted with the results. They re-line the cylinders in Stainless Steel which should give them another 50 years! Completely refurbished and restored.

Not cheap but the work is very impressive and, as I say, I am delighted with all of mine.

You'll find them online. Just a thought...

cheers
Ash

PS Should have said absolutely no involvement with the company. Just a satisfied customer.

[PeterCrespin]

Hi Folks after my brake failure.....I find I can pay £195 or £150 for this item. I know of the saying 'you get what you pay for' but this is not true in all circumstances.

Indeed. There are plenty of circumstances where you could very easily pay two different prices from the same shop in successive weeks - it’s called ‘re-stocking’ or ‘special offers’ etc.

One option is to research every purchas to the max, pay the lowest price you can find and cross your fingers on quality. Another is to develop a relationship with a vendor and save time looking for a few quid and building a two-way loyalty that will survive the odd hiccup.

[johnben]

Hi Folks
Thanks for all the advice, the stainless steel inserts were tempting but I don't think I have enough years left to get their full value.
I ended up going to SNG for a variety of reasons.

John Series 1 2+ 2

[johnetype]

The important thing for this part is that it's a TRW one. The David Manners part at £155 is labeled as such on their web site and mine from them was a TRW part so that's the one to go for.