Replacement Parts

[allbs1]

I have an 03 Highlander V6 with 105,000 miles.

I have a few maintenance items including timing belt/ water pump/ T-stat/ Rad Cap./ Serp Belt...

Does everytone typically buy this stuff from Advance or Autozone or do you get genuine parts?

Thanks.

[bepperb]

I think you'll find a mix.

If I have the time, rockauto.com does a pretty good job.

toyotapartscheap seems like a decent place to buy OEM parts.

I certainly prefer OEM to aftermarket, but price is always a consideration.

[ddvk]

Since the pump and belt job in itself is expensive you are better off with OEM parts. Don't go the penny wise and pound foolish route.

[LifeTech]

I tried the cheap way out on the w-pump. On my 88 Corolla, the OE pump had NO issues, but was changed out when I did the T-belt. Less than 20 K miles later ,the w-pump siezed up and ate it's belt. What a waste of labor/time AND money.

On my 94 Camry did the same T-belt interval... this time at 40K miles the pump leaked.

I learned twice the hard way. My 01 Avalon .. I used an OE w-pump along with the T-belt job. No issues as of yet and 40K later.

I feel the water pump should always be OE (new). Unless yu like spending needless hours tinkering with this T-belt/w-pump job.
If yu use an OE w-pump, it should always outlast your T-belt. Not the other way around...if yu keep your t-belt change schedule up to date.

LT