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[Markjay]

Part 1

a. Original Parts

What are they?

These are original Vauxhall parts, supplied in Vauxhall-labelled packaging. Vauxhall do not actually make most of their spare parts themselves, instead they order them from other manufacturers who specialise in the specific area. For example, Vauxhall spark plugs carry the Vauxhall label both on the part itself and on the packaging, but they are in fact made by Bosch for Vauxhall.

Where can they be bought?

From Vauxhall Dealers, from eBay (though beware of fake items), or from firms specialising in Vauxhall spare parts.

What do we think about them?

Vauxhall parts are usually of very good quality and are reasonably priced, and as such they represent very good value. In the vast majority of cases we would recommend the original Vauxhall part because you can rarely better it in either quality or price. In addition, you are more likely to get the right parts for your car (although Vauxhall dealers have been known to make mistakes…).


b. OE/OEM Parts

What are they?

OE/OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. As mentioned above, most Vauxhall-branded parts are actually made by other automotive manufacturers. These companies also make the same parts for marketing under their own brand name and through their own distribution channels. For example, Vauxhall’s Cambelt Kit is made by Gates, so you can buy the same kit either branded as Vauxhall from a Vauxhall Dealer, or branded as Gates from a motor factor outlet.

Where can they be bought?

Motor factor outlets, eBay, online shops.

What do we think about them?

In principal there is nothing wrong in buying the same parts directly from its manufacturer. The theory is that is should work out cheaper, and in the case of the Cambelt Kit it does. However this is not always the case – for example Bosch-branded spark plugs are actually more expensive than the same Vauxhall-branded ones… So OE is OK but compare prices first and don’t assume that it is always cheaper than the Vauxhall-branded item.

[Markjay]

Part 2

c. Third-Party/Pattern Parts (Branded)

What are they?

For any car part, there are usually several reputed firms making identical items as well as the OE manufacturer. For example, Ferodo manufactures brake pads for almost all makes of cars, but  because Vauxhall buy their own pads elsewhere Ferodo are not considered OE manufacturers for Vauxhall (though thy may be OE manufacturers or other makes).

Where can they be bought?

Motor factor outlets, eBay, online shops.

What do we think about them?

While in principal identical items from reputed manufacturers are acceptable, there have been cases where specific makes did not work well with the Omega. For example there have been reports that exhaust systems made by Bosal, who usually make good system, did not last very long on the Omega. So we believe that generally speaking there should be a compelling reason why NOT to buy original Vauxhall parts or OE parts – such as very good price – before buying other-brand parts. If the price looks good and you are unsure about the suitability or quality, you can always raise the question in the General Help section in this forum before buying.


d. Third-Party/Pattern Parts (non-Branded)

What are they?

Well these are rarely really ‘non-branded’, what we mean is that they are not made by any of the main automotive manufacturers. And, in many cases the brand name is actually the importer’s name while the actual manufacturer is unknown.

Where can they be bought?

Anywhere, really…

What do we think about them?

It seems that some body and suspension parts can be had for much cheaper when purchased this way. Again, the same rule applies – avoid unless it is very cheap compared to the other alternatives, and post a question in the General Help section before buying.

[TheBoy]

Unless any Maintenence Guide specifies, its worth asking on the forum whether a specific part should be replaced with Genuine GM or pattern.  Some items, the genuine parts are far superior, other times pattern offers better option.