Do I understand what OEM parts are correctly?

[crasster]

As far as I know, OEM parts are basically "outsourced" parts manufacturers that an auto maker (like Toyota) purchases parts from.

So here's the deal. I'm going to be replacing a timing belt on a 1MZFE engine.

I keep reading "GENUINE TOYOTA PARTS FROM DEALER ONLY". The thing is that I'm confused about is don't those parts at the dealerships come from OEM manufacturers anyway?

So why is it so important to buy from a dealer vs. an OEM parts supplier?

See check this deal out that I found on ebay. This is an entire timing belt kit with everything for about $150 cheaper than dealerships price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOTA-SIENNA-TIMING-BELT-WATER-PUMP-KIT-OEM-98-03-NEW_W0QQitemZ220416791685QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3351dd5485&_ trksid=p4506.m20.l1116

I just want to save money on the parts and not spend needlessly. If OEM parts are the same OEM parts that dealers get, then I would see no reason not to buy from ebay....

Or do I have this all wrong?

I just would not see a difference if a factory produced timing belts and sold it to both Toyota and Mitsubishi. Then Toyota simply gets the belt, inkjets the name Toyota on it, and sells it. (Same for Mitsubishi). This is what OEM is isn't it?

Also what about high quality parts manufacturers like contitech? (We aren't talking about Autozone junk)

Just need advice from experienced people who know about this stuff.

Thanks alot!

[Mike Gerber]

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. That means parts sold by and approved by the manuafacturer of your car. No, they don't manufacture all the parts that go in to your car. They do however, have approved sources which manufacture parts that go on your car. IMHO, in general (there are exceptions) I feel the parts that Toyota sells are of better quality than the parts sold at auto parts stores. If it were me, with all the labor involved in changing a timing belt, I would stick with Toyota OEM parts. That doesn't mean you have to run down to your local Toyota dealer and pay whatever they are asking for the parts. There are many Toyota dealers tht sell OEM Toyota parts at discounted prices over the internet. Several of them advertise on this forum. I would try those places first. Check several of them out for the best deal.

Mike