[Ziemboat]

I've been getting a lot of requests for TRD parts on these forums and I feel like I need give you some enlightenment on this matter. TRD stands for "Toyota Racing Development" they're parts that were created to build cars that would go race. Products are great for the faster Scion vehicles but when it comes to the xB guys it's just the label and name your paying for.

I had one guy inquire me about TRD brake pads. I could of gotten them for him at $85+but told him he would be better off with Genuine Toyota Brake Pads. They would be half the price and just as effective. I hate to put down TRD here but when it comes to the xB just not worth it. Don't get me wrong some parts are reasonable like the lowering springs (which you can only get with TRD) but when it comes to exhaust, CAI, brakes etc your better off going Genuine.

TRD makes state of the art auto parts but it can be overkill sometimes. Sometimes you're really just paying for the name and the label and not the product itself. Almost like the 'Beat by Dre' of Toyota parts.

That's the end of my agenda hope you guys got some insight and hope I don't get a call from Jim Lentz lol...Take care guys

 

[isk1tz]

That should be pretty obvious. There are only so many ways to make parts, and so many components to make them out of. It's the same way with Nismo parts, when it comes down to it there are many aftermarket companies that make parts the same way with the same grade of parts.

The only difference is when you say you have TRD lowering springs it sounds better than saying eBay springs. It's still just metal coils when you think about it.

Even Toyota branded parts are going to be high. It doesn't matter if your getting a performance part or replacing something like an oil pan aftermarket will 99% of the time work just as well and be cheaper. A friend of mine called the Scion dealer for an oil pan and they quoted something like $70 for the part. Got it local from a parts store brand new, just not with a Toyota sticker, for half that.

$85 for brake pads on a road vehicle is crazy.

 

[Ziemboat]

Yes after market is a viable option for some parts like an oil pan but when it comes to brakes and other stuff that could go wrong OEM is the way to go. Toyota parts aren't that expensive either if you know a guy on the inside

 

[isk1tz]

I will likely never buy OEM, even with inside pricing (I think I know a guy) aftermarket is just cheaper and more accessible. When it comes down to it these are just road cars, they don't need carbon fiber and titanium and I can get most parts same day or next day from any of the local parts stores.

I drove my Celica harder than anything I have ever owned and the daily wear things like tires and brakes were very cheap and easy to come by. Brakes for instance, cost about $35 a set for ceramic coated and they would take a beating any day. My tires weren't the most expensive but held ground every single day even at "entertaining" speeds on windy backroads.

That car was driven daily, recreationally on back roads, and road tripped and aftermarket never let me down there. 14 hours straight through 3 states with just brakes for gas and chili dogs is a good test for any street car especially when you consider that the majority of going through Texas in the dead of summer was at or above 100mph. The scion will never be hit as hard as that Celica was, half the time it has my wife driving it or kids in it and its just cruising to the grocery store, aftermarket is well above and beyond what it will ever require.

 

[gs_aristo]

Almost 95% of TRD parts are outsourced anyways. But yes most pay for the name anyways.

 

[TartanJack]

Pro: It is actually designed for the xB, is well engineered, and will actually improve it in whatever way it is intended.
Plus, won't void warranties, and is usually covered itself.

That said, Toyota either has stuff made for them by someone else, or rebrands a proven product

Con- costs more than equivalent aftermarket part

Other aftermarket, depends on brand for quality.

I got TRD when I specifically wanted what they had (or got a great deal on it), aftermarket for other stuff.

 

[U2BROTHR]

Almost like the 'Beat by Dre' of Toyota parts.

I love this quote... :lol: