Aftermarket exhaust parts cost a fraction of the price of genuine parts. I need a header pipe and catalytic converter for a 1995 940, and the mechanic insists that only genuine parts will do. Has anyone had experience w/aftermarket parts? Comments?

 

I've had a lot of experience with aftermarket parts, not with volvos though. I've only had a small few aftermarket parts (AP) give me problems. Most of those were more mechanical in nature than exhaust piping. Worst case scenario: you order the parts, take them to the mechanic, and they don't fit. So you would have to return them, and you get your all your money back, minus a "re-stocking fee" with some places. So far as exhaust parts go, I'd give the aftermarket a try. The catalytic converter could be a different story, but I doubt it. OEM parts are best, but the cost effectiveness is horrible compared to AP these days. Does that answer your question?

 

One more thing: I've only seen a handful of repairs in my life that required genuine parts. And that was because OEM was all that was available at the time.

 

Some of the aftermarket exhaust parts are OK. Some. Some are real junk. All of the OEM Volvo parts are first quality, and are really not that much more expensive in the long run. And they fit.

 

I'm not totally "aware" of the aftermarket for volvo parts. My experience with AP has been with my mustang, which there is a HUGE aftermarket for.

 

You have to be very careful when buying aftermarket CATS!!!!
The down pipe might not be that bad but the cat I would buy OEM.