Q: Why are Toyota dealer parts more expensive than Pep Boys or other parts suppliers.

A: Toyota parts are made to the same strict standards as the new car assembly plants. In fact the parts are interchangeable. The parts that the others sell are sometimes the same but only a few and who knows which ones. When you purchase a part, from a Toyota dealer, and install it yourself or if the dealer installs the part it has a 12 month/no mileage warranty, the others do not offer the labor side of the cost. The best advice I can give is to use original factory parts and you will find that they will last longer and perform better.

Q: I was involved in an accident and the insurance company wants to use non Toyota parts in the repair, how can I be sure that the correct parts are used.

A: Most people don't know that they have the final say as to which parts are used in the repair of their vehicle. When you pay your premiums the insurance plans for the worse and figures that original equipment parts are used. You paid for the correct repairs and parts when you pay your preimuns, merely tell the body shop that you want original parts and then stop by to see if they really did (all Toyota parts have a parts tag, look for it).