RockAuto Parts Lately...

[MaximumMini]

Speaking of a "Holier than THOU" complex.....
I feel no need to enumerate my "credentials", but I assure you mine are, I'll just say on parallel. ;-)

But part for part - the parts themselves if you buy quality are not much different than 20 years ago. There are brands that differ. Moog used to be great 20 years ago. Now its made in China junk. But there are still good suspension part suppliers - you need to be selective.

Welcome to my point. The so called "quality" parts are being made today where and by whom?

And where do you buy this "quality" if all the manufacturers are now bowing to the pressure to repeatedly lower costs?
That was my point.....quality is no longer readily available.
More and more shops are being burned on re-dos by factory parts.
Even if you buy the best brand names there is no assurance you are getting a particularly better grade item.

Selective as in made in Shanghai or made in Shenzhen?
I think the Chinese are capable of building quality, but I also believe they are pressured to build at low cost.
Otherwise, why use China in the first place? How about Mexico? Vietnam?

Now, there are many major parts manufacturers right here in the USA. But are they not also looking to maximize profits?
Do we know for certain they are not simply outsourcing their manufacturing to China or at the least having the parts made there and assembled in the USA?

We won't even touch on another big barrier to getting quality parts.....counterfeiting.

I Googled the phrase....."General Decline In The Quality of Products" and this was the AI result
Maybe it better explains my point without my posing as a Priest.

AI Overview
A perceived general decline in product quality stems from practices like shrinkflation and quality fade, where companies use cheaper materials or processes to maintain profitability, as well as increased global competition, shifting consumer expectations, and a cultural tendency for "fast fashion" or disposable goods. While some argue that modern products often have superior performance and efficiency compared to the past, many consumers report experiencing lower quality and durability in everyday items.
Reasons for Declining Product Quality

Profit Maximization and Cost-Cutting:
Material Substitution: Companies may substitute lower-quality or cheaper materials to reduce costs, a practice known as "quality fade".

"Shrinkflation": Products may appear the same, but their physical size or the amount of key ingredients is reduced.
Offshoring Production: Moving manufacturing to countries with lower labor costs and standards can result in a decline in quality, as companies cut costs.

Cultural and Consumer Trends:

Fast Consumerism: The rise of "fast fashion" and a culture of frequent upgrades in technology can reduce the emphasis on product durability.

Shortened Product Lifecycles: The trend towards disposability means products may be designed to last for a shorter period.

Market and Corporate Dynamics:

Competitive Pressures: Companies must compete to retain market share, sometimes leading them to compromise on quality to lower prices.

Homogenization: As successful products mature, there can be pressure to standardize and simplify, which can lead to reduced quality or compromise.

External Factors:

Supply Chain Issues: Recent supply chain disruptions and rising raw material costs have forced some companies to cut costs, impacting quality.

Examples of Perceived Decline

Furniture:
Vintage furniture made with solid wood is seen as higher quality than modern furniture often made with pressboard.

Appliances:
Older, vintage appliances are sometimes noted for their lasting durability, contrasting with newer models that may require more frequent replacement.
Fast Food:
Consumers report a decrease in portion size, taste, and overall quality of food from fast-food restaurants over the years.

Conclusion
The perception of a general decline in product quality is a complex issue influenced by economic, cultural, and corporate factors, with consumers often finding their everyday items to be of lower quality than in the past.

 

[MaximumMini]

I am ok communicating when communication is the goal on the other side. When the goal is to keep a point - not so much .

My vehicles have respectively 193 miles, 140200 miles, 216500 miles and 300500-something miles. The last one I shared in the photo thread recently. I might know something about doing my own repairs.

I wouldn't want logic and sane polite discussion to interfere with anyone's bliss of being categorically right with goalposts sliding air-hockey style. My work in this here thread is done. Whoever can read will read, whoever can't - will keep writing

Soooo condescending. smh.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Speaking of a "Holier than THOU" complex.....
I feel no need to enumerate my "credentials", but I assure you mine are, I'll just say on parallel. ;-)

You demanded mine in #78, inferring we weren't qualified to disagree with you. I doubt the parallel part otherwise you wouldn't need AI to make your point for you.

BTW AI posts are not allowed here.

 

[MaximumMini]

You demanded mine in #78, inferring we weren't qualified to disagree with you. I doubt the parallel part otherwise you wouldn't need AI to make your point for you.

BTW AI posts are not allowed here.

"Demanded" ?
lol. I had no Idea I had that kind of power

Doubting is futile. Thanks for the heads up about AI. Seems the admins at this forum are a bit less heavy handed than many forums can be. That's respectable. I'll take a look at the posting rules.
I guess we have a long way to go towards embracing the future.

 

[Hollowed_Mist65]

I have spent thousands of dollars at Rock Auto. It's a great site and sure every once in a while something might go wrong but it's easy to return stuff if need be.

 

[MaximumMini]

I have spent thousands of dollars at Rock Auto. It's a great site and sure every once in a while something might go wrong but it's easy to return stuff if need be.

Are you trying to buy mostly OEM parts from them?

 

[Hollowed_Mist65]

Are you trying to buy mostly OEM parts from them?

Yup

 

[goblin]

Soooo condescending. smh.

Argumentum ad hominem ? Blast, color me surprised - I would have never expected that .

Cut your losses. You got that horse out of the barn, tried to ride it - didn't work. @SC Maintenance is literally wiping the floor with you, the only reason you don't feel the sting as deep as it is is because he's nice.

 

[MaximumMini]

Argumentum ad hominem ? Blast, color me surprised - I would have never expected that

Cut your losses.

You first.