Posted: Dec 16 2004 at 8:55am | IP Logged

I too have had to have my windshield replaced (from a rock hit); however, I don't think it's a "Nissan Quality Parts" (or lack thereof) issue.  Case in point....

I contacted the body shop that my Nissan dealer recomended that I use for the windshield replacement.  And they asked my if I wanted to use a Nissan or aftermarket windshield.  I asked what the difference in the two was and the price for each.  I was assurred that the aftermarket (which was cheaper by over $100) would be just as good as the Nissan part, would have the tinting in the same places, would accomodate the rearview mirror exactly the same, etc.  When the installer pulled the aftermarket widshield out of the box, he laughed and said, "Take a look at this.  The stock windshield is made by Carlex and look who makes your new one - it's Carlex."  The two windshields were identical yet had two different part numbers.

Tom

Posted: Dec 16 2004 at 6:04pm | IP Logged

I would imagine that is pretty common in the auto part industry. I know it is in aviation. I used to work for a company that PMA'd aviation engine parts...many of our mfgs were the same ones the OEM used. I now work for an aircraft parts distributor...same thing...Many of Piper's parts can be purchased from the parts' mfg for 20%-50% less as an aftermarket part...ie. Piper buys them from the mfg and marks the item up, sometimes as much as 500%!!! ...keep in mind however, that an OEM may have their supplier manufacture a part to different specs...The same form fit and function, does not necessarily insure the quality is identicle.

For example, I sell 3 different brands of aircraft tires. There is a 4th (econno)brand that is sold by my competitor. They like to tell people that they are "made by Michelin". This is a far stretch. The company is owned by Michelin, but the tires are mfg'd in a different location to different specs...as with everything, buyer beware ...keep on truckin