Genuine VW Parts Vs. Non Genuine Parts

[nelmser]

Follow up post to my previous thread http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,77152.0.html

Been to a bodywork repair shop and been quoted 2 prices for the damage done to my GTI: (Including labour)

A- All genuine VW parts £1,300
B- All non genuine copy parts £800

I'm tempted to go for non genuine, because my GTI is a 7 years old and  95k miles on the clock, and not sure whether the car is worth the extra outlay.

My main question is, do non genuine parts look identical to VW parts?  I'd hate to have the work done and be able to tell the difference.... Surely if a bodyshop use them, they must look ok?

Any help appreciated, I have no experience with this at all!

[Tortaruga]

Some replica parts have to be 'encouraged' to fit as they are not an absolutely perfect match. Not sure if you'd notice any difference when fitted though, I don't think they're way off.

[nelmser]

I should've added that the 'big' parts are the front passenger side wing, and whole front bumper (which I'm most worried about)

[doylebros]

Some replica parts have to be 'encouraged' to fit as they are not an absolutely perfect match. Not sure if you'd notice any difference when fitted though, I don't think they're way off.

Could take more off the value of the car than the savings the part give -  also as above!

[Tortaruga]

Could take more off the value of the car than the savings the part give

Personally I'd be more concerned about the looks. A 7 year old car with 95k isn't worth so much.

[nelmser]

How would the person buying know if they're genuine or not?  Without taking apart the car....

For all I know the current wing I'm replacing isn't genuine!

[skard]

I had a non genuine (Xparts) bumper for a while on my last mk5, most people would have spotted alignment issues. I ended up getting a genuine one sprayed up.

[xjay1337]

Pattern wings are OK. Genuine bumpers though always.

[Andy]

some  times non gen parts dont fit right so time is spend getting them fit--Why not get 2nd hand gen parts of e bay

[alexmccabe]

I noticed my car has a non-genuine wing and mirror cover. The panel gaps are larger.

[Grande_GTi]

Mate I wouldnt bother with patterns parts, as others have said you may need to fiddle about to get them to fit, just search for a 2nd hand genuine wing if you dont want to pay the price of the new one, and buy your self a genuine Bumper new.

(I do know of a Genuine USA Gti Front bumper for sale if your interested :)  )

[xjay1337]

I have had genuine replacement wings from VW and the panel gap is shocking.
My mates have pattern wings and they fit better and were like £90 for the pair not what would have been around £200.
With wings you can adjust the fit of them by means of adjusting their position before bolting it down.

[dmac1969]

That sounds like more of a problem with the people that fitted your wings as opposed to the parts themselves.....

[garrardrj]

Do the genuine route , pattern parts are naff , especially the front and rear plastics on hatchbacks 

Where's the bloke who said you should pay £300 for spraying and fitting ?

[xjay1337]

That sounds like more of a problem with the people that fitted your wings as opposed to the parts themselves.....

It is.... funny that 

My point being is that non-genuine front wings can fit just as well..