ATXJosh

any opinions on after market lug bolts vs OEM? My current set of lugs is rusty. Nothing funtionaly wrong with them, but they are ugly as sin. Dealership wants 7.50 per lug for OEM lugs. Have found several complete sets on eBay, etc for around $50, chrome plated, including wheel lock. Under no illusions that the quality of the aftermarket is all that great, but wondering if it's good enough to save a few bucks vs OEM.

Akhafeez

you can get them from advanced auto or auto zone for cheaper that dealership. Hard to say with ebay. it could be great or it could make you lose a wheel. check out the ratings and such.

ATXJosh

that's what i kind of figured...

I checked at the local advanced auto yesterday, they didn't have any. I'll just call around. Thanks for the input.

raymond g-

these folks have a good reputation

Blackbradpitt

Your local Napa Auto Parts should have them. Mine did.

ATXJosh

you'd be surprised, no one seems to have these things locally right now. Spent a good deal of time on the phone today... Auto Zone = Nada. Advanced Auto = Nada. Napa = Nada. O'reilly = some stores had them but no more than 2 or 3 and there weren't 20 to be had in total between Austin and San Antonio. The 3 dealerships in the area themselves had no more than 12 combined. The parts guy at O'reilly is trying to piece 20 together from Dallas and Houston, and get them here sometime this week. Same with the dealership.

ATXJosh

ended up going with the bolts from the dealership. They had originally told me $7.95 per bolt, they ultimately agreed to $6 per bolt (which is approximately what i could get them for aftermarket from O'reilly) and due to an error on their part, i ended up paying about $2 bolt. 20 OEM Bolt + 2 engine tray bolts for $84 (tax included).

I generally think of myself as an ethical person, and I definitely did not act ethically in this situation, but I'm quite sure they are going to more than make up their profit from me from any one of the number of things I need to have done.

tommy

Yes, don't worry - they've either f*cked you over in the past, or will do so in the future, or both.

I would have gone with a stud conversion, personally.

ATXJosh

considered it, but have other priorities with the car at the moment. plus with a skeptical wife constantly questioning the purchase of an older car to contend with, gotta pick my battles.

raymond g-

folks on the 210 forum have been getting these TUV rated bolts from OtisLA
for years and averaging $60 shipped. you did well with the $2 as they're about
2x that at dealer cost

ncmudbug

If your conscience is really bothering you, take it in to have your spark plugs changed. That should cover you for that and a few more under-handed deals!