What's better? A new after-market part, or a used OEM? I'm shopping for a valve cover for a 1996 Toyota T100, and the price difference between the two is $27. (used one is $125 including shipping, new one is from partsgeek, free ship)I'm not sure if aftermarket parts in new condition would even be better than an original used part.Someone over-tightened the corner bolt on my current valve cover and busted an ear off one of the corners - oil leak seeping onto alternator.

That's a shame that yours is broken. Totally unnecessary. Some people think tighter is better when it comes to stopping a oil leak. --- I would prefer a OEM cover unless I could see both. I would also shop eBay for a good used one.

I found this one for $55 shipped but I don't know what engine you have. http://www.ebay.com/itm/93-TOYOTA-T100-3-0L-5-SPEED-VALVE- COVER-LEFT-SIDE-ONLY-/261010394955? pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AToyota%7C Model%3AT100&hash=item3cc56e8f4b&vxp=mtr

Nooo, that's for a 93. The only valve cover anything on ebay for my engine is gaskets, and they're more expensive than I can buy locally. My only wonderment was if someone would go with new non-OEM, or OEM.

*new non-OEM, or used OEM

The one advantage to the new after market is that you know it has never been over torqued and warped. With the used one, you do not have that knowledge. Also, there is a pretty good chance that the after market is made by the same company, on the same machinery, as the original from the factory.

Your right tough call. But I would lean toward the new aftermarket, as it has never been used (as Michael said). If you are not familiar with the aftermarket company though, I would check them out first- heck ask on cargurus, to see if they deliver a good product. Also confirm the OEM parts seller, will accept returns without a giant 3 ring circus. No real help I know but its a hard choice no matter how you decide Good Luck and let us know how you come out

New aftermarket is parts geek ; http://bit.ly/XG6Nki The used OEM is from a Toyota parts dealer out of cali ($125 including shipping) ; http://www.alltoyotatrucksuvparts.com/ (All of our recycled and replacement Toyota truck and SUV parts are tested and warranted with a standard 30-day parts replacement warranty.)

Found a used valve cover here for $75, long warranty. $15 ship, so ordered it today. http://www.ranchotoyotatruckparts.com/toyota-t100.html Also today I got the valve cover gaskets, and still need to get vacuum hoses and valve cover grommets http://bit.ly/ZwYnGt Will probably have to get one or two plenum gaskets, but am uncertain at this point. Once I save up and get all the parts together for this, the transmission will drop. ha

Well it’s completely your decision whether you want to invest huge sum of money on O.E.M or wish to save money buying aftermarket parts. In terms of performance, quality, work and functionality they both are same whose example you can see on http://www.iautobodyparts.com/toyota/t100.html . Just due to brand name, it’s truly not wise to spend your hard earned money so easily. However, at last it’s your decision, do what you think is best.

I would have it welded at a reputable shop. Much cheaper. works fine on my truck. However, to answer your question, I have never had a problem with aftermarket parts from trusted sources. The water pump I bought from World Parts even had the same casting number as the original, just no Toyota symbol.