Question: How much more will you pay?

**EVO-V** · November 17th, 2012 12:01 PM

I've been reading quite a bit from everyone here with regards to their radiator problems and finding the whole rationale for replacement and service a bit arbitrary.

Often the solutions employed by people are constrained by cost. But I do wonder when the discussion about rational value starts considering the price of convenience and peace of mind.

The reason why I'm asking these questions is that I suspect a lot of people decide not necessarily out of which is cheapest or easier, but because of habits. Which may or many not necessarily be a good thing. But I think it would be helpful to find out.

These are the typical scenarios for a typical 8-10 year old car in replacing a radiator (it may be applicable for other parts as well):

A) Replacement Aluminum Radiator from China P4500 with no warranty.
B) OEM Aluminum replacement radiator P13000 with 6 months warranty.
C) Local aftermarket Copper Brass replacement radiator P8500 with 6 months warranty.
D) Local aftermarket Copper Brass replacement radiator P6500 with no warranty.
E) Surplus radiator "covertion" P2500 with service warranty.
F) Premium aftermarket replacement radiator P13,000 with 1 year warranty.

So the question is, what do folks here consider more important?

**yapoy86** · November 17th, 2012 01:35 PM

maganda ipalit yung local copper brass.. mas matibay yan...

nakakita na ako ng converted na aluminum radiator.. ok naman basta magaling yung gagawa...

**dr. d** · November 17th, 2012 07:03 PM

copper is nice... easier to repair than aluminum.. but i'd get the warrantied one.

**EVO-V** · November 18th, 2012 01:30 AM

Originally Posted by dr. d

copper is nice... easier to repair than aluminum.. but i'd get the warrantied one.

How much better perceived is a product with a 12 month warranty than one with only 6 month and one with none?

**1997** · November 19th, 2012 11:06 AM

I will choose surplus original... or if budget permits Original brandnew... the plastic top radiator have its purpose... its like your cooling system's fuse...

**glenn manikis** · November 19th, 2012 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by 1997

I will choose surplus original... or if budget permits Original brandnew... the plastic top radiator have its purpose... its like your cooling system's fuse...

why sir? pls. elaborate.....

**EVO-V** · November 19th, 2012 04:09 PM

The "fuse" is your radiator cap and your overflow to the reservoir.

**dr. d** · November 20th, 2012 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by EVO-V

How much better perceived is a product with a 12 month warranty than one with only 6 month and one with none?

of course we all like the longer 12 month warranty. but are we willing and/or able to pay the extra money for it? you simply can not get blood from rock, no matter how hard you squeezed it.. so, we compromise.
i came to my answer in the questionnaire, based on the first part of statement C, after it was tempered by the second part of the same statement. i simply want the most radiator for my money..
now... if anyone can provide us an analysis of radiators vis a vis cost, lifespan, and warranty... i'm all ears.

**EVO-V** · November 20th, 2012 11:11 AM

Normally the argument is that a manufacturer will only warrant their product relative to their average mean failure rate.

If a product has a %age of failure that falls within set period by the manufacturer they will only go as far as that.

Meaning if the part fails shortly after the warranty period, you're pretty much screwed yet the manufacturer still has a pretty high quality rating.

Otherwise a really good product doesn't cost a manufacturer that much more to warrant statistically.

**mark_t** · November 30th, 2012 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by EVO-V

How much better perceived is a product with a 12 month warranty than one with only 6 month and one with none?

Unfortunately, perception about longer warranties does play in the local mindset. When they intend to sell the vehicle
as soon as it is paid up. Most cars here do not see extensive use like in other countries where you have to cross great open
spaces just to go to work.

I've always liked your posts by the way, seems like straight out of a training manual. The passion is there.

As much we would like to maintain our vehicles like a Piper. Restrictive trade policies have left most car owners
to the speed and guile of independent services providers with inadequate training, equipment and supplies.

Being a Certified Mechanic/Business owner is hard here. As just the sight of european cars being repaired in your
garage drives away japanese car owners. (the bulk of the business)

As for me I always choose to get it done right.

instead of getting it done.