11 replies to this topic

[Stu.]

Just wondering if anyone has any advice regarding the quality of Minispares non-genuine parts. I'm only talking about ball joints, bushes , seals and the like.

(I'll be using heritage panels for the body restoration).

 

I need to save where I can, as we all do, so want to select non-genuine for some parts (not all) but don't want to if the fitment is troublesome and the durability is poor.

 

It's an open question with no negativity towards Minispares. Their dealings with me to date have been superb.

 

If you've used non-genuine parts could you let me know what they are like please.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

 

[IainStallard]

Personally I'd always use genuine ball joints and anything made of rubber as non-genuine tends to degrade quicker

[Gr4h4m]

I would only. Use gen on things like ball joints.

[Tamworthbay]

+1 but I have used minispares ball joints when I couldn't get genuine and had no problems with them.

[Guess-Works.com]

It all depends...

 

There's a big difference between Rover Genuine, Minispares genuine and unbranded non genuine...

 

I would not have an issue with the first two, and taking the example of ball joints...  I would not have an issue with either of these...

 

http://www.minispare...t/GSJ166MS.aspx

 

or

 

http://www.minispare...ing/GSJ166.aspx

[Cooperman]

Mini Spares own non-gen stuff is usually excellent. Keith Dodd & his team have spent a lot of effort to ensure that MS branded parts are top quality.

In fact, I recently used some MS body panels and they fitted as well as a lot of Heritage ones I've used in the past.

It's the stuff you get from Auto-jumbles and smaller suppliers which has a big question mark over it.

[waddle]

there all fine, i never use genuine parts and never had a problem,

[The Principal]

There are other outlets that supply quality parts such as Unipart, they stock Timken wheel bearing kits etc. my tip is haggle with the guy on the counter as they are a trade supplier (to Playmini and others) and will quote a retail price unless you haggle.

Edited by The Principal, 31 December 2013 - 12:09 PM.

[Yams]

I replaced my bearings and ball joints over a year ago with Mini Spares non genuine parts. I've not had any problems at all and i've done easily around 7k miles on them. In my opinion when it comes to Mini Spares surely they would only sell the non genuine parts if they were almost, if not just as good as the genuine ones. I believe they sell both types to appeal to a wider audience of consumers.

Edited by Yams, 31 December 2013 - 12:28 PM.

[Stu.]

Thanks for the advice. Think I'll stick with Minispares then and save a bit with certain non-gen parts. Better get my forum membership done so I can benefit from the discount. I have a long and  growing list 

[Cooperman]

When you need any advice on parts just see Richy at Mini Spares North in Harrogate. He knows an awful lot and is very honest in his opinions as to which parts are best. A very helpful guy as well.

[Jase]

Thumbs up for Mini Spares. I've used their ball joints, excellent quality and spot on customer service.