Saving money by buying aftermarket?

[scuba264]

Hello all...I haven't posted much(maybe once to say hello haha), but I read on here all the time.

So I've just been wondering, has anyone thought of how you could save a few bucks and be better off by getting a more stripped model and add accessories yourself aftermarket?

I love getting my hands on and adding new stuff myself. I bought my first brand new vehicle about a year and a half ago. I got a 2007 Pontiac G6 GT and more and more I'm thinking it would be great to leave stuff off and just add it yourself for cheaper. For example, I got the sun and sound package with my G6 that added the Monsoon sound system. Now it's a nice system for a typical listener, but I'm really anal about my sound and wish I could easily upgrade. But because of the system I've got to deal with the stock amp, 2 ohm speakers, etc. If I had gotten just the base radio I could have slowly added parts easier and upgraded to a better system that what came stock for probably less money. I also added a spoiler(conservative, not a big rice wing) for around $100 myself, when the dealer wanted $500, and a nice dual exhaust for just over $300.

Question is, what parts are optional that I could leave out and do better/cheaper myself after vs. the dealer charge? HIDs? Fog Lamps? Stereo? Gauge cluster? Or is the cost better up front?

[Chevyzone]

Right now it's difficult to determine how much you can or can't save with after market vs. GM performance parts, cause GM has yet to supply any pricing on items like..Catback Exhaust, Performance Air intake, headers, etc. for the Camaro.

[The_Blur]

When it comes to aftermarket, you have many more options based on how much you are willing to spend. You can also express brand loyalty by buying whichever brand you feel is superior. For example, if you favor JL over Boston Acoustics, you can get that in the aftermarket.

Certain areas are a better deal in the aftermarket. I feel that the Boston Acoustics package, while nice, probably is not as good as what you can afford to install with a couple hundred dollars more.

Performance is something for the aftermarket. I understand the desire to get GMPP components, but I know for a fact that shorty headers are not going to do as well on the Camaro as long-tubes. You might as well get the exhaust in the aftermarket during the same install. I'd also argue that any tuning that you can get in the aftermarket will be more performance-oriented than visiting your dealer for a flash or tune for any performance parts.

You mention the HIDs. I have trouble believing that aftermarket headlights will be as nice-looking or affordable as the RS halos. Just get the RS package. It'll be cooler to say you have that.

Your gauge cluster is pretty unique on the Camaro. I doubt that anyone will ever offer an affordable alternative.

Wheels will be more affordable in the aftermarket. You can use your stock rims for winter tires or something like that. GM's alternative rims are very expensive.

Basically, there are a lot of parts in the aftermarket. Some of them are available through GM, and it makes sense if you want to be a GM-only car. If you're more performance-oriented, you may want to look into some safe aftermarket parts, like bolt-ons. Some parts you can only get in the aftermarket. Just remember that it is your car and you have to drive it, so get what you like without any regard for what other people think.

[hdhomer]

I agree with Blur. There are some items from the aftermarket that are going to better personal choices. Wheels probably are the most obvious choice to get from the aftermarket instead of factory upgrades. They will be less expensive and the choices are almost infinite.
As far as the audio choices go, these new cars have so many systems integrated to speed up assembly that changing the head unit is nearly impossible without adding on some external brain to bypass or replace some of these functions. Check the audio forum for info on this problem.
Performance mods are also something you'll want to go to the aftermarket for. There are so many mods already available for these LS engines. The GMPP parts are probably chosen more for profit and ease of dealer install than optimum performance.
I hope everyone that plans on ordering all the GMPP accessories realizes that you don't need to order them when you order you car. They are dealer installed and you might have to take delivery of your car then make an appointment to bring your new baby back to the dealer at a later date to put them on.

Be patient, get your ride then make an plan for personalizing.

[hdhomer]

I agree with Blur. There are some items from the aftermarket that are going to better personal choices. Wheels probably are the most obvious choice to get from the aftermarket instead of factory upgrades. They will be less expensive and the choices are almost infinite.
As far as the audio choices go, these new cars have so many systems integrated to speed up assembly that changing the head unit is nearly impossible without adding on some external brain to bypass or replace some of these functions. Check the audio forum for info on this problem.
Performance mods are also something you'll want to go to the aftermarket for. There are so many mods already available for these LS engines. The GMPP parts are probably chosen more for profit and ease of dealer install than optimum performance.
I hope everyone that plans on ordering all the GMPP accessories realizes that you don't need to order them when you order you car. They are dealer installed and you might have to take delivery of your car then make an appointment to bring your new baby back to the dealer at a later date to put them on.

Be patient, get your ride then make an plan for personalizing.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

When it comes to aftermarket, you have many more options based on how much you are willing to spend. You can also express brand loyalty by buying whichever brand you feel is superior. For example, if you favor JL over Boston Acoustics, you can get that in the aftermarket.

Certain areas are a better deal in the aftermarket. I feel that the Boston Acoustics package, while nice, probably is not as good as what you can afford to install with a couple hundred dollars more.

Performance is something for the aftermarket. I understand the desire to get GMPP components, but I know for a fact that shorty headers are not going to do as well on the Camaro as long-tubes. You might as well get the exhaust in the aftermarket during the same install. I'd also argue that any tuning that you can get in the aftermarket will be more performance-oriented than visiting your dealer for a flash or tune for any performance parts.

You mention the HIDs. I have trouble believing that aftermarket headlights will be as nice-looking or affordable as the RS halos. Just get the RS package. It'll be cooler to say you have that.

Your gauge cluster is pretty unique on the Camaro. I doubt that anyone will ever offer an affordable alternative.

Wheels will be more affordable in the aftermarket. You can use your stock rims for winter tires or something like that. GM's alternative rims are very expensive.

Basically, there are a lot of parts in the aftermarket. Some of them are available through GM, and it makes sense if you want to be a GM-only car. If you're more performance-oriented, you may want to look into some safe aftermarket parts, like bolt-ons. Some parts you can only get in the aftermarket. Just remember that it is your car and you have to drive it, so get what you like without any regard for what other people think.

Just to add on to what Blur said, aftermarket HID's for the Camaro will cost just as much or more then the RS package. With everything the RS package comes with, you're better off getting the RS package.

Fog Lights come standard on every model except for the stripped down LS model. But if you want HID's you'll have the fog lights anyway.

The stereo depends on how the head unit is designed so it may not even be possible to go aftermarket stereo. With so many manufactures making the newer cars so complicated, you're better off waiting for a few months to see if it is possible and see what people come out with.

[scuba264]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

The stereo depends on how the head unit is designed so it may not even be possible to go aftermarket stereo. With so many manufactures making the newer cars so complicated, you're better off waiting for a few months to see if it is possible and see what people come out with.

Yeah, thats an issue. I really want to hear how the stereo sounds. I have a love/hate relationship with new stereos. They look awesome when they're all unique to the car but it's such a hassle to replace and often don't look right. I really dig the look of the Camaro radio. Do we know if it's got the DIC built in? Thats a big issue(at least for the G6 crowd and others with that radio)...the DIC is built in so replacing it you lose some controls, your MPG and other info unless you buy a kit that doesn't match well. Maybe a little off topic there...

I'll be waiting for a while before I'd buy anyway since I wanna pay off my 6 (or get real close) so I'll have time to see whats available and what things are costing. I'd like to try and save a few bucks if I can by doing some things myself. Not only that, I just love ripping my cars apart haha. I can't help it. I thought buying my car new I'd leave it alone but that sure hasn't been the case.

[Txturbo]

Originally Posted by hdhomer

I agree with Blur. There are some items from the aftermarket that are going to better personal choices. Wheels probably are the most obvious choice to get from the aftermarket instead of factory upgrades. They will be less expensive and the choices are almost infinite.
As far as the audio choices go, these new cars have so many systems integrated to speed up assembly that changing the head unit is nearly impossible without adding on some external brain to bypass or replace some of these functions. Check the audio forum for info on this problem.
Performance mods are also something you'll want to go to the aftermarket for. There are so many mods already available for these LS engines. The GMPP parts are probably chosen more for profit and ease of dealer install than optimum performance.
I hope everyone that plans on ordering all the GMPP accessories realizes that you don't need to order them when you order you car. They are dealer installed and you might have to take delivery of your car then make an appointment to bring your new baby back to the dealer at a later date to put them on.

Be patient, get your ride then make an plan for personalizing.

From a collectibility view, LPOs should be ordered from the factory so they show on the window sticker. If you don't care about that, then by all means order them later from the parts department.

[dbotsfordtat]

Originally Posted by Txturbo

From a collectibility view, LPOs should be ordered from the factory so they show on the window sticker. If you don't care about that, then by all means order them later from the parts department.

Agreed and I would add if you plan to trade or sell, aftermarket can have a negative impact. Performance mods especially, as it gives the impression car has been driven hard. I plan to stick with factory/dealer upgrades because I'm sure this car is going to improve over time and I want maximum resale or trade-in value, Think convertible, Z-28,mmmmmm............

[2010_5thgen]

i plan on buying aftermarket parts but what im buying chevy isnt selling. (superchager,22"wheels) but yes i plan on buying some parts from gmpp. i ordered the shifter and car cover with my package and i plan on buying the ground effects kit and maybe the blade spoiler. but the after market probably wont have alot to offer when the car comes out, but im open minded about what they have.

[blackZbandit]

This is one reason why I'm glad I have to wait a couple years. I love the stuff GM has shown us so far, well... I only want the chic spoiler on the GFX and I still have mixed feelings about the dovetoil spoiler... BUT I'll have a chance for the aftermarket to do their magic and see where I'll get the most bang for my buck. Like I'm sure K&N will make a great CAI, and I want to hear some Chambered exhaust systems before settling for the factory catback. There will probably be better looking cosemtic accessories also... look how they've been able to dress up the Chally.

[scuba264]

I didn't necessarily mean all aftermarket when I said that. I'm also talking about just adding the parts that are genuine yourself. I wonder if I could over a year or 2 of owning the car come across parts that are GM and put them on. Like the gauge cluster...thats a part I think I could leave off and find from like gmpartsdirect.com or ebay or something.

As an example for the G6, I know people who have added the GXP sideskirts and bumpers and whatnot to their cars. Now they've got the look of a cooler body style(in their opinion anyway, I personally hate the bucktooth front), without having spent the money up front.

[jeffny09]

my thing is
i want the halos and h.i.ds but i ordered the 21 inch black rims( i wanna try n keep it gm for reasons of trading in if z28 comes out and for my own satisifaction) but hopefully ill be able to order the halos and h.i.ds when the car ocmes out,, i dont see why not i mean god forbid the car gets hit and ruins them you have to be able to order them and they have to be cheaper then the ri,s that they are offering which are 4 thousand and change right?

[Belo]

Intakes, exhaust and 90% of performance mods will be cheaper and better ~6 months after the camaro's hit the streets.

However, getting these mods from the dealer will save you from warranty issues.

But things like sunroof, guages etc, look better when they're done clean and by the factory. However, I for one will be doing my own rims and audio. You can get a premium sound package and you get upgraded speakers, but no sub (unless you pay for it). You'll save a lot by doing your own sub install. But it'll be interesting what kind of decks we can work with. I know the G8 guys are having a lot of trouble with this. (integrated heating components).