Autozone parts quality, More expensive = better? Options

[CilverSeliST205]

I just wanted to know everyones opinion on quality of autozone replacement parts for 6gc. I need to order inner and outer tie rods for both sides, and they have couple of different brands listed (I will check the brand names today). cheap outers are like $34 while the expensive brand is like $68, does "you get what you pay for" applies to autozone parts? tie rods are not mechanically complicated so i assume that quality/durability of 2 brands will not differ by much. When you guys buy axles, tie rods or other suspension components at autozone/advanced auto, do you stick to expensive brands or get the cheap'o brand?

[Mynzeyes]

Maybe it's the person putting the parts in?

I've never had any trouble from any parts i've ever bought from AutoZone. Certain things are good to get straight from toyota, such as brake-pads and rotors, but other parts are perfectly fine being replaced by new after-market, or even refurbished items.

Clutches, wipers, starters, spark plugs, suspension components, gaskets, oil, filters, axles, etc can be safely purchased at an outside auto parts place(all of which i've purchased for my celica, and installed with no problems what-so-ever).

Even brake-pads and rotors can be purchased and long lasting from an outside market, i'm just saying some things are better worth spending more money on. The only thing i buy from the toyota dealer are those random things, like rubber headlight gaskets, or an interior peg or something.

-John-

BTW: when you go to toyota, you essentially get the same exact part. The only difference is, when you go to autozone, you get a replica, or a refurbished factory item. They are the same. You pay more for the Toyota name, bc it is the same part.