As I do a great deal of work with auto AC compressor, I get asked alot about what compressor brand do I recommend. Should you go OEM, aftermarket or Remanufactured. This is a complicated answer and requires some explaining.

First off, you need to know what an OEM or OE compressor is. OEM is original equipment manufacturer. Toyota does not make any air conditioning parts, never has. Neither does ANY auto manufacturer since GM spun off Delphi and Ford spun off Visteon. So if you are looking for a ‘Toyota’ compressor, you are going to get a Denso compressor in a Toyota box. So why go through Toyota when you can go to the OEM. Just like your probably don’t put on Mercedes Tires on your car, you don’t need to do the same with other auto parts

What is an aftermarket and reman then? Aftermarket is a copy of the original compressor designed for that car. Most are not universal fit, they are built for your car, so they should drop right in. The problem here is that there are lots of manufacturers on these. Some are good and many are not. Find a supplier with a solid warranty. If they don’t have an immediate replacement warranty, do not trust the quality. Discount AC Parts (1-800-398-3128) has a fantastic warranty and a good line of house brand products. Reman used to be the only option and still can be fine. The problem is that you are often inheriting someone else’s problems. If new is available, go new.

So we are down to an OEM new compressor and an Aftermarket new unit. The first question is what is the price? If the price is close, go OEM. It ensures you are getting a quality product without having to wonder. You are already probably saving lots over the dealership, so it is a good buy. If the price is far apart, then ask about the quality. What kind of warranty does it have? What will you do if there is a problem? These are important questions to ask.