jeng9495

I recently bought a boatload of control arms (2013 front uppers and lowers versions in my 2007 - $1660 inclusive shipping/tax) from Amayama and my buddies were chastising me for buying "fake" Toyota parts. The question is how would I know for sure? I would admit that I have some slight doubts since counterfeits are just everywhere especially with expensive car parts.

After receiving them, the parts seem legit. Wondering if the forum community could comment on OEM parts from Amayama and Impex/Japan. Do folks have good long term good outcomes with these parts in their cars?

Best,
Jeff

LeX2K

Amayama is legit they don't sell fake parts. Never heard of Impex until now.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Counterfeiters make items that sell in massive numbers. LS460s aren't produced in massive numbers compared to say, Camry. So LS specific parts aren't a smart target for counterfeiters, they are in it to make massive amounts of money. I suppose a stupid one might make them. Low quality aftermarket parts are a different category. Just like a stupid one would print one dollar bills. Just my personal opinion.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

To answer you question, get a known real one from Lexus dealer or images of. Compare parts sticker for matching fonts, etc as well as cast markings. Poor finishing is usually a giveaway too.

Anfanger

I never encountered anybody who got counterfeit parts from Amayama. However, I got some "grey market" parts on Ebay. I might have gotten one of those but it seems to be working OK.

Boykie

Do fake suspension parts for LS exist? Yes, plenty actually (guess high price of originals are still a bait for c.crooks).
Does Amayama sell those? Absolutely NOT, although in these here times of high demand and low availability supply chain disruptions/invasions do happen, even to businesses like these. So, 99% those aren't fake, 1% it wasn't deliberate on Amayama's part.
Oh and 'impex' serves a certain invader quasi-empire, so I do take op with a grain of salt.

Anfanger

There is and interesting Youtube video about Toyota/Lexus about counterfeit parts -

swfla

iTrader: (1)

You have a more "global" vantage point than me. Your point of shortages is a good one. Glad you shared.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I buy plenty of parts from Amayama and all have been OEM to my knowledge. They even have a section below the OEM part that lists aftermarket parts from Febest, etc...

Gerf

I don't know why some people here refer to this guy like he's some type of expert, self admittedly he has 10 yrs of Toyota experience so for at least the first 5 he is just learning the product and some procedures....next 5 he is improving somewhat but still learning alot of things and far from an expert.

He could've learned some of what he knows by reading forums like this one.

Anfanger

I am not sure what you are trying to say. I was trying to share a link of about counterfeit parts and in this case, how to identify questionable parts. I have seen those parts on Ebay but the selling price was just to good to be true. That is why I got my spark plugs from AutoZone.

I am not sure about your experience, but it is really hard to find a good mechanic that can be trusted. Of course, he is selling his shop, it is after all a business. If he was somewhere near me, I would totally stop by his shop.

Gerf

Well, it had nothing to do about you. I think that guy is a Bs'er, I've worked with some similar individuals and that's all I have to say about that.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I think he says very little for the amount of talking he does. I had asked him a couple of pointed questions and got very vague answers.

Gerf

When you can't impress people with your knowledge try to baffle them with your bull$#!t.