Two other places where there’s an explicit difference (if you ask):
- Sheet metal parts like fenders (the double sided galvanizing may not be as good)
- Brake pad/shoes
Yep...big time on the brake pads. Some professor ought to do a study with the cheap import brake pads and regular pads. I’ll bet they last only half as long.
There are 3 choices for body parts: new OEM, new aftermarket, and junkyard.
The best quality/price combo for body parts is from a junkyard. Cars totaled in an accident generally have a number of good body panels left intact.