I guess it depends on what the item is. Wheels - i can't see spending 1k+ on wheels. Under 1k is ok. For a real baller car i can see spending on baller deep dish wheels like CCW, just depends on the platform.

On my civic the rota slips were fine. I just drove more careful to prevent bends in the wheels.

When it comes to you get what you pay for. I do believe it, mostly. There can be some exceptions like anything. For my civic i only like to use genuine OEM stuff. Like say a window regulator for a 92 - 95 Civic (72211-SR3-J01). Dealer part is 60.23. Aftermarket is prob $20 on ebay. I hate aftermarket stuff like that it's crap. I have real world experience and it doesn't last worth a dam. So, that junk can go in the dumpster. A friend of mine bought one for his accord and it roll didn't up right, it. It was far from smooth like the factory. Thats unacceptable. Most aftermarket replacement parts is junk but it depends on what your getting.

Say it was a clutch - i wouldn't go with a genuine honda one. I'd rock an aftermarket one, a decent brand at least. Think - Exedy, ACT, or the custom one i had built to spec. So yeah it just depends.

Also, some aftermarket brands are very good at fitment but the cheaper stuff tend to suc in fitment and performance. examples - exedy vs ebay brand. blackworks radiator vs koyo race, honda OEM seal vs. OEM like oil seal, $150 tint vs WINCOS tint. And yes tint can perform that good, lol. Hard to believe.

It just depends.