Heater core replacement

I own a 04' Tacoma prerunner and my heater core is wasted. I've looked around for part and not sure which is best, also most auto shops have 1 yr guarantee on their work/part if I buy from them but don't know what core they'll purchase. Heater cores are a pain in the rear to replace, now is a 1 yr warranty good or shall I spend the exorbitant amount of money at the local dealer? Thanks

 

I would be fine with the one year warranty. But that also dependon on the comparison of that price to the dealerships price.
Did you get any estimates?

 

Yes Toyota wants $2700 and that also includes a 1yr warranty on a genuine toy part. I had offers from $500-$800 all with a 1yr warranty. I really doubt I'll go with the dealership but I'm wondering if anyone out there would recommend a brand of core I could purchase online to help save a few bucks. Thank you

 

Pass on the dealership!
As for brand, I would ask the shop you are having perform the work and pick their brain on different ones they can get. It is almost rude to bring parts to a shop for them to put them on (comparative to bringing your eggs to the diner for them to cook them). The shop also is now out of warranting the part as you are now the provider. I would go there and ask them about there AM supplier and there parts reputation. You can also get a OEM heater core(would be the best, IMO) and a price from your shop for am OEM and to install it.

Anyone else have experience with actual different heater cores for this appication?

 

Yes I agree with you and I love your analogy Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post an update soon