How important are quality parts?

If you've ever been tempted to use cheaper parts, or had them recommended by your mechanic, you might want to take a look at this image before you plunk down your hard-earned cash. Click the image for a close-up.

We've all heard the phrase, "Pay me now, or pay me later." While we recognize the importance of thrift, you can see what happens when we cut back on the wrong things.

 This part was a cheaper knock-off of a quality part that cost about $6.00 more. The total repair to change it was in the hundreds, so it really didn't make sense to buy the cheap part.