Hi Christy,
In general terms the OE parts are usually the best quality but is normally the most expensive. Once you look to the aftermarket, they are all pretty similar in quality. There are always the exception in aftermarket parts that are just junk that you want to stay away from but the only real way to learn what that is by vehicle and part is trial and error and reviews from others. There is no rule that says all aftermarket parts are better or worse.
Here is what I do when in a situation like yours.
Go to a common parts site like a rockauto. Com or Autozone and see what they have to offer for your vehicle. Compare brands and pricing. Then pick the couple based on price that you think is reasonable and perform review searches on those specific components. You don't want to try to search through all of them because as you can see in the attachment there are almost 10 options. Then make a decision based on reviews and pricing. Don't think that the most expensive is the best quality or the cheapest is the worst.
In this specific instances, I don't have experience with these parts but do with these brands. ACDelco is good and and so is the Power Select. I don't have much experience with Pure Energy or Remy. Denso is probably the best option of those listed.
Keep in mind some of these are going to be rebuilt or reman units. That does not mean used. They have been taken apart and have new parts inside of them. However, they carry a core charge which means they are going to be more expensive until you return the old unit off the car and then they will give you money back.
Of the ones on the list, it appears the one I would go with is the ACDelco for an automatic transmission.
Hope this helps. Please tell me if you have more questions. Thanks
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Friday, May 31st, 2019 AT 6:19 PM