This is what we get for buying on price always. It's so bad now that even most of the middle of the market stuff that was halfway decent is gone.
It's funny, I'm a younger guy (33), I constantly have to point out to my dad and uncles that their buying on price habits they've always had is the reason why there isn't much of anything that's good quality anymore. They even go to ask my opinion about things I already own (Outdoor power equipment, computers, tools, replacement auto parts, etc) and still usually buys the cheapest stuff.
Usually the brick and motor store house brand stuff is really bad. And they mark up the better quality stuff like Moog, Proforged, Timken, SKF, Fel-pro, etc to stratospheric levels making them totally uncompetitive. My friend and I also tried recently to buy a correctly functioning lug nut for a 2011 Grand Caravan with hubcaps, not a single store had one that was even close. Some even gave us an M14 nut when they are clearly M12.
My brother-in-law's Pontiac G6 needed some sway bar end links and Advance was literally double the cost of the part on Amazon, Rock Auto, or Summit, I couldn't believe it. They were all the same Moog parts.
For newer cars, I buy as many OEM parts as possible. At least you know someone tested the design and materials.
