I'm thinking of replacing my CAI filter with a K&N filter. Are the K&Ns actually better than anything else? Or am I just paying for the name?

 

Who makes the CAI you have now?

There are some generic inferior products out there but pretty much all the oiled filters run the same.

 

Nowadays, you are paying for the name. However, you pay for any big-brand name. I've got one of those Spectre hpR filters. The Spectre filters are actually pretty good- they seem to perform the same as a K&N based on the tests.

 

K&N filters are only good with a LIGHT coat of oil, and if they are cleaned often. (Which no one does).

 

I didn't have the Neon after the K&N CAI long enough to clean it.
I've had a K&N panel on my Taurus since April of 2009 and haven't cleaned/oiled it properly. I took it out once and beat some dirt out of it and slid it back in. Gas mileage hasn't really been affected, averages 24-26mpg with a pretty big V6. I don't really regret buying it since I haven't cleaned it how it's supposed to be cleaned but if I did I probably would regret it. It's more of a hassle than anything else. I'm sure the conical K&N filter flow better than their paper counterparts from design, but panel filters I don't think flow any better than paper. I thought about getting a K&N on my V8 Firebird but researched it first and found that it was a waste. In that case paper is just as efficient. People with K&N's said they saw no noticeable increase in flow over a paper filter (for a traditional induction setup, i.e. not including ram air)
I would consider swapping to a ram air set up in my car with the Volant system because it looks freaking cool (see attachment) but it's $300.