Is there a preferred (better) brand of water pump to get?

 

I always get whatevers cheapest. Same with batteries, tires, etc...etc...

 

gmb(advance) seems to be pretty decent. ive used them 5 times now, and have only had 1 dud(manufacturer error).

 

When I had to replace mine, went with a Tru-Flow. Not sure why. IMO, water pumps fall into the same category as batteries. No matter what you go with, it can work great for years and years. Or it may crap out in a month. Just keep the receipt if it has a warranty.

 

because i keep my vehicles a long time - i get all my parts from either Autozone or Advance with a lifetime warranty. i find Advance to be cheaper to buy online with big discounts (like 20%) and pick up in store. or ship free is over $75. then you can return the core to the local store. they come very close to rockauto pricing.

for aluminum parts like water pumps, i prefer new over rebuilt unless there is a huge price difference. this may or may not be a valid concern, but aluminum's just not as durable as cast iron.

 

I'm very much of the same mindset on both counts... keeping vehicles for a long time, and buy new items like water pumps.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

+1 more on new, and with lifetime warranty.