[speeder]

Unless I've done a lot of internet research to learn differently, I try to always stick with OEM filters. It's so easy to get Motorcraft filters anywhere that I would never put anything else on my Ford truck. Autozone stocks the big ones for my 7.3 diesel but if they did not, I'd buy them online or over the counter at the dealer. It's not like you need to buy one everyday or even every week.

For European cars, I use either Mann, Hengst or Mahle generally...as long as they were OEM for the vehicle, it's going to be good. For Asian vehicles, same thing. My parts supplier can always tell me what brand was OEM, so even if the box does not say Toyota or Suzuki on it, it's OEM.

Many times, OEM filters have proprietary patented features that cannot be legally copied by competitors. Usually involving bypass features but possibly other things. I learned long ago that fuel filters for my Powerstroke can only be Motorcraft or the company that designed the fuel system, (can't remember the name). I know that we are talking about oil filters but the same principles apply.