aftermarket items if you're not interested in performance gains?

[terencespark]

hey guys don't hate me if this is a dumb question...
so i have a 99 late model golf.. bought it used and i use it for everyday driving.. last few weeks, the car's been needing maintenance on various aspects, including a leak somewhere in my exhaust.
this led me to think about getting a stainless steel exhaust, and then maybe an aftermarket intake??
it was just a thought, but i wanted to ask if aftermarket bolt-ons or other maintenance items that are not from Volkswagen are something i should consider if i wasn't interested in gaining any performance.
in other words, are there any positive aspects to installing aftermarket items other than performance??

thank you in advance

[topher]

quality aftermarket items usually last longer than vw stuff, some stainless exhausts for example come with a lifetime guarantee.

worth keeping in mind though that your insurance company will see such things as modifications and increase your premium.

[terencespark]

mechanic at a dealer told me that spark plugs will be better with VW parts.. was he just saying that or is that true??  how about any other parts?

[Phil_M]

most vw's use NGK plugs which can be had allot cheaper at most motorist discount places.