Where do you draw the line?
If a company has done the R&D to ensure that their product works, won't break, and first and foremost fits the car properly, that's worth a lot to me when considering modifications. I also believe in doing things right the first time around.
You own a Higher Trim Level Volkswagen, does that matter?
I believe in simply getting the best for my money. Quality, durability, reliability, and longevity are key. Wait, I bought a Volkswagen... shit. :laugh:
Do you even care?
Probably too much.
Do you like sticking with just one company?
Sure, but only if it makes sense to do so. Not all parts are created equal, and if there's an advantage offered, I plan to utilize it. It also depends on what parts play nice with other parts; if APR develops a tune using their Carbonio and DP, I think I'd be more inclined to use their intake and DP over competing brands just to minimize the possibility of an outside variable causing an issue. Makes things easier to troubleshoot when issues do crop up.
Do you look for data?
You haven't seen my parts build spreadsheets. Prices, part numbers, places to buy, forum links, etc.
Do you care about other member reviews?
I feel actual reviews from trustworthy members are worth their weight in gold, and can oftentimes be more honest than what the manufacturer says. I work in marketing, so I see right through the typical fluff that most brands publish in order to get the masses to snap up their shiny bits. I want real hard data. If your parts are superior, prove it, don't just say so. If that means an intercooler shootout, then you better freakin' do it.