$79 5 wire O2 sensor - who has bought one?

[garyhgaryh]

On another thread, I noted a few people who bought the $79 5 wire L1H1 sensor for their Civic VX on ebay. I called Napa and Autozone today and they wanted over $400 and $390, respectively. There is no way I will pay that much for a sensor because I can buy alot of gas with $400.

From what I understand, the Bosch 13246 sensor is the Honda sensor. People who bought these sensors say it comes with the Honda Part # stamped on it - 36531-P07-003. Of course, the two places I called charged what Honda would charge for these sensors.

I did a bit of research last night and discovered NTK made these exclusively for Honda. I'm not sure if Honda took legal action on the grey marketing of these sensors, but prices have gone up on them since 2003. The Bosch 13246 was priced at $99 at some places pre 2003, but now they are in the high $300.

On ebay Global Automotive is selling the NTK sensor for $79. I want to buy today, but wanted to find out if any of you that have bought this sensor had problems with it.

1. Is it plug and play for the 49-state VX? Connectors the same?
2. Does it look like the OEM one? Is NTK or a honda part # stamped on it?
3. Does it look brand new?
4. Do you get a CEL w/sensor installed? (check engine light)

Gary