Platinum Plugs.. Necessary?

I was just told by the dealer, as i was booking an appointment, that my 3.8L HAS TO have Platinum plugs @ $12 a piece... Is he full of it or what?

I tend to think his claim that "it will run like crap" is exaggerated...

Will other platinum plugs work just the same.. I am sure I can get a bosch or NGK or something cheaper than that!

Thanks in advance
MK iT GO

I highly doubt the 3.8L has to have platinum plugs.

My dad recently had a tuneup performed on his 98 Voyager, 3.3L, and I asked the service advisor at the dealer if there were other spark plugs we can use other than the platinums (BTW, we were charged $15.50 CDN per plug). I asked about regular plugs, cooler plugs, and he told me it would be better if we just stuck with the platinums.

I find that the dealer will always restore the vehicle to its original factory specs. So no, I wouldn't say the dealer is full of it, but if you want aftermarket parts, you're going to have to buy them yourself and then request that the dealer put them in for you.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find a good alternative to the platinums.