Buying aftermarket motor parts comes with the possibility of purchasing fake parts. So how do you distinguish what is real and what is not? Check for designs that seem asymmetrical. While quality aftermarket replacement parts resemble your car’s original components, fake parts tend to have different designs, a factor that could cost you money down the line.
Confirm identification or serial numbers. Specifications are crucial and are the standard measure when buying auto parts. If your aftermarket replacement parts lack identification numbers or labels, it may be likely that you are getting a knockoff product.
Be on the lookout for misspellings. While some repairable salvage SUVs for sale will be made in foreign countries, reputable businesses are keen on maintaining a respectable standard, especially when dealing with instruction manuals. Too many spelling and phrasing irregularities are, therefore, a sign that of untrustworthy companies.
Last is poor customer service from your seller. In addition to confirming your aftermarket suv parts’ physical appearance, your seller is also crucial to identifying the quality of the parts you get. Credible manufacturers come with a communications department tasked with solving customer queries and product concerns. If you experience any hesitance from your seller or cannot find their contact information, it is best to look elsewhere. If you are on the lookout for aftermarket parts for my car, these tips will come in handy in helping you navigate the world of aftermarket replacement parts.
Every car will need work sooner or later, but buying replacement parts from your dealer can be expensive. Taking the extra time to find discount auto parts online can save you hundreds of dollars. Here are a few tips to help you find cheap auto parts for your vehicle repair job:
- Shop around and do your homework. There are several auto part databases online with everything from brake pads to ball joints at cheaper prices than you’ll get from your dealer. Sites like Car-Part.com and Ebay generally have plenty of cheap auto parts to choose from, but there are plenty of others out there. Do your research on a website or seller before you take a deal that seems too good to be true. Craigslist can be good for comparison shopping, but the quality is hit-or-miss.
- Make sure you’re getting the right part. You can do this by contacting your dealership and confirming the part number. If you don’t do this, you may find yourself with a part you can’t use or return. Certain parts only work with certain engines or transmissions, so you need to make sure you’re buying not just for the car model, but for your specific car.
- If you go to a junkyard to search for cheap auto parts, don’t forget that you can haggle a bit. Many junkyards will be willing to match lower prices from other retailers in the area. However, they won’t price match a low quality piece somewhere else with a high quality piece in their yard, and they’re likely to know if you’re making up a deal somewhere else. Be polite. You won’t get anything by bullying a junkyard owner. You can sometime find parts in self-service junkyards as well, but that can be time-consuming.
- Keep an eye out for coupons. There are plenty of websites with coupon codes and manufacturer rebates that you can use to purchase cheap auto parts from different sellers. If you can get a great discount, you can sometimes even find a new car part with a warranty that’s on par for the price of an old, used part.
Generally, you should go for a part from a dealer only as a last resort. There are plenty of options out there. Be sure to explore them all!
