Great Tips And Advice For Finding Reliable OEM Parts Online and Locally

With 250 million cars on America’s roads today, it’s no wonder why so many people find themselves shopping for reliable OEM parts every year.

For the uninitiated, there are two classes of auto parts that you can purchase for your vehicle. There are aftermarket parts that are produced by third-party manufacturers and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts which are made by the same company that built your car.

In general, OEM parts are crafted to a higher standard and are more likely to work with your vehicle. Consequently, OEM parts have become a hot commodity for car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

For tips on how you can get your hands on all sorts of OEM parts as painlessly and affordably as possible, keep reading.

1. Understand What You’re Looking For

Car parts can be very tricky to buy. Given how diverse engines are, a car part for one vehicle may easily be dysfunctional in another. This is true even with cars that are of the same make and model but feature different trims.

To ensure that you end up getting the right part for your vehicle, verify what your part’s number is and run it by any seller that you’re thinking of doing business with. By relying on part numbers as opposed to names and descriptions, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.

2. Go to a Certified Dealer to Keep Things Simple

If simplicity is your primary concern when shopping for reliable OEM parts, there’s no easier way to get your hands on what you need than by going to a branded dealership. Chances are your local dealership either has the part you’re looking for or can order it from your car’s manufacturer.

Granted, purchasing parts from a dealer, particularly rare parts, can be costly. So, keep in mind if the convenience you’re getting by shopping with a dealer is worth the additional spend.

3. Keep an Eye Out for Coupons

When you buy from authorized sellers you may be able to use a bevy of manufacturer coupons to bring your costs down.

Check your vehicle manufacturer’s website to see if they’re offering coupons for parts that you need. If they aren’t, go to your dealership’s website to see if they have any coupons or rebates that you can take advantage of.

Even a coupon as inconsequential as getting a free car detailing and wash with a purchase can make your part buy more valuable.

4. Understand Reputable Online Options

We get that most people don’t like buying car parts or anything else in person these days. Fortunately for those people, there are a couple of reputable online sellers that you can find great deals on parts through.

The most popular online auto parts marketplace is eBay. Chances are, you already have an account with the platform and know how to use it.

A more niche auto parts selling platform is car-part.com.

5. Be Wary of Craigslist

Low prices and ease of acquisition often drive reliable OEM parts seekers to Craigslist. While Craigslist undoubtedly has the occasional good deal, unfortunately, it’s rife with scams.

It will be hard to verify whether or not a Craigslist part is going to function in your car over an extended period, especially since you won’t be able to verify a part’s warranty when buying it.

If you choose to go the Craigslist route, make sure you feel very confident in your ability to identify your part and its condition.

6. Junkyards Can Be Helpful

It may seem like an oxymoron to find reliable OEM parts in a junkyard. The truth is though that junkyards make a living out of stripping quality parts from old vehicles and reselling them to grease monkeys. By being patient and looking around, you may not only find a great part but will also likely find it at an incredible price.

Furthermore, junkyards are accustom to haggling so you may be able to score yourself an even better deal if you flex your negotiating muscles.

7. Sometimes Buying a Parts Car Is the Solution

Still drawing blanks as you search for the car parts you need? It may be that you have to purchase a “parts car”.

Parts cars are often found online and in junkyards. They are cars that don’t work and are consequently being sold at a discount price.

You may be able to ask a parts car seller if you can buy a single part form the car off of them. If they decline, it may be worth your while to purchase the whole vehicle.

To recoup your investment, try and resell the car once you’ve removed what you need from it.

8. Drop a Note to Your Manufacturer

As a last resort, email or call your manufacturer if you desperately need a rare OEM part that you can’t find anywhere else. They may have insight on collectors or specialty sales teams that can assist you.

Just expect to pay a pretty penny if you end up needing to source your part from a specialty outlet.

Finding Reliable OEM Parts Can Be Easy If You Know Where to Look

There are several places to source reliable OEM parts from. Where you choose to get yours will depend on the amount of time you have, your budget and the rarity of your piece.

We hope that our insight helps you find the perfect part at the perfect price and invite you to check out more of our content if you find yourself hungry for additional information!

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