Are aftermarket parts cheaper than OEM?

Asked by: Dr. Emerson Braun DDS  |  Last update: February 11, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (43 votes)

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They're also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options.

Are aftermarket parts better than OEM?

High-quality aftermarket parts are as good as OEM parts, or in some cases, can perform better. You really do get what you pay for, and the higher the cost, the better the build or materials. There are hundreds of manufacturers to choose from, so be sure to ask your mechanic about your options.

How much cheaper are aftermarket parts?

Cost. Prices for aftermarket parts are almost always less than those for OEM parts, which can be 60% more expensive. Since parts make up almost half of the cost of most body work, saving money here can cut down on the total cost of the repair.

Are OEM parts more expensive?

Price: The price of OEM parts is nearly always higher than the price of comparable aftermarket parts. The Balance and Edmunds report that for bodywork, the cost of OEM parts is usually about 60 percent higher than aftermarket parts.

Will aftermarket parts lower value?

The use of OEM car parts has little to no effect on the value of your vehicle. Certain aftermarket upgrades, however, can have an effect. Adding custom alloy wheels to the vehicle, for example, can not only add to the appearance of the car but add value as well.

Are Factory Car Parts Better Than Aftermarket Featuring ShopDAP

15 related questions found

Does modifications hurt trade in value?

The short answer is, yes they do, and for the most part negatively. Depending on the car but especially the buyer, modifications can significantly hurt the resale value because simply put, cars are built to spec for a reason.

Why is OEM more expensive than aftermarket?

OEM parts are exactly the same as the components already on your car, while aftermarket parts may be different and come from various manufacturers. The reason OEM parts cost more is because they are the same high-quality as your original car parts and often come with a warranty.

Is it cheaper to buy parts from a dealership?

Common auto parts can be found for much cheaper at stores or online. Whether you bought your car new or used, it's important to maintain it properly and to use high-quality replacement parts.

Can aftermarket parts void warranty?

This aspect of warranty coverage has a great deal of gray area. Although many dealers would have you think otherwise, simply having an aftermarket part or modifying your vehicle cannot void your warranty.

Is OEM fake or original?

An OEM is the opposite of a third-party manufacturer that produces parts for sale in the aftermarket. An OEM refers to something made specifically for the original product, while the aftermarket refers to equipment made by another company that a consumer may use as a replacement.

What is better OEM or original?

The OEM parts we carry are precisely the same as the part that came with your car. The difference is that it doesn't carry the manufacturer's logo. OEM parts are just as reliable as genuine parts, but you get them for a better value.

Who makes good aftermarket parts?

World's Best Aftermarket Car Part Brands
  1. Robert Bosch GmbH. BOSCH is a German multinational engineering and technology company and is one of the world's largest and oldest automotive parts manufacturers.
  2. Denso Corp. ...
  3. Magna International Inc. ...
  4. Continental AG. ...
  5. Hyundai Mobis. ...
  6. Lear Corp. ...
  7. Febi Bilstein. ...
  8. Visteon.

Why are car parts so expensive?

The auto-part industry has historically been able to raise prices on the customer due to the infrequent nature of purchases. Customers typically don't need to buy the same part for one or two years or longer, and don't really know how much those components should cost.

Are NAPA parts as good as OEM?

I've used NAPA parts on a bunch of cars over the years, and generally found them to be at least as good as most OEM parts and a whole heck of a lot cheaper. I've also order things from Rockauto.com and been very satisfied with their stuff as well.

What are aftermarkets when buying a car?

Aftermarket accessories include vehicle customization products that are made by companies other than the original vehicle maker, while factory accessories are made by the original vehicle manufacturer. There are several reasons why consumers opt for aftermarket accessories over their factory counterparts.

Is it better to buy your own car parts?

Just like preventative dental care, regular car care can identify and stave off big, expensive issues. Another way to save on car repairs is by bringing your own auto parts to a mechanic. There's often a 25-50% markup on parts, and that number will often be lower for high-dollar parts, and higher for low-dollar parts.

What is the difference between OEM and genuine parts?

OEM, Original equipment manufacturer part is a part made by the manufacture or made for them to their specification but an external company. A genuine part is a part supplied by the vehicle manufacturer in their packaging. Aftermarket parts are parts produced by any other company.

What is OE vs OEM?

One of the biggest questions car owners have is: what is the difference between OEM and OE? OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OE stands for original equipment. OE parts are the components of the vehicle as it's made in the factory – all of the original parts that the car was first built with.

Are aftermarket bumpers good?

While some of them may be built with stronger materials, these materials aren't going to offer optimal protection in a crash. It's all about how well the material is able to absorb impacts. Also, aftermarket bumper covers are basically copies of OEM bumper covers.

Why do car parts take so long?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, car parts, from windshields to electronics, have been hard to come by. Materials are challenging to secure for manufacturing. Materials, parts and components are stuck sitting on cargo ships.

Are car parts more expensive right now?

As demand for vehicle maintenance rises, so do the costs for those repairs. According to Chung, the consumer cost of motor vehicle parts and equipment is up 20% compared to 2021. “It's all-encompassing, so whether it's new tires, wiper blades or oil changes, consumers are paying significantly more,” Chung said.

What brings down the value of a car?

Getting Dents, Rust and Scratches

The condition of your car's exterior can be a major factor in its value — the overall appearance and presence of your car matters. Scratches, a worn-out exterior, rust, cracked windows or dings will lower your car's resale value, according to AutoGuide.com.

Does having 2 Keys increase car value?

Two sets of keys: faster sale, higher price

So that's why, when you're looking at online car sales, having two sets of keys is often used as a selling point, which means if you're selling your vehicle and you've only got one key to go with it, it's well worth your while having a duplicate made from that key.

What is the most popular car modification?

Most Popular Car Modifications
  • Brakes. To be able to brake the car faster is one of the biggest and greatest car modifications you can consider implementing in your vehicle. ...
  • Engine. ...
  • Fuel upgrades. ...
  • Wheels and Tyres. ...
  • Lights. ...
  • Exhaust System. ...
  • Number Plates. ...
  • Spoilers.