When shopping for replacement parts for a vehicle, consumers are faced with the option to purchase either aftermarket automotive parts or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. While both have their pros and cons, its ultimately up to the individual’s preferences concerning quality and his budget when deciding on the better option.
Aftermarket Automotive Parts – Pros and Cons
Aftermarket automotive parts are replacement units manufactured by any company other than the parent company that produced the original vehicle. These pieces can be purchased at just about any discount auto parts store and, should the consumer choose to take his vehicle to any auto repair center other than the one at the new car dealership that services his model vehicle, he can expect the mechanic to install aftermarket automotive parts unless he specifically requests otherwise.
Pros:
- Aftermarket automotive parts are often much cheaper for consumers than the replacement car part options the manufacturer offers.
- There’s rarely any waiting around for the correct part to be ordered. Individuals can readily purchase aftermarket replacements for their vehicles from auto body retailers nationwide. Many individuals opt for aftermarket units, not as replacements, but as an upgrade for standard vehicle options.
Cons:
- Although most car parts purchased new come with a warranty, that warranty may not be as long as the one offered by the manufacturer, which can sometimes offset the higher cost of OEM parts.
- Consumers sometimes purchase aftermarket auto parts without any knowledge of exactly what they’re getting. While the quality of these pieces sometimes exceeds the quality of OEM parts, they can be of a lower quality as well.
OEM Auto Parts – Pros and Cons
OEM auto parts are those manufactured by the parent company. For example, a Ford brand unit in a Ford is an OEM part. OEM parts are identical in every vehicle of a given make and model.
Pros:
- OEM units always come with a warranty. Should the piece prove to be defective after installation, the vehicle owner can have the unit replaced free of charge. Many dealerships also provide free labor for replacing a defective OEM part – something that can be hard to come by when replacing defective aftermarket automotive parts.
- Consumers can purchase OEM parts for their cars with the assurance that the part will fit the vehicle properly. Not all aftermarket pieces are compatible with all cars and choosing the correct aftermarket automotive part can be confusing for some consumers. This, however, is never a factor with OEM parts.
Cons:
- OEM parts cost considerably more than most aftermarket units. If an individual plans to pay out-of-pocket for his car repairs, the cost of OEM replacement parts could be more than he was expecting, or is willing, to pay.
- Because OEM parts come directly from the manufacturer, many dealerships will have to order each unit as they need it. This can greatly increase the amount of time car repairs take. If the dealership charges extra for each day the car is in the shop, the added time translates to additional charges for the consumer.
Choosing Between Aftermarket Replacement Parts and OEM Parts
Cost is the biggest motivator for most motorists when choosing new parts for their vehicles. Individuals looking for an upgraded stereo system or flashy accessories will almost always want to purchase aftermarket automotive parts since the manufacturer is unlikely to offer such options.
Those who have suffered an accident and have an insurance company footing the bill for repairs, however, should strongly consider choosing OEM parts for the stability of the warranty. Ultimately, however, an individual’s decision to install either aftermarket automotive parts or OEM parts comes down to budget, quality and personal preference.
See Also: Find Cheap Car Parts – Discount Replacement Auto Parts
Sources:
- California Department of Insurance: Auto Body Repairs and Replacement Parts
- Edmunds.com: Aftermarket Versus Manufacturer Car Parts
Candice Edwards - Candice Gillingwater is a credit specialist and consumer advocate currently living in Georgia. Her goal is to educate the public about ...
