| Having car parts replaced is an expense every driver | | | | higher cost does not necessarily imply higher quality. |
| would prefer to avoid. Not only is the component | | | | In fact, despite what many people believe, an |
| itself often expensive, but the per-hour labor charges | | | | OEM-certified rebuilt may offer more value than an |
| can add up to three times the cost of the part to | | | | OEM component from the original manufacturer. |
| the final bill. For this reason, many people look for | | | | Factors To Consider When Purchasing Aftermarket |
| ways to minimize their cash outlay at the repair shop. | | | | Components |
| Unfortunately, rather than negotiating the labor | | | | As implied earlier, the quality of a given replacement |
| charges, a lot of motorists cut corners by purchasing | | | | part is largely a result of the manufacturer or |
| cheap - and thus low-quality - parts. While the | | | | rebuilder. Both will usually have a consistent |
| upfront price makes them seem less expensive, the | | | | reputation. If you're purchasing a new aftermarket |
| long-term costs are often higher because the | | | | component, make sure it is OEM-certified and comes |
| components need to be replaced sooner. | | | | with a generous warranty. If you're buying a used |
| In this article, we'll explore this issue in more detail. | | | | component, ask your mechanic whether he will vouch |
| We'll first describe your three options when replacing | | | | for the rebuilder. |
| a failing component, so you'll have a clear grasp | | | | Regarding the warranty, length is important. New |
| regarding where to start. We'll also provide a list of | | | | aftermarket components will usually come with a 1 or |
| key factors that should influence your decision in the | | | | 2-year warranty. Rebuilt or used parts, however, will |
| event you decide to buy aftermarket parts. Lastly, | | | | often have warranties limited to ninety days. That |
| you'll discover the true price of buying "cheap" | | | | said, there are used auto parts dealers that offer |
| components. | | | | OEM-certified components with warranties lasting as |
| Knowing Your Options | | | | long as 3 years. |
| Suppose your vehicle's starter fails. Your first option | | | | Price is another factor to consider when buying |
| is to buy a rebuilt starter as a replacement. Because | | | | aftermarket car parts. Producing or rebuilding |
| this is the least expensive route, a lot of people | | | | components with a high level of workmanship |
| choose it, hoping to save a few dollars. The problem | | | | requires time, effort, and materials. These elements |
| is, few drivers have a clear grasp regarding what | | | | are usually reflected in the price. While a high price |
| "rebuilt" actually entails. | | | | may not necessarily translate into a high level of |
| A rebuilt component can mean a lot of different | | | | quality, a severely underpriced part is unlikely to be |
| things. For example, one rebuilder may strip a part | | | | reliable. |
| down, clean each individual piece (replacing those that | | | | The Price Of Buying Cheap Auto Parts |
| are worn), and then reassemble the rebuilt according | | | | The biggest problem with purchasing cheap auto |
| to strict OEM standards. Another rebuilder may simply | | | | parts is that they often fail much sooner than their |
| clean the component and apply a new coat of paint. | | | | equivalent OEM-certified components. These cheap |
| In short, quality depends largely on the rebuilder. | | | | replacements rarely come with a long warranty. Over |
| Your second option is to purchase a new | | | | time, the long-term cost of having them replaced |
| aftermarket replacement, but to do so from a | | | | more frequently usually exceeds the upfront |
| manufacturer other than the OE manufacturer. Many | | | | investment in higher-quality parts. |
| drivers presume this means the replacement will | | | | If you plan to sell your vehicle in the near future, |
| offer lower quality. In reality, the quality may be just | | | | cheap replacement parts may be appropriate. They |
| as good, or even better. | | | | represent an ideal solution for fixing your car without |
| Your third option is to buy a new replacement from | | | | spending much money. If you plan to keep your |
| the OE manufacturer. Of the three choices, this is | | | | vehicle, however, invest in OEM-certified parts that |
| the most expensive route. It's worth noting that the | | | | offer higher quality and a long warranty. |