Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

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Online Parts Buying: Easy, Flexible, and Potentially Cheaper

Searching for car parts online isn't difficult. Just type the phrase "car parts" in your search engine of choice and you'll be overwhelmed by the volume of results. The trick is to know exactly what you want or need and to have an idea of what the part would cost in the physical world. That basic information allows the consumer to go online and leverage the power of the Internet to comparison shop as well as to make use of the three strongest advantages inherent in online parts shopping:

• Parts Finders: Many parts sites have internal parts finder search engines. The consumer enters the year, make, and model (and in some cases sub-model) of their vehicle so the site can direct them to parts that will work on their individual car or truck. Many of these search engines will then divide the results into universal, replacement, and performance parts -- all at varying price points. (A word of caution. Any time you are considering going for a universal or discount option, research reviews on the company and its products before buying to avoid getting inferior materials.)



• Varied Payment Options: Unlike physical stores, online parts sites often offer alternative pay options like BillMeLater, a credit service that can allow qualifying consumers to pay off their online purchases over 90 days with no finance charges accrued. This can be a more budget-friendly avenue that lets hard-pressed drivers make needed repairs in a more timely fashion because they can afford to make payments, but not an upfront purchase on top of labor costs. Flexible payment options coupled with the fact that online parts are generally cheaper anyway, can result in considerable cost savings.



• Hard to Find Parts: Thanks to the global nature of the Internet, parts for older or specialty models can often be located more easily online and shipped more quickly than would be the case if a given repair facility "located" and shipped the part. (Hidden charges tend to add up quickly in those scenarios.) You may not be able to install the part yourself, but if you know what you're looking for, you can locate it and purchase it at the lowest possible price. (In truly esoteric situations, like customization or car restoration, the Internet can direct owners to enthusiast communities with inside knowledge on parts sources -- even those that require custom machining.

Before making any online parts purchase, make sure that you know exactly what you need and that the part you are ordering fits that need. Review available payment options on the site and make sure you understand the site's return policies in the event of a mistake. No return policy? Move on and find another online supplier. Don't hesitate to use any site's available communication options to ask questions and to verify the appropriateness of the potential purchase. By doing your homework and exercising reasonable caution, online parts shopping is quick, easy, and potentially kind to the pocket book -- always a good thing in the world of car repairs, but especially so in these tough economic times.