Choosing the right parts for your car This is one of the key challenges drivers face when repairing or maintaining their vehicle. The decision of whether to choose new or used car parts. for a car, affects not only the cost but also the quality and durability of the repair. In this post, we'll compare both solutions, focusing on financial aspects, quality, and component availability. We'll also suggest where to find the best car spare parts.
Cost – savings thanks to used parts
One of the most important arguments for choosing used car parts is their price . New parts, especially original equipment manufacturers ( OEMs ), can cost several times more than their aftermarket counterparts. Used car parts are often available at a fraction of the cost of new components, representing significant savings for drivers.
Price comparisons indicate that the used OEM part It can cost half as much as its new counterpart; in the case of expensive components (e.g., LED headlights , gearboxes , engines , steering wheels , rims , seats, or differentials ), the difference exceeds 70%. Experts emphasize that in typical compact cars, the most expensive item in the shopping cart is the engine accessories, but in premium cars, adaptive suspension components are the most expensive. Thanks to this, a driver who switches from a "full dealership" to used car parts can reduce their annual service budget from 5,000-6,000 PLN to around 3,000 PLN – without sacrificing original equipment.
Quality – the original from dismantling is better than cheap substitutes
Many drivers wonder if the parts used for their car They are as good as new. It's worth noting that used OEM components typically outperform cheap replacements in terms of durability and fit. Genuine passenger car parts are manufactured to high factory standards, guaranteeing their reliability and long service life even after disassembly. Unlike aftermarket parts, which are sometimes manufactured by third-party companies and may vary in quality, used OEM parts retain factory specifications. Buy them from a reputable auto parts store like Global Parts . , you can count on a start-up warranty, which additionally increases safety and comfort of use.
The role of CAR PARTS certificates
When purchasing spare parts for cars, it's worth verifying the quality labels: OE (vehicle manufacturer), OEM (original equipment manufacturer), OEQ (comparable quality), and AM (aftermarket). From professional sellers, such as the automotive store Global Parts – Each used component is accompanied by an OEM number and condition description, making it easy to fit “plug-and-play”.
Availability: Saving Youngtimers and Limited Editions
Manufacturers guarantee partial support for an average of 10–15 years after a model's end of production, after which they may withdraw rare items from stock. Youngtimer owners confirm that when it comes to bumpers, moldings, and minor switches, the aftermarket is often the only place that offers anything worthwhile. This gap is filled by a car parts store specializing in dismantling – for example, Global Parts, which dismantles BMWs., Mercedes or Mini and has a warehouse with thousands of references not available at authorized dealerships. This is also why previous entries about used parts for Mercedes, BMW, and Mini have been so popular with readers.
How to safely buy used car parts?
Start-up warranty and right of return
When purchasing used car parts, it's crucial to choose trusted suppliers. Reputable car parts stores They offer not only a wide selection, but also a start-up warranty and the possibility of returns, which minimizes the risk of purchasing a defective item.
Buyer's checklist
- Compare the OEM number on the label with the number removed from the vehicle.
- Check the mileage and year of production of the donor - they are visible in the product card
- Make sure the seller issues an invoice and ships insured.
Where to get used car parts - drivers' most frequently asked questions - FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where to look for used car parts? | If you're wondering where to buy the cheapest car parts, the best solution is to look for used car parts stores. These places offer a wide selection of original car parts, often sourced from dismantled vehicles that were in good condition. Global Parts, for example, specializes in BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, and Mini. |
| Where to buy the cheapest car parts? | Price is a result of availability and quality: the public indicates that the best price/quality ratio is offered by used OEM parts from dismantling. |
| What is the best website to order car parts from? | Websites with a VIN search engine minimize the risk of error. |
| Is it better to buy original car parts? | Failure statistics show that an OE/OEM component lasts longer than a cheaper alternative, resulting in a cost-effective return within 3-4 years. A used original combines this advantage with a low entry price. |
Car spare parts are a good choice
The dilemma of " new vs. used car parts " is no longer binary. After analyzing cost, quality, and availability, brand-name used car parts prove to be the most rational choice: they offer factory-like durability, are less expensive than new, and are often the only ones available for older models. The key? Buy from a trusted supplier who issues a start-up warranty and verifies the OEM number. That's how the Global Parts car parts store works – a place where spare parts for passenger cars combine purchase security with economic sense. This way, drivers receive exactly the same part installed by the manufacturer at the factory, but pay a price adjusted to the realities of the aftermarket.
Definitions and parameters – OE/OEM/AM, PN and VIN matching
OE (Original Equipment) is a part marked with the car manufacturer's logo; OEM (Used OEM) – an identical supplier from the original assembly, usually with a PN/OEM number (e.g., 8K0… in Audi, 51… in BMW). AM (Aftermarket) is a non-factory replacement. In practice, when shopping for car parts , car for parts, BMW parts, BMW parts, used BMW parts , Audi parts, or Mercedes parts, it's best to base your purchases on the VIN + PN number, as this ensures compatibility . with the harness, mountings and vehicle software.
Where to buy and how to pick up used car parts – online and locally
Warsaw auto parts stores facilitate in-person pickup, but the same used auto parts can be ordered with shipping to major cities. Auto parts Lublin, auto parts Rzeszów, auto parts Katowice, auto parts Olsztyn, auto parts Bydgoszcz, auto parts Gliwice, auto parts Gdynia, auto parts Tychy, auto parts Zielona Góra, and auto parts Bielsko-Biała. Global Parts ships via courier and allows for VIN matching, which shortens installation time and minimizes returns due to mismatches.
Table – comparison: new OE vs used OEM vs cheaper alternative (cost/compatibility/risk)
| Variant | Purchase cost | Compatibility (plug-in) | Durability (approximate) | Availability | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New OE | the highest | the highest | very high | good/average | new model under warranty, critical safety systems |
| Used OEM | −40% to −70% vs OE | high (VIN+PN) | high (factory parameters) | very good | cars after warranty, cost savings without loss of quality |
| AM (cheaper substitute) | the lowest | variable | variable/average | very good | simple non-load-bearing/operating elements |
