Buying automotive parts on eBay, is it worth it?
The simple answer is yes, usually! Okay, it’s not that simple. Car parts on eBay are usually a safe buy, as these are not items that china really cares to duplicate and try to turn a profit on. Why? Simply because they don’t turn much of a profit at all, not the kind of profit they are looking for, they’d rather duplicate high price items such as electronics.
Automotive parts have gone down in price in the last 5 years, with the exception of some kinds of parts, parts that do not have a high turn over rate, specialty items.
With all that said, buying parts on eBay can be a money and time saving option. I’ve purchased many automotive parts on eBay, and have only been disappointed a few times. Once because they sent the wrong part, and once because it arrived damaged, and another that I can remember the guy took about 3 weeks to finally ship the item ( should have read his feedback ).
If you already know the brands and the item you are after, you’re in good shape. Now you just have to compare the item prices from different sellers, shipping prices, and of course the sellers ratings and feedback. If you notice many people have complained about a seller, but offers a great deal, don’t bother, spend the extra couple bucks and go with a reputable seller with very good feedback. I always look for feedback of between 96 and 100%, anything less usually means that seller has had too many problems with customers.
I once bought a set of brake rotors ( brembo blanks ) 
from a seller with good feedback, although when arrived, rotors where jingling inside the box, was packaged horribly, I wonder how he received good feedback packaging products like that. There was a hole in the box, and was stuffed with paper, and not even stuffed very good. I complained but didn’t get even a response. I assumed he was a drop shipper and was shipped from a fulfillment company that does a bad job packaging heavy items.
This is one possible problem with buying parts on eBay. Some sellers just don’t have a clue how to pack and ship their products. Alot of them don’t take into account how heavy the product is, and how many shipping terminals and hands it passes through, how many times it gets unloaded and loaded again into shipping containers. Sometimes i’m just amazed that the parts i’ve ordered arrived undamaged and in good condition, a fluke I guess.
There are still many people and companies that do package their products very good though, so don’t let that discourage you from buying on eBay. It usually works out to save you time and money.
Always do your research! Call your local auto parts stores before buying that item on eBay, if you care about saving money of course. You can often get a better deal buying locally, and save time if you need that item fast, as shipping usually takes anywhere between 3-10 days after purchase to delivery at your home or business.
Some automotive parts just can’t be obtained locally, and that is why i turn to the internet right away.
Oem parts that don’t sell in high volumes such as rubber moldings and other parts specific to your model car are usually very hard to find in the aftermarket, and for those I turn to these online dealership sites (links below), as they do offer much better prices then if you were to go directly to your local Honda or Acura dealership. You still must take into account the shipping prices and make your decision accordingly.
San Leonardo Honda - http://slhondaparts.com/
South Bay Honda - http://www.hondapartscheap.com/
Majestic Honda - http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/
There are others, but these are the ones I usually order from and have had no problems with.
When buying on eBay, just follow your gut, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Happy shopping!
Filed under: General
