Aftermarket vs. OEM Auto Parts

Posted: Monday, February 13th, 2017

If your vehicle needs repair or maintenance here in the St. Louis, MO area, you might be wondering if you should go with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or with aftermarket parts. The choice isn’t always clear. While OEM parts are generally more expensive, they’re guaranteed to work with your vehicle. While aftermarket parts might be cheaper, they may compromise your vehicle’s performance. Let’s find out more about how they compare.

Which Parts Are Right for Your Needs?

Both aftermarket parts and OEM parts have advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key factors you should consider:

  • Quality: OEM parts are generally better quality, and they’re guaranteed to work with your car. The quality of aftermarket parts can vary greatly — some might be good, but some might be subpar.
  • Availability: OEM parts can only be bought at a dealership. That limits your ability to find them elsewhere. Aftermarket parts that aren’t branded by an automaker can be found almost anywhere.
  • Price: OEM parts will almost always cost more than aftermarket parts. In fact, OEM parts might cost 60 percent more than aftermarket parts.
  • Fit: An OEM part is guaranteed to fit perfectly because it will always be exactly the same as the part that you’re replacing. An aftermarket part might not fit as well because it might not match up to factory specifications.
  • Warranty: OEM parts usually preserve both your factory warranty and come with their own manufacturer warranty. Aftermarket parts might come with a warranty, but they may compromise your car’s existing warranty.

Let Green Light Credit Help

Ready to upgrade your car to a new model? Green Light Credit can help you get the financing you need to get behind the wheel of a car in perfect condition in St. Louis. That way you don’t need to stress about finding replacement parts. We work with dealerships across the nation so you can find a new or used car that serves your needs.

Contact Green Light Auto Credit online now or give us a call at (800) 200-5551 with any questions about our financing in the St. Louis, MO area. We are happy to help you get behind the wheel of your next car.

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