Faulty car parts are a sad reality for all cars, regardless of make and model. Several factors determine how much you’ll end up paying. More critical parts like your transmission or even your entire engine will cost an arm and a leg to replace, especially if you choose genuine brand auto parts to replace them. Smaller things like windshield wipers and light bulbs are much cheaper, of course.
If you bring your car to the dealership’s servicing workshop, the mechanic will diagnose the problem and present you with your options. With a potentially hefty price tag on genuine manufacturer parts, you may be tempted to go with the less costly alternatives like OEM or third-party aftermarket car parts. Of course, OEM auto parts are still expensive, but without the brand logo, they’re much more reasonably priced.
Before you make any major decisions that will cost you your hard-earned money, you should try to see all your options.
Are Genuine Manufacturer Parts Always the Best for Your Car?
So, what’s a ‘genuine manufacturer part’ anyway? Well, that term usually refers to parts that were made by the same manufacturer who produced your car or the automaker. When one of these parts fails, it’s easy to think that getting the same component from the company that made your car is the best option. Maybe, you’re thinking about getting a BMW brake caliper or axle assembly for your 2015 model X1.
Genuine Vs OEM Auto Parts
Do you know that carmakers don’t build all the parts in their cars? Instead, they get various manufacturers, called OEMs, to supply them many of a car’s components. BMW cars, for instance, use brake calipers built by Brembo and axle assemblies produced by GKN Driveline.
If you get a replacement for these parts, often referred to as genuine brand auto parts, from a BMW dealership, they’d come with all the brand markings and logo of BMW. The same parts, however, would be available at a slightly cheaper price from authorised OEM dealers, with OEM markings, of course.
OEM Vs Aftermarket
Apart from the OEM, you may also get a replacement part from third-party companies called aftermarket parts producers. OEM parts are practically the same parts that you’re replacing – they look and work like the original part. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, may look or be shaped differently but were designed to work like the original. They’re also described as ‘compatible’ to several car makes and models.
Some people will argue that you’re paying a higher price for genuine brand auto parts just because it carries your carmaker’s brand. They might tell you that you should save your money by choosing components from other sources instead. Those parts might be useful, but they’re not the best option for your car, and I’ll tell you why.
You see, there are good reasons why your carmaker chose those parts to be used in your vehicle in the first place. Not only do those parts fit the strict requirements provided by the carmaker, but they also undergo rigorous testing for a particular make and model. So, yes, you might pay a little bit more for genuine manufacturer parts, but you get the assurance that the manufacturer designed and tested it to work in your car.
Where Can I Get Genuine Brand Auto Parts for Cheap in Brisbane?
With all that in mind, you can still get them for cheap if you know where to look. Here are a few of the best places to find genuine brand auto parts in Brisbane.
1. City Parts
A great place to start your search is City Parts. City Parts began its operations in 1982 in the suburb of Windsor. Today, you can give them a visit over in Zillmere Road to find the parts you need. They've got parts for loads of car brands and models. Better yet, you get to choose the kind of warranty coverage you want on those parts, from the simplest to the most comprehensive. Give them a call at (07) 3865 2900 or drop them an email at sales@cityparts.com.au.
2. Auto Parts Supply QLD
Auto Parts Supply is another excellent place to look for genuine brand auto parts. They’re a leader in supplying new parts and operate exclusively online, with a warehouse in Southport. Send them an email at sales@autopartssuply.com.au or give them a call at 07-55030169.
3. Keema Cars
Keema Cars has been in the business for over 60 years. Not only do they sell whole new and used vehicles, but they also specialise in selling genuine brand auto parts for brands like Nissan, Jeep, Chrysler and many more. Call their hotline at 1300-662-299.
4. Westpoint Autos
Westpoint Autos is another car dealer that also supplies genuine manufacturer parts. This family-owned company in Indooroopilly caters to owners of Nissan, Volkswagen, Haval, and a wide range of other car brands. You can reach their parts department at 07-3878-0440, or you could drop by their showroom!
5. HSY Parts
HSY Parts is another leader in the sales of genuine brand auto parts. They specialise in parts for European cars in particular, so owners of brands like Audi, Skoda, Peugeot and other Euro brands will find what they need here. They’ve got 13 locations all over Australia, but the Brisbane location is over on Lytton Road in Bulimba. Give them a call at 1-300-133-129.
Find Genuine Brand Auto Parts Using Carpart.com.au Parts Finder
Shopping around for genuine manufacturer parts can be fun for some, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. If you prefer getting your parts in a more laid-back way, instead, you may check out Carpart.com.au's Parts Finder. Here, all you'll have to do is submit the details of the parts you want. Then, Carpart.com.au automatically sends out your request to over 500 suppliers all over the country. Soon, you'll receive offers from all the suppliers who have what you need. Get a quote now!
By Ray Hasbollah