The Hidden Parts of Used Cars: OEM vs. Junk Parts
When purchasing a used car, you’re likely focused on finding a vehicle that’s within your budget, has low mileage, or comes from a trusted seller. However, one crucial factor is often overlooked: the quality of the parts that may have been used in past repairs. Not all parts are created equal, and the difference between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket or junk parts can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and resale value.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM parts are components made by the same manufacturer that built your vehicle. When a vehicle is repaired using OEM parts, it maintains the same quality and specifications as it did when it rolled off the factory line. These parts are tested rigorously to meet strict safety and performance standards, ensuring compatibility with the vehicle’s systems.
The downside? OEM parts tend to be more expensive. This higher cost can deter previous owners or repair shops from using them in repairs, especially if they were looking to cut corners or minimize costs. As a result, when you buy a used car, it’s possible that repairs may have been made using cheaper, non-OEM parts, which could impact your vehicle in ways you don’t realize.
The Risk of Junk or Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts, or worse, junk parts, are often cheaper alternatives to OEM parts. These parts are made by third-party manufacturers and may not always meet the same safety or quality standards as their OEM counterparts. In some cases, junk parts might even come from salvage yards, meaning they’ve already been used in another vehicle before being reinstalled into the car you’re purchasing.
Using aftermarket or junk parts can have several negative effects on your used car:
Safety Risks: Non-OEM parts may not perform as reliably in a collision or under stressful driving conditions. For example, brakes, airbags, or structural components that aren’t up to OEM standards could put you at greater risk in an accident.
Performance Issues: Aftermarket parts may not fit your vehicle as precisely as OEM parts, leading to performance inefficiencies or additional wear and tear on other systems. For instance, poorly fitting engine parts could lead to reduced fuel efficiency, frequent breakdowns, or decreased power.
Warranty Concerns: If you purchase a used car that’s still under warranty, using non-OEM parts could void the warranty. Most manufacturers insist on OEM parts for warranty claims, so it’s worth confirming what parts have been used in past repairs.
How to Find Out What Parts Were Used in Your Used Car
It’s not always easy to tell whether a car has been repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts, especially since this information isn’t typically included in a used car’s history report. However, there are a few ways you can investigate:
Ask for Maintenance Records: When considering a used car purchase, ask the seller or dealership for a detailed maintenance history. Check whether repairs were performed at authorized dealerships or reputable repair shops, which are more likely to use OEM parts.
Inspect the Vehicle: A mechanic can perform a pre-purchase inspection, which may reveal whether aftermarket or low-quality parts were used. They can check for mismatched components, wear, or subpar installations.
Use a Vehicle History Report: While services like Carfax won’t tell you exactly what parts were used, they can provide insight into accidents and repairs, alerting you to potential issues. If the car has been in a major accident, you’ll want to pay closer attention to what parts were replaced.
Why OEM Parts Matter for Long-Term Value
The type of parts used in past repairs can significantly impact the long-term value of your vehicle. Cars repaired with OEM parts tend to retain their value better because buyers feel more confident in the quality and safety of the vehicle. On the other hand, vehicles with aftermarket or junk parts can depreciate faster and may be more difficult to sell.
Beyond resale value, there’s also the consideration of repair costs down the road. A vehicle that’s been repaired with substandard parts is more likely to experience recurring issues, leading to more frequent and expensive repairs.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Skimp on Research
Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but it’s essential to do your homework. Knowing what type of parts were used in past repairs can help you avoid potential safety risks, performance issues, and costly repairs in the future. Before you finalize your purchase, make sure you ask the right questions and get a full picture of the vehicle’s repair history. In the long run, investing in a car with high-quality OEM parts will pay off in terms of safety, reliability, and value.
Understanding the parts history of a used car is an often-overlooked, yet critical part of the buying process—don’t let it catch you by surprise.