Reasons to Buy Parts from a Dealership
Overview
For many car owners, there comes a time when they either want to or have to buy new parts for their vehicle. It could be because they’re modifying it to upgrade from the original specification; it could be a replacement for a part damaged in an accident; it might even just be for pure aesthetic value, there are always many reasons.
The problem many drivers face is whether to return to the dealership to get genuine OEM parts, or instead turn to the aftermarket for something a bit different. There are many good reasons to buy parts from Mac Haik Ford of Desoto, and below we’ll explain them in more detail.
1. Ease and Convenience
It can’t be denied that buying OEM parts is a much simpler experience than those of the aftermarket. There’s no need to compare quality, price and compatibility as you have to with all aftermarket parts. All OEM parts are designed specifically for your car, so all you need do is tell the dealership what you want and they’ll provide it to you. In the end, when you buy your car parts from the dealership, you get a “one-stop-shop” experience for the highest quality parts available for your Ford vehicle.
To buy in the aftermarket means visiting multiple locations or websites, hearing about all the different brands, benefits and drawbacks of every product, and mastering all the subtle differences and details of each item. The easier option is to stick with OEM parts from the dealership, so you know where to go every time, and what you’re getting in every part.
2. Assurance of Quality and Compatibility
Quality and compatibility are the two biggest potential drawbacks with aftermarket parts. Fans of aftermarket parts point to the huge selection of different items made for each car model, which allows you more scope for personalization, but the compatibility and quality of these parts could be jeopardized.
Many aftermarket part brands are little-known to the general public. They may have some renown among the more experienced and dedicated car modification community, but for those looking for the first time and wanting to guarantee quality and compatibility with their model and trim level, it can be a daunting experience to shop in the aftermarket.
OEM parts from the dealership are made specifically for your car. Regardless of the situation, they are manufactured to the same standard as the rest of the parts of your vehicle, with compatibility assured.
3. Warranty Provided
OEM parts from the dealership can be sold with a warranty attached to them. The manufacturers know that every part has been made to the same standards as their vehicle.
There may be some aftermarket providers that offer guarantees, return policies or even a warranty on their parts, but it’s much less likely. Part of the trade-off that you experience when you purchase aftermarket parts is that you sacrifice some of the assurances for lower purchase prices. This means that you’re always taking something of a gamble when you purchase from the aftermarket.
4. Smaller, More Accessible Selection
As we touched on above, choice in the aftermarket is something of a double-edged sword. The automotive aftermarket is so large and so diverse that it can actually become a hindrance for those who are not already experienced or knowledgeable enough about cars to maximize benefit and minimize risk.
Let’s say you’re looking into aftermarket exhaust systems, for example, or aftermarket bumpers. These are both crucial components to the car, and both are popular with people wishing to make modifications to their vehicle. Would you immediately know which brand and model of exhaust system is the best one to use in your car? Some exhausts are stainless steel while other are not. After marketbumbers usually do not fit and line up as smoothly as OEM parts either. Sellers within the aftermarket will always tell you that their system is best, but that’s what they have to do to compete.
The fact remains that the best, most suitable parts for your vehicle are the OEM parts. That is a simple truth that cannot be forgotten. The selection is smaller, but that’s a good thing. It helps you focus your attention and get an ideal part to meet your needs.
5. Maintaining Resale Value
Let’s assume that you own a car currently but sooner or later you will sell that car on to someone else.
Buyers are generally more put off by the presence of aftermarket parts in a vehicle. They tend to feel
that aftermarket parts “dilute” the value of the vehicle, and they will therefore be less willing to pay
over the odds for it. You might try and spin the idea that the aftermarket parts make the car “unique,”
but you’re marketing to a very niche group when you do that.
Keeping all original parts will help preserve the resale value of your car. In fact, recently replaced
parts are an attractive proposition for many when buying a used car. It means that there is an active
warranty on those parts, and that they will unlikely face the need to have to replace those parts
themselves anytime soon. It’s the perfect way to attract better offers when selling.
Conclusion: Favor OEM for the Best Results
Whatever your reasons for buying replacement car parts, we think you gain the most benefit by sticking with the dealership and keeping all original OEM parts in your vehicle.
