In the world of auto parts, things can get expensive real fast. Especially so when the vehicle you are working on is either very new or doesn’t have much aftermarket support. Nowadays, it’s no secret that there are many places to get “discounted” parts; but then you run the risk of getting something that could be low quality. So, how do you know when its okay to go for the bargain stuff?

One factor to consider is the dependency you will have on a particular part. So, major mechanical parts are almost always something you won’t want to go find the cheapest of. Things such as sensors, seals, gaskets, etc. typically have better outcomes when bargain hunting. Speaking from personal experience, I can absolutely say that the full engine gasket sets you find on major online retailers are just fine. I rebuilt a 1998 Ford V6 using a “bargain” set of gaskets when I was sixteen and they held on long enough for me to make the engine jump timing while doing a burnout.

I will always recommend, no matter what you are buying at any price point, to read reviews before purchase. Let’s use LED light bars as our example here. The “good” name-brand ones can easily cost upwards of $200 on the lower end. But at the same time, one can find the same style and construction online for less than $80. The key is in the reviews! Experienced shoppers know that there are cheap brands out there that have a propensity to produce durable products. So, where I always start is the lowest rated reviews on products.

“But why would you want to read someone’s bad opinion on something you want to buy?” you may ask. Well, the thing is, most people leave bad reviews on products because it didn’t work for them, and I want to know why. Was it a one-off? Is it truly a bad product? Did the reviewer use the product outside of its intended use? Or are they just there to complain because the company doesn’t have good customer service? Often, people break things they bought cheaply, and they complain about them being made cheaply. The nerve!

My Dad and I have bought super cheap parts simply to see if they would work at such a laughably low price point. Much to our surprise, they worked perfectly. But we always managed our expectations beforehand. A $20 clutch plate is not the same as a $2.50 gasket. There’s nothing wrong with buying “genuine” parts, but if history has taught us anything; you can absolutely do at-home repairs on a budget. Name brand parts usually come with a guarantee and that is where the price point typically comes from. You know, as a consumer, that buying a name brand means that the company is invested in their product and its construction. But sometimes you can get similar performance out of a part for a much smaller initial investment. Even if it’s just a temporary fix to get you by until you can afford the guaranteed stuff; I highly suggest you give the cheap parts some consideration the next time you shop around.

All this being said, we here at Tandem Traction have done our fair share of parts shopping. As such, we decided to compile a list of resources for our readers over on the Resources page. Websites and companies that we have personal experience with and have trusted for nearly a decade when purchasing parts. The lists are being updated as we go along, and we are willing to hear your suggestions on places you know and trust for finding the right parts at good prices.