It used to take a lot of time to maintain, repair or upgrade your vehicle in the local auto parts store or dealership because they would only have a few options for you and the prices for everything were marked up. With today’s technology, the car-buying experience has been revolutionized with the Internet giving customers and professional auto mechanics direct access to huge catalogs of parts at affordable prices.

From simple, essential repairs (brake pads, for example), to more extensive jobs (control arms, for instance), online purchases of aftermarket parts are incredibly convenient, fit-precise and affordable. Here is a detailed list of the best places to purchase high quality aftermarket car parts online.

The Best Websites to Buy Aftermarket Auto Parts Online

What to Look For in an Online Auto Parts Store 

When buying replacement parts online, a few aspects of the retailer’s operations are worth considering to ensure a seamless experience:

Fitment Verification Tools:  Any VIN search, original equipment (OE) cross-referencing or vehicle Year-Make-Model garage filtering ensures that you don’t have to order incompatible parts.

Product Catalog & Variety: The best sites will provide you with the essentials, such as spark plugs, radiators, engine motor mounts, chassis items like sway bar links, control arms and body items like splash shields, quarter fenders and more!

Clear Pricing & Value: Price structure, discounts and shipping policy comparison ensure maximum value for you.

Return Policies & Warranties: The buyer friendly return window (30 to 60 days) and fitment guarantees ensure you keep your purchase even if a component is not a good fit for your repair setup.

Top Websites for Aftermarket Auto Parts 

1. Autovado

Best For: Overall value, user-friendly fitment search, and sourcing parts across the borders.

Autovado is a dynamic, global marketplace that has quickly become a notable online auto parts marketplace for both novice and auto technician enthusiasts. The best thing about Autovado is that it makes the part selection process easy by searching for parts based on the vehicle and fitment. The marketplace ensures that you get the right parts for your vehicle without having to guess, using your VIN or the manufacturer’s OE reference number.

Autovado is outstanding in many sought after categories. Key parts for maintenance, such as high-quality ceramic brake pads and rotors, engine motor mount sets, and high-speed radiator parts, are readily available for the shoppers to review. The platform is supplied with the best quality sway bar links, upper/lower control arm with ball joints, splash shields and replacement front quarter fenders for chassis and body repairs.

In addition to variety, the platform offers a high quality, but affordable offering. Regular offers, up to 40% off the retail price, and other consumer friendly features such as 60 days no questions asked returns and swift dispatch from strategically placed warehouses in the world, make it easy for the buyers. Whether you’re doing routine maintenance or major overhauls, Autovado offers a reliable and affordable ecommerce automotive parts shopping experience to help keep your car or truck running smoothly.

2. RockAuto

Best For: Individuals seeking a deep catalog and budget-conscious DIYers.

RockAuto is known for its extensive, featureless Web catalog of parts from the manufacturers. It features a user-friendly interface that looks like a well-structured digital parts manual, enabling customers to navigate down to specific vehicle trims and engine capacities.

Strengths: Limited on-line customer service, lack of service offerings, and not the best wholesale level pricing.

Considerations: Navigation is function over style; shipping costs are based on warehouse location, and they can add up if products are shipped from different warehouse locations.

3. CarParts.com

Best For:  Quick home delivery and easy car identification.

CarParts.com’s shopping is all about convenience and quick delivery. It has a vast distribution network in the U.S. and it is very strong in their focus on common replacement parts and collision body parts, mirror and lighting assemblies.

Strengths:Limited customer education, vehicle selector tools are not always up to scratch, a lack of ongoing sales across the site and delivery times for essential repairs are not always reliable.

Considerations:Inventory is mainly for high volume passenger cars and is somewhat less applicable to rare, antique and niche import models.

4. Summit Racing Equipment

Best For: Performance enhancements, tools and heavy-duty enthusiast items.

Summit Racing is known for its performance and motorsports parts but also offers a vast selection of standard aftermarket replacement parts. It is an ideal place for those car owners who wish to install more power than what the car was originally designed to carry, improve its exhaust, suspension or braking system beyond the stock specifications.

Strengths: Limited global sales and marketing reach, limited resources, and lack of communications.

Considerations:Usually, the OEM parts are more expensive than other aftermarket markets.

5. eBay Motors

Best For: Parts that are more difficult to find, rare parts, and custom seller options.

eBay Motors is one of the world’s biggest websites for auto products. It is particularly helpful when ordering a rare trim, OEM or reconditioned parts that aren’t traditionally found at your local dealer.

Strengths:  An extremely high price tag for some products, not many of these items are on the market, and a potential price difference between the seller’s offer and the winning bid.

Considerations:Keep in mind that product quality, shipping time and returns vary from seller to seller.

Comparison Table: Best Online Auto Parts Retailers

RetailerPrimary FocusSearch MethodsKey Product CategoriesReturn PolicyDistinctive Advantage
AutovadoOnline MarketplaceVIN, OE Part #, Year/Make/ModelBrake Kits, Control Arms, Engine Mounts, Body Fenders, Splash Shields60 DaysFitment-based search, global warehouse shipping, and attractive value-for-money discounts
RockAutoDirect DistributionYear/Make/Model DrilldownEngine Components, Filters, Exhaust, Steering30 DaysComprehensive catalog depth with factory-direct pricing structures
CarParts.comDirect RetailYear/Make/Model, Part NameCollision Repair, Bumpers, Headlights, Brake Rotors60 DaysUser-friendly storefront with quick domestic delivery options
Summit RacingPerformance & OEMPart Number, Vehicle Specific, UniversalExhaust Systems, Suspension Kits, Superchargers, Fuel Injection60 DaysPremier customer service with deep expertise in performance engineering
eBay MotorsAuction MarketplaceYear/Make/Model, KeywordRare Trim, Rebuilt Engines, Wheels, Used & Remanufactured PartsVaries by sellerMassive peer-to-peer network for hard-to-find components

FAQ’s

What will I have to do to make an aftermarket auto part fit my car?

The best way to check fitment is to use your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or compare the original equipment (OE) part number found on the old part. To ensure the correct vehicle selection, top platforms such as Autovado have VIN and OE cross-reference lookup tools integrated into their systems.

Are aftermarket vehicles parts and components as good as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts?

Yes, there are a lot of aftermarket parts that are as good as or better than OEM parts. Aftermarket manufacturers often study original factory designs to strengthen weak areas, or make the materials stronger. In addition, aftermarket shopping will typically save you a lot of money compared to buying it from a dealership network.

If I get the wrong part what do I do?

You should always review the return window and seller’s terms before placing your order. Keep in original, undamaged packaging; DO NOT install if the parts seem to be mismatched. Return windows like that of Autovado with its 60-day return or exchange window policy make it easy and convenient to return or exchange products that haven’t arrived in order.

The Best Websites to Buy Aftermarket Auto Parts Online
Publisher and Content Director at  | Website | + posts

Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.