How to Find the Cheapest Auto Parts Online in 2025

If you've ever shopped for auto parts, you know that prices can vary dramatically between retailers. The same brake pads might cost $45 at one store and $89 at another. Over the course of a year, these price differences can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you exactly how to find the cheapest auto parts online while ensuring you're getting quality products. Whether you're a DIY mechanic or just trying to save money on car repairs, these strategies will help you get the best deals every time.

Why Auto Parts Prices Vary So Much

Before we dive into money-saving strategies, it's important to understand why the same part can have wildly different prices:

• Different Business Models: Online-only retailers like RockAuto have lower overhead than stores with physical locations like AutoZone or O'Reilly.
• Brand Variations: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket alternatives.
• Shipping Costs: Some retailers offer "free shipping" but build it into the product price.
• Sales and Promotions: Retailers run different sales at different times, creating pricing opportunities.
• Market Position: Some stores target premium customers while others compete on price.

Strategy #1: Always Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers

This is the single most important money-saving tip: never buy from the first retailer you check. Our research shows that comparing prices across just 3-4 retailers can save you an average of 30-40% on most parts.

Top Retailers to Check:

1. Amazon: Often has competitive prices with fast Prime shipping. Great for common parts.
2. RockAuto: Usually the cheapest option for most parts, but shipping can add up.
3. eBay Motors: Excellent for finding deals, especially on OEM parts from salvage yards.
4. AutoZone: Good for urgent needs with local pickup. Price match policy available.
5. O'Reilly Auto Parts: Competitive pricing on professional-grade parts.
6. Advance Auto Parts: Frequent online coupons can make them very competitive.
7. CarParts.com: Lifetime warranties on many parts, good value long-term.

Strategy #2: Time Your Purchases Around Sales

Auto parts retailers have predictable sale patterns. If your repair isn't urgent, waiting for a sale can save you 20-40%:

• Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Major discounts across all retailers
• Tax Season (February-April): Retailers target customers with tax refunds
• Labor Day: Big sales on labor-intensive parts like brakes and suspension
• End of Month: Local stores trying to hit sales quotas
• Mid-Week: Online retailers often run flash sales Tuesday-Thursday

Strategy #3: Use Coupons and Discount Codes

This might seem obvious, but many people forget to check for coupons before buying. Here's how to find them:

• Check retailer websites for current promotions (usually shown on homepage)
• Sign up for email newsletters (often get a 10-15% welcome discount)
• Use coupon aggregator sites to find active discount codes
• Join retailer rewards programs for exclusive member discounts
• Check our coupons page for current auto parts deals

Strategy #4: Consider Aftermarket vs OEM Parts

One of the biggest price differences comes from choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts. Here's when each makes sense:

Choose OEM When:

• Your vehicle is under warranty (aftermarket may void warranty)
• It's a critical safety component (airbags, ABS sensors)
• You plan to keep the vehicle long-term
• You're repairing for resale (OEM adds value)

Choose Aftermarket When:

• Your vehicle is older (aftermarket quality has improved greatly)
• It's a wear item you'll replace again anyway (brake pads, filters)
• You're on a tight budget
• Reviews show the aftermarket part performs as well as OEM

Typical Savings: Aftermarket parts are usually 30-70% cheaper than OEM equivalents.

Strategy #5: Factor in Shipping Costs

A part might look cheap online, but shipping can change everything. Here's how to minimize shipping costs:

• Amazon Prime: Free 2-day shipping makes Amazon competitive even if the part costs slightly more
• Minimum Orders: Many retailers offer free shipping over $35-50. Bundle parts to reach the threshold
• Local Pickup: AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance offer free in-store pickup, usually same-day
• Heavy Items: For big parts (transmissions, engines), check local salvage yards first
• RockAuto Tip: Group items by warehouse location to minimize shipping fees

Strategy #6: Read Reviews Before Buying

The cheapest part isn't a deal if it fails after two months. Always check reviews, especially for aftermarket parts:

• Look for reviews specific to your vehicle make/model
• Check multiple sources (Amazon, eBay, auto forums)
• Pay attention to fitment issues mentioned in reviews
• Compare warranty periods (longer usually indicates better quality)

Strategy #7: Join Loyalty Programs

Most major retailers have free loyalty programs that provide ongoing discounts:

• AutoZone Rewards: Earn credits toward future purchases
• O'Reilly Rewards: Member-only discounts and promotions
• Advance Auto Rewards: Speed Perks offers tiered discounts
• Amazon Prime: Fast shipping plus exclusive Prime Day deals

Real-World Example: Brake Pad Price Comparison

Let's look at a real example for 2015 Honda Civic front brake pads:

• Local AutoZone: $89.99 (in-stock, immediate pickup)
• Amazon: $54.99 (Prime shipping, 2-day delivery)
• RockAuto: $42.99 + $8.99 shipping = $51.98 (5-7 day delivery)
• eBay: $38.50 with free shipping (7-10 day delivery)

Savings: By shopping around, you could save $51.49 (57%) compared to walking into AutoZone without price checking!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying Without Checking Part Numbers: Always verify the part number matches your vehicle
2. Ignoring Core Charges: Some parts require returning your old part or paying a core charge
3. Not Considering Labor: Sometimes a slightly more expensive part is easier to install
4. Forgetting About Returns: Check return policies before buying, especially for electrical parts
5. Rushing for "Emergency" Repairs: Many "urgent" repairs can wait a day or two for better pricing

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest auto parts online doesn't have to be complicated. By following these seven strategies—comparing prices, timing your purchases, using coupons, considering aftermarket options, factoring in shipping, reading reviews, and joining loyalty programs—you can easily save 30-50% on most parts.

Remember: the few minutes you spend comparing prices can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Start with our free price comparison tool to see how much you could be saving on your next auto parts purchase.

About the Author: This guide was created by the team at Big Broke, a free auto parts price comparison tool. We help DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts save money by comparing prices across major retailers instantly.