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OEM vs Aftermarket Parts: Which Should You Buy?

October 4, 2025 6 min read Buying Guides

When it's time to replace a part on your vehicle, you'll face one of the most important decisions in auto maintenance: Should you buy an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part or go with an aftermarket alternative? This choice can affect your car's performance, your wallet, and even your vehicle's resale value.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts, when to use each, and how to make smart decisions that balance quality and cost.

What Are OEM Parts?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by the same company that manufactured the original part in your vehicle. For example, if you drive a Honda, OEM parts would be made by Honda or Honda's official suppliers.

Key Characteristics of OEM Parts:

What Are Aftermarket Parts?

Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers—companies other than your vehicle's original manufacturer. These parts are designed to work with your vehicle but aren't necessarily made to the exact same specifications.

Key Characteristics of Aftermarket Parts:

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor OEM Parts Aftermarket Parts
Price Higher (often 30-70% more) Lower (budget-friendly options)
Quality Consistent, factory-spec Varies (from budget to premium)
Fitment Guaranteed exact fit Usually fits well, minor variations possible
Warranty Manufacturer warranty included Varies by brand (some offer lifetime warranties)
Availability May require special order Widely available, fast shipping
Selection One option (factory spec) Multiple brands and quality levels
Resale Value Maintains vehicle value better Minimal impact on resale

When to Buy OEM Parts

Choose OEM For:

  • New or Warranty-Covered Vehicles: Using aftermarket parts may void your manufacturer warranty
  • Safety-Critical Components: Airbags, ABS systems, steering components, brake calipers
  • Engine & Transmission Parts: When reliability is paramount
  • Luxury or High-Performance Vehicles: Precision engineering matters more
  • Pre-Sale Repairs: OEM parts can increase resale value
  • When Specs Matter: Electronics, sensors, and computer modules

When to Buy Aftermarket Parts

Choose Aftermarket For:

  • Older Vehicles (5+ years): Aftermarket quality has often caught up or exceeded OEM
  • Wear Items: Brake pads, rotors, filters, spark plugs, wiper blades
  • Maintenance Parts: Oil filters, air filters, belts, hoses
  • Body Panels & Trim: Cosmetic parts where exact match isn't critical
  • Performance Upgrades: Better brakes, suspension, cold air intakes
  • Budget-Conscious Repairs: When you need reliable parts at lower cost

The Truth About Aftermarket Quality

One common misconception is that all aftermarket parts are inferior to OEM. This simply isn't true. Many aftermarket manufacturers produce parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications. In fact, some OEM parts are actually made by aftermarket companies and simply rebranded!

Top-Tier Aftermarket Brands:

Pro Tip

When buying aftermarket, stick with well-known brands and always read reviews. A highly-rated aftermarket part from a reputable brand often performs just as well as OEM at a fraction of the cost.

Cost Comparison: Real Examples

Let's look at real-world pricing for common parts (2020 Honda Accord):

Front Brake Pads:

Air Filter:

Alternator:

How to Choose the Right Aftermarket Brand

Not all aftermarket parts are created equal. Follow these guidelines:

  1. Check Reviews: Look for parts with 4+ stars and hundreds of reviews
  2. Compare Warranties: Better brands offer longer warranties (lifetime is common)
  3. Research the Manufacturer: Google the brand name + "reviews" or "quality"
  4. Ask Mechanics: Professional mechanics know which brands hold up
  5. Compare Specs: Ensure it meets or exceeds OEM specifications
  6. Consider Your Usage: Daily driver vs weekend car vs high-performance

Red Flags to Avoid

  • No-name brands with zero reviews
  • Prices that seem "too good to be true"
  • No warranty or very short warranty period
  • Seller won't provide part numbers or specifications
  • Mostly negative reviews mentioning fitment issues

The Middle Ground: OE (Original Equipment)

There's actually a third category that offers the best of both worlds: OE (Original Equipment) parts. These are made by the same manufacturers that supply parts to your vehicle's manufacturer, but sold without the brand name markup.

Benefits of OE Parts:

Popular OE Brands: Aisin, Koyo, NSK, NTN (bearings), Exedy (clutches), and many others.

Compare OEM & Aftermarket Prices Instantly

Use our free tool to see pricing for both OEM and aftermarket options across multiple retailers. Find the best value for your specific vehicle.

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Warranty Considerations

Understanding warranty coverage is crucial when choosing between OEM and aftermarket:

If Your Vehicle Is Under Warranty:

If Your Warranty Has Expired:

Common Myths Debunked

Myth #1: "Aftermarket parts always fail faster"

Truth: Quality aftermarket parts from reputable brands often last as long as or longer than OEM. Many offer lifetime warranties.

Myth #2: "OEM is always better quality"

Truth: Some aftermarket parts are actually higher quality than OEM, especially performance-oriented components.

Myth #3: "Using aftermarket voids your warranty"

Truth: Federal law protects your right to use aftermarket parts without voiding your warranty (with some exceptions).

Myth #4: "You can't mix OEM and aftermarket"

Truth: It's perfectly fine to use OEM for critical components and aftermarket for maintenance items.

Final Recommendations

Our Advice

For New Cars (0-3 years): Use OEM for major components, quality aftermarket for maintenance items.

For Older Cars (3-10 years): Premium aftermarket parts offer the best value for most repairs.

For Classic/Vintage Cars (10+ years): OEM parts may be hard to find; quality aftermarket or OE parts are often your best bet.

Conclusion

The OEM vs aftermarket debate doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your vehicle's age, your budget, the type of part, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. By understanding the differences and following the guidelines in this article, you can make informed decisions that balance quality, cost, and peace of mind.

Remember: Always compare prices before buying. Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket, shopping around can save you significant money. Use our price comparison tool to see options from all major retailers instantly.

About Big Broke: We help car owners save money by comparing auto parts prices across major retailers. Our free tool shows you both OEM and aftermarket options so you can make the best choice for your needs.

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