Buying car parts should be simple: find the part, pay a fair price, fit it and get back on the road. In practice, it's easy to buy something that almost fits, pay too much once freight and fitting are added, or fall for a seller who isn't real. Find Your Parts is an independent guide to getting it right, whether you're buying new, aftermarket or used, online or at the counter, fitting it yourself or using a mechanic.
Our guides explain how to identify the right part, compare your options, check sellers, understand recalls and safety-critical parts, and use your consumer rights when something goes wrong. Everything is free, and our quote comparer helps you see the real cost of each option.
Finding parts
Start with the right information and the right seller. Our finding parts section covers:
- Identifying the right part: VINs, build dates and part numbers.
- Used parts and wreckers: what suits second-hand and how to avoid scams.
- Genuine vs aftermarket: fit, quality, price and warranties.
- Buying parts online: checking sellers and paying safely.
Safety and your rights
Some parts can't be allowed to fail, and the law protects you when parts or repairs fall short. Our safety and rights section covers:
- Airbags and recalls: checking your car and the Takata recall.
- Tyres and wheels: placards, tread and used tyres.
- Brakes and safety-critical parts: buying and fitting with care.
- Your rights when a part fails: consumer guarantees and remedies.
Repairs
Fit it yourself or use a professional? Our repairs section covers:
- DIY or mechanic?: which jobs suit DIY.
- Quotes, servicing and warranties: avoiding surprise bills.
- Recycling batteries and oil: disposing of hazardous waste.
- Batteries and electrical parts: diagnosing before you buy.
Compare quotes, not just prices
A cheap part can cost more once freight, fitting and a short warranty are counted. Our quote comparer lets you enter up to three options, such as genuine, aftermarket and used, with the part price, freight, fitting, any refundable core or deposit, and warranty months. It shows the all-in cost and what you pay per month of warranty, so you can see which option is really the best value.
Five rules for buying parts
- Know your car. Have your VIN, build date and part number ready.
- Get fitment confirmed in writing before you pay.
- Check the seller. Scamwatch suggests checking the ABN on ABN Lookup and looking for terms, privacy information and contact details.
- Pay safely. Avoid bank transfers to sellers you haven't verified.
- Keep records. Receipts, listings and messages help with returns and claims.
Beware of parts scams
Consumer Protection WA has warned about scammers impersonating genuine auto wreckers and parts businesses on Facebook Marketplace. It says they typically offer parts, tyres and second-hand engines at too-good-to-be-true prices and ask for payment by bank transfer. One buyer it described lost $700. Our guide to buying parts online explains how to protect yourself.
Warranties and independent servicing
You don't have to use a dealer or genuine parts to keep your new car warranty. Consumer Protection WA says an independent licensed mechanic can service your car without voiding the manufacturer's warranty if the repairs and parts meet the manufacturer's standards. See quotes, servicing and warranties.
Check before you buy second-hand safety parts
ACCC Product Safety says the compulsory Takata airbag recall was the most significant in Australia's history, with over four million affected inflators. It warns that second-hand parts such as steering wheels may contain a defective inflator that hasn't been replaced, and advises checking with the manufacturer. Read our airbags and recalls guide.
Your rights
When you buy parts or repairs from a business, consumer guarantees apply automatically. Parts must be of acceptable quality, fit for any purpose you specified and match their description, and services must be performed with due care and skill. A "no refunds" sign can't take those rights away.
How we write our guides
We write in plain language and link to published government and consumer sources whenever we state facts about safety, law or rights. We don't invent prices or statistics. Read our editorial policy.
For parts businesses and workshops
Run a parts store, recycler or workshop? Find out about featuring your business on Find Your Parts. Any features are clearly labelled.
Who we are
Find Your Parts is an independent information site. We don't sell parts, list stock or rank sellers. Learn more about us or get in touch.
