As you should know, car manufacturers, in most cases, do not make their own parts anymore. Instead they use outside independent companies, parts manufacturers, to supply them with the parts they use to assemble their vehicles. Increasingly these parts suppliers are from countries like Korea, China, and Mexico. Those parts are packaged and labeled with the automobile manufacturers logos to be distributed through their authorized dealer systems all over the world. After market or import parts are made by the same companies making parts for the major automobile manufacturers. The only difference is packaging and labeling of the parts; instead of using the dealer's packaging, import or aftermarket part do not have the authorized parts labels as original parts. These can be expensive labels.

The parts are identical except for company packaging and labeling. Performance and workmanship of import parts are exactly as the same as ones you could purchase at an Authorized Dealer. for double or triple the price. The bottom line, import parts can save you a small fortune.

Most body shops and repair shops already know this. They regularly use import parts to save you money and increase their own profits. The major auto manufactures would have you believe that this is terrible, but in reality, it really does save you money, with no loss in quality.

Import parts especially body parts, may lack identify badges and stickers to restore the vehicle to original condition, put these a cheap next to body parts. So buy your badges at the dealer, buy your grill at an import part supplier. Pocket the savings, in your pocket, not in the dealers.

Most auto parts stores will allow you to return manufactured parts that don't fit, so there is no real risk to trying import automobile parts. The only risk is wasting your time, which is very little risk, since the parts should be identical. Compare the new import part to the part you are replacing before installation, and make sure of the fit. You will be probably be pleasantly surprised by the quality.

The global marketplace has advantages for people who do their homework and learn how and where to shop. Buying part for you car is no different. A smart consumer can save money and keep his ride in pristine condition with aftermarket or import parts. Work with auto repair shop and body shop to keep repairs affordable, and let them know you know that import parts make sense, for your car, your budget, and your wallet. You'll be glad you did.