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Buy Auto Parts Review

Friday, October 4th

2024 Auto Parts Store Reviews

Buy Auto Parts Review 3.5 Star Rating

Buy Auto Parts

3.5 Star Rating
  • Prices for key items from $10 to $2,000
  • Prices for average car from $97 to $360.41
  • OEM parts offered
  • Search tailored to your car
  • 60-day return window with no fees
  • One-year warranty
  • Guaranteed exact fit
  • "A+” rating from the BBB

Established in 1989, Buy Auto Parts (BAP) has evolved from its origins as a steering parts manufacturer and auto parts distributor. Located in San Diego, California, the company now operates exclusively online.

Wide range of OEM and aftermarket parts

When customers explore the extensive inventory at BAP, they can discover a wide range of both OEM and aftermarket car parts suitable for their vehicles. Buyers can rest assured that they are investing in the highest quality auto parts at wholesale prices, with the added assurance of full warranties accompanying all parts. The company offers a Guaranteed Exact Fit promise on all their parts, and in case of any issues, they provide comprehensive round-trip shipping coverage.

Huge selection could use more organizational features

The company's commitment extends to ensuring that its list of vehicle makes and models remains current. Whether your vehicle is a recent model or a classic, Buy Auto Parts proves to be an exceptional destination for parts. Navigating their extensive online store is a breeze, and the most straightforward method to locate the required parts is by providing your vehicle's year, make, and model. This allows Buy Auto Parts to tailor its inventory to meet your needs. The only thing that isn't great about the site is that there isn't a filter to organize the items by price. Given the truly massive inventory, this could be a bit of a problem. Customers will be left sifting through 600+ options in just the $10 to $20 category with no way to organize those from least to greatest.

Higher than-average prices

To get an accurate price comparison among all auto stores, we decided to look at their price ranges for repair parts like brake pads, performance upgrades like new shocks, and general maintenance with liquids like regular motor oil. The prices for this site are approximate due to the huge range of items in the inventory. Brake pads range from $10 to $500, shocks are offered at BAP for $10 to $2,000, and you can only find 1 kind of oil for $82.

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Prices for an average car

Now, for prices that reflect individual vehicles, we decided to search through those same price ranges with a "test car”. The average car we picked to reflect the most drivers was the 2019 Toyota Camry. The prices for each category change to:

  • The prices for brake pads are all $249
  • The prices for shocks range from $97 to $360.41
  • The prices for oil don't include options for just Toyotas

Online shopping only

Buy Auto Parts prides itself on maintaining competitive prices by exclusively serving online customers. This way, they don't have to deal with the costs associated with brick-and-mortar storefronts. They go a step further with their price matching policy, enabling them to match or beat any competitor's pricing for identical brands, subject to certain exclusions. However, in general, the prices at Buy Auto Parts don't come across as being any cheaper than other sites on our list.

Free shipping on $99+

At Buy Auto parts, you'll get free shipping on orders exceeding $99. While all parts are eligible for overnight shipping, the specific costs are contingent on factors like order quantity and the shipping destination. For standard shipping, the delivery time typically spans between 1 to 5 days. However, some customers have voiced concerns regarding orders placed for parts that, as it turned out, were not in stock. Such situations were made worse by extended wait times when attempting to contact customer service.

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60-day returns with no fees

The returns process at BAP is accommodating, allowing returns within 60 days from the original purchase date. The website features a dedicated form within the returns section, streamlining the return process. This form serves a dual purpose, also helping customers make returns for parts that have been installed but remain under a one-year warranty. Notably, Buy Auto Parts doesn't charge you any restocking fees on returns, a customer-friendly gesture.

Popular for their warranty and guarantee

BAP holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to their dedication to quality and service. Their commitment to making sure parts fit your car is a favorite among reviewers. Plus, the company has impressive reviews from customers with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 on multiple third-party review sites. However, there are a handful of more recent reviews that complain about items being broken after shipping or parts that didn't fit their vehicle despite the guarantee that states this won't happen. Though in the grand scheme of things, these reviews are much fewer and further between than at other auto parts sites.

Great inventory and stellar reviews

Buy Auto Parts says it differentiates itself in the automotive market through its competitive pricing and a steadfast commitment to affordability, but the prices just don't reflect that claim. Although there is a price match guarantee in place, the prices at BAP are still higher than the competition so it will require reaching out to them to get a lower price. While the company has a great reputation from reviewers, it doesn't quite reach the heights of our top options, mostly for its limited inventory in essentials like motor oil. However, if you need a wide variety, you'll find a lot of inventory here, so it's definitely worth taking a look the next time you need auto parts.

Where is the Best Auto Parts Store Out There Today?

If you own a car, you know at some point it needs maintenance and repairs. Many vehicle owners opt for the path of do-it-yourself repairs, drawn by the potential to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, over the course of their car's lifetime. And like a local mechanic, you, too, will require the appropriate parts and tools to make your favorite machine tick (or maybe to stop that irritating ticking noise!).

It used to be that you'd have to drive to the local auto parts store in the hope of finding the right parts for your job. If you're not an expert, auto stores can feel a bit overwhelming (and judgy, if you're a female car owner). But today, online auto parts stores have redefined the landscape.

The Best Auto Parts Stores Compare Auto Parts Stores Compare Auto Parts Store Reviews What are the best Auto Parts Stores Best Auto Parts Store Reviews

Auto Parts Store FAQ

You can buy just about every part and product related to the functioning of your vehicle or other machinery from an auto parts store. From alternators to belts, and hoses to gaskets and shocks, you can replace pretty much anything you need in your car from the inside out. Take advantage of the knowledgeable customer service teams, "How To” guides, and other services made available by auto parts retailers to make your online shopping experience successful.
If you're experiencing trouble with your vehicle, but aren't sure what you need to fix it, you have a few options. First, you could take it into your local auto shop and have them check it out. The mechanic will be able to give you the exact part and specifications of what you need to purchase online. Your other option would be to chat with an auto parts representative through an online retailer. They are knowledgeable and helpful in guiding customers in the right direction to get their vehicles fixed.
If you chat online or call the auto parts retailer to describe the part you're planning to buy, they can help make sure it's the one you need. There are also detailed descriptions of each product listed online that should give enough information for customers to make educated purchases. If you realize that you need a different part after you've already submitted an online order, you can usually return or exchange your part for the right one!
Yes! Many online auto parts retailers have an in-store pickup option that is fast and convenient. You'll simply order online and head straight to the store to pick it up. Some auto parts stores will even bring your purchase outside to your car, so you don't have to go into the store! This ensures you get the products you need same-day and as an added perk, you save on shipping costs.
Used auto parts are often referred to as remanufactured or refurbished. This means that it was professionally remanufactured to meet industry standards and work like new. They may be less expensive than a new auto part and often come with warranties.
OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer”. This label means that a part was manufactured by the maker of your vehicle. It was made specifically for your make and model. An aftermarket auto part is equally as effective, may cost less, but was made by a third-party for the purpose of replacing damaged parts.
If you have a brand-new vehicle or need a critical part replaced, it is usually recommended to buy a new part. For simple parts with shorter shelf lives, buying a used or refurbished part is a good alternative. It is best practice to consult your mechanic when making this decision and checking the part's price, warranty, and return policy before purchase. As long as you're shopping online from a reputable auto parts retailer, you will be able to get your needs met with confidence.
You can either take old auto parts to a metal recycling center, donate them, or sell them to a used auto parts store. Some used parts retailers will pay cash on the spot for scrap metal. This is a great way to earn a little extra cash to put toward the new auto parts you need to purchase online.
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Continued from above...

Visiting an auto parts store online lets you find and check that you're getting the right parts for the right car. Using features like VIN number searches and helpful online search tools, you can take the frustration out of auto parts shopping and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're just looking for a new set of tires, a turbo kit for your already over-taxed hatchback, or the perfect wrench in metric sizes for those Euro cars, you can find it now at the click of a button.

You might be surprised to know that the auto parts you find online are often less expensive than the ones you find in a store - even if the website and store are the same company. That's because there's more competition online, and less overhead attached to the individual car part. And not only are the prices cheaper, you can have them delivered straight to your door.

Armed with your car parts, and your favorite car repair YouTuber, you can be on your way to DIY car repair in no time. However, it's important to recognize that not all auto parts stores are the same.

You want to make sure that you can find the best auto parts, whether you're looking at new "from the factory” or certified pre-owned items. You can find tons of deals online too, but making sure you can trust an auto parts store is important - both for your wallet and your safety.

Not sure where to start your online search for auto parts? Don't worry - we've completed a full review and ranking of all the best auto parts stores out there today. Here are some basic criteria that might help you narrow the field:

  • Price. The first way to narrow your decision is pretty obvious: price. Different auto parts stores offer different kinds of deals or price match guarantees, so making sure that the store you choose fits your budget is important to get the parts you need.
  • Return policy. What is the return policy like? Does the retailer you're looking at offer a warranty for their parts? Finding a company that stands by the auto parts they sell is as important as finding the parts themselves. You don't want to be paying even more for maintenance (or returns) in the future, so keep an eye on the return policies.
  • Selection. Do you only want to buy OEM parts? Are you looking for something specifically for a European car? Making sure that the retailer has all the parts you need in stock, or has a decent selection of part types, can help you make sure you're getting the best deal. Plus, if you're looking to upgrade, you might need a wider range of parts and tools than the average driver, so selection is a huge deal.
  • Customer satisfaction. The final piece of the puzzle relates to the experience of past customers. Checking into reviews and feedback can help you get a clear picture of a company's track record. Are they improving or getting worse over time? Do customers feel like they had good service from a particular company? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can also serve as a valuable resource for gauging a company's reputation.

To make sure your car stays running smoothly, Top Consumer Reviews is here to give you all the insights on the best auto parts stores on the market. We hope this helps you get started with your DIY mechanic shop right in the safety of your own garage. Soon, your friends will be coming to you for the quick fixes, since you'll be an auto parts expert. Happy driving!

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