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Friday, October 4th
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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