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Saturday, January 18th
Founded in 2008, Parts Geek is an auto parts retailer that provides a range of both OEM and aftermarket auto parts. However, if you value a seamless online browsing experience, you might find shopping at Parts Geek to be rather challenging.
Website could use an update
Their website exhibits a dated appearance, reminiscent of the 90s, characterized by text-heavy pages, a lack of user-friendly search categories, and a somewhat distracting layout. To remain competitive with other auto parts retailers that offer a more user-friendly interface and easier access to the desired auto parts, Parts Geek's website would greatly benefit from a comprehensive update.
Decent inventory, but lower stock than some
While browsing the company's inventory, it becomes evident that Parts Geek is more competitive than some in this review. Their inventory appears less comprehensive when compared to some of their competitors in the auto parts industry, but it still has results for our test car, the 2019 Toyota Camry, which shows that Parts Geek works to keep their inventory up to date with more modern cars. However, just a brief glance shows that Parts Geek is fairly competitive in terms of offering a wide range of cars from a variety of years, so in that regard, you can expect a solid inventory. There are just fewer items overall when compared to our top options.
Competitive prices despite lower inventory
To compare prices at Parts Geek with other sites in our evaluation, we checked out three categories of car parts and their respective price ranges. It's also worth noting that you need to input your car to get results for your search, so we used our test car, the 2019 Toyota Camry, to explore pricing at Parts Geek. First, we looked at replacement parts like brake pads, then we checked out a performance part like new shocks, and finally, we looked at something for standard maintenance: motor oil. The prices for brake pads start at $14.97 to $87.58. For shocks, you can find items from $28.97 to $110.95. Finally for motor oil, pricing goes from $8.97 to $187.97. These are fairly competitive prices, and though there aren't as many options, you can find decent savings at Parts Geek.
No formal price guarantee
While Parts Geek claims to search the web to provide competitively low prices, they lack a formal low-price guarantee, unlike many of their counterparts. This raises questions about their commitment to consistently offering the best prices. Customers seeking specific parts could potentially obtain price matches at better-rated retailers that maintain a more professional image.
30-day returns aren't customer-focused
The return policy at Parts Geek stipulates that customers get an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number for all items being returned within a 30-day window. However, customers are responsible for all shipping costs during their return. This means that if Parts Geek ships an entirely different part from what was ordered, the customer is responsible for the return shipping expenses.
Solid scores, but complaints about returns are common
Parts Geek holds an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with numerous customers reporting swift shipping and overall satisfaction with their orders. The company holds an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 across four different third-party review sites, which isn't bad. However, much of the negative feedback centers around the requirements of their return process, which is unsurprising given that the shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Mid-tier site with pros and cons
While Parts Geek may indeed offer affordable auto parts, other higher-rated auto part suppliers offer competitive pricing alongside a more user-friendly online shopping experience and a customer-friendly return policy. Therefore, with nothing super exciting standing out about Parts Geek except that it has all the standard items in stock, it comes out right in the middle of the pack for this review. There are definitely worse places out there to buy car parts, but there are better options too.
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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