For years, Amazon has been my go-to source for numerous purchases, and this extends to car parts as well. As a mechanic, I rely on readily available and reliable parts, and Amazon has often proven to be a valuable resource. My approach to purchasing car parts on Amazon is built on a few key principles, primarily focusing on customer reviews.
One of the first things I check when considering a car part on Amazon is the customer review section. I look for what I call the “hockey-stick pattern” in the ratings. This means I want to see a high volume of 5-star ratings and very few 1-star ratings. The number of reviews is also crucial; a statistically significant sample size, ideally over 100 reviews, provides a more trustworthy picture of the product’s quality and seller reliability. If a part lacks substantial positive reviews, or any reviews at all, I tend to avoid it.
Beyond reviews, Amazon’s order history feature acts as my personal “Inventory Management System.” I can easily search my past orders to determine if I’ve previously purchased a specific tool or part. This is incredibly helpful in preventing duplicate purchases, something that can easily happen when you work with a wide array of tools and components. It also allows me to quickly check when I bought a part, which can be useful for warranty purposes or simply to remember when a repair was done.
Amazon’s return policy is another significant advantage. In the rare event of needing to return a part, the process is generally straightforward. To stay organized, I always keep the UPS return receipt and note the returned product on it, filing it away for future reference. This has been useful in the few instances where there were discrepancies about returned items, and I needed to provide proof of return. Their customer service is also readily accessible via phone (1-866-216-1072), should any issues arise.
While Amazon is my primary online source, RockAuto is another excellent option, particularly known for its extensive catalog and competitive prices. I once had a vibration issue on my ’14 Charger R/T which I traced back to a Raybestos wheel hub/bearing with excessive axial runout. Even though it had been six months since purchase, RockAuto honored a replacement, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Similar to buying on eBay, it’s wise to exercise caution and avoid purchasing from sellers with low ratings, generally below 98%. Doing your due diligence and checking seller ratings and reviews is crucial for a positive online car parts buying experience, whether on Amazon or other platforms.
In conclusion, Buying Car Parts On Amazon offers numerous benefits, including a vast selection, helpful customer reviews, convenient inventory tracking, and reliable customer service. By applying a few smart shopping strategies, you can confidently source the parts you need for your automotive repairs.
