Not all cheap parts are bad, but quality is still better.

From Cheap Fixes to Quality Solutions: My Journey in the Auto Parts World

Eighteen years ago, I stumbled into the world of selling auto parts. It all started in high school, when I wrecked my MR2. I towed it back home and started disassembling it. Back then, the MR2 community (back in the MR2OC days when Bill Strong owned it) was a hotbed of debates over which parts were worth using and which ones were a waste of money. You see, Ebay was still a relatively new thing. Through this, we discovered something important: not all cheap aftermarket parts were as bad as their reputation suggested—especially when you’re on a budget. Well, at least for the most part. It depends on your level of tolerance for encountering issues I guess.

Throughout my 20s, I was always looking for the cheapest way to keep my car running. That included buying used parts from pick-and-pull yards. I even bragged about a $2.50 set of nearly-new brake pads I salvaged from a wrecked Civic. My coworkers jokingly compared it to buying used underwear, but I didn’t care. Those pads lasted me 25,000 miles—the cheapest brake fix I’ve ever had. Sure, they wore out fast (probably an organic material), but at that price, it was a win no matter what.

But over time, I learned that not all cheap fixes were worth it. When you’re young, saving a few bucks feels great, but if you’re planning to keep your car running long-term, cheap parts often come with hidden costs and other unexpected sacrifices. For example, I once installed a bargain clutch master cylinder that gave out within a year. It was bizarre - the clutch pedal would sink to the floor if you applied light pressure, but it would operate just fine if you stomped on it. I also had a brake wheel cylinder leak in less time than that. Suspension components were even worse—cheap rubber parts cracked and disintegrated long before they should have. One AC rubber hose I bought started cracking after just three weeks, and the insulation crumbled entirely within three years. Sure, some cheap parts might get you by for a while, but they rarely stand the test of time.

Over the years, I’ve noticed another layer to this discussion. The auto industry, especially during the pandemic era, word on the street has seen a surprising dip in quality—not just in the cheapest aftermarket parts, but even in some OEM components. I’ve heard stories, like a brand-new OEM oil pan for a diesel truck missing a drilled oil passage, which led to  an engine failure. It’s a rare occurrence, but it’s a reminder that no part—OEM or aftermarket—is immune to defects. However, the odds still lean very heavily in favor of quality parts from reputable brands over the cheap options. A defective OEM part may happen, but aftermarket parts are statistically more likely to fail or not function as intended.

I’ve changed how I think about auto parts as I’ve gotten older. Cheap parts can be a lifesaver when you’re in a financial pinch or need a quick fix to stay on the road. But when you’re ready to invest in your car for the long haul, quality parts make all the difference. They last longer, perform better, and save you money and headaches down the road.

This shift in mindset is what led me to revamp Araparts.com. It’s not about pushing products; it’s about sharing what I’ve learned and helping others make informed choices. While quality parts are more expensive than their cheap aftermarket counterparts, they’re worth it. With the wholesale pricing we offer, these parts still remain affordable and far cheaper than dealership prices. Whether you’re fixing your daily driver or your weekend project car, the goal is the same: to keep you on the road with confidence and peace of mind.

If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in quality parts is worth it, let me tell you—it is. It’s not just about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about driving a car that performs the way it’s actually supposed to, every time. And if you’re like me, that peace of mind is worth every penny.