Are CAPA Certified Parts Better than OEM Replacement Parts?
Filed under: Aftermarket Parts, Auto Parts, CAPA Certified Parts, Ford, Headlamps, Original Equipment (OEM), Recalls
I recently visited an auto parts website called partstrain.com to shop for replacement headlight assemblies. I have a 1997 Ford Taurus with the nagging oxidation problem on the plastic headlight lens that Ford has allowed to continue for years. I located the assemblies for $65.15 each and was going to make the purchase. That’s when I noticed that they also listed the same part, from the same aftermarket manufacturer, with a CAPA statement in the description. The price for this part was $125.00 each. The only difference I could find in the descriptions was a letter “Q” at the end of the Sku number. All other numbers were the same.
I entered into a live chat session with their customer service and asked for the difference between the two items. The representative would not say that the CAPA part was made better or contained higher quality material. He would only say that either part would be a perfect fit. He would not say why the so called CAPA part had a price that was double the other part.
Is it common for the CAPA parts to cost so much more? Would the CAPA part eventually cloud over like the original factory part did? Or, do you think that this site may be using the CAPA name to collect an additional 100% profit on their parts? If the CAPA parts really are so superior, I would shell out the extra to keep my family safe at night.
Thank you for your time. I would appreciate your opinion.
Don
Cincinnati, OH
New, Used or Aftermarket Auto Parts?
Filed under: Aftermarket Parts, Auto Parts, Bumpers, CAPA Certified Parts, Original Equipment (OEM), Salvage Parts, Toyota
In a recent auto accident I damaged the front bumper on my Toyota. I went to an auto body repair shop near my home in Cincinnati, Ohio that is supposed to be very good at auto collision repair, but they didn’t want to fix the damaged bumper. They suggested I use an aftermarket part to repair my car because it would be cheaper.
When I looked on the Internet to learn more about aftermarket parts, I realized very quickly that an aftermarket part, especially a bumper, might not be the best choice for me. Since there is only about $50 difference in the price between aftermarket parts and genuine Toyota parts needed for this repair, I’m leaning on the side of genuine Toyota parts.
Like most other people, I want replacement auto parts that fit like they’re supposed to and protect me should I get into another auto accident. From what I’ve read, there is some question if aftermarket parts can do that as well as genuine Toyota parts.
Another auto body shop just across the river from Cincinnati in Kentucky suggested I consider CAPA certified parts for my car. The guy said CAPA parts are tested and approved. Another secondary alternative he suggested was getting a used part from a wrecked Toyota in an auto salvage yard.
There are too many choices and I am confused. My Toyota is not a new car, so I’m not going to be overly fussy. But, I don’t want my safety compromised, especially over $50. Straight up, would you suggest new Toyota parts, salvage parts, CAPA certified parts or regular aftermarket parts for the repairs?
Jason
Cincinnati, Ohio