Car parts: how to find the right part at a good price
Matching the part: what it involves
One wrong digit in a part number can cost you a second trip and a week of waiting. So start with your car's details: make, model, year, engine size and power, gearbox type and drive. The most reliable thing is the VIN (chassis number): with it the seller can see the exact variant and trim.
If you are removing the part yourself, photograph it from all sides, along with the label or number on its body. This is the surest way to confirm it will fit.
Describe the problem in your request as well: “knocking from the front left, creaking on turns”. Sellers can suggest which parts are worth changing together, for example the shock absorber mount or the dust boot.
Main assemblies and what to specify
- Engine. Engine, cooling system, air intake and ignition: gaskets, belts, timing kit, spark plugs. Give the engine code and version.
- Transmission and suspension. Manual and automatic gearboxes, suspension and running gear, steering: left or right side, axle, with or without ABS.
- Brakes. Brake system: discs, pads, calipers. Ask about disc diameter and caliper type.
- Body and lights. Body parts, headlights and lighting, glass: paint colour by paint code, side, trim level.
- Consumables. Filters, batteries, spark plugs: size, capacity, specifications.
There are narrower areas too: exhaust, fuel system, electricals, CNG kits, air conditioning, and also batteries for electric cars and complete engines. For these, always give the exact variant.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You create one request: the part, the car with its VIN, the condition, your city. Add a photo. The request is checked for ads and contact details, and you get hints on what else to add. Then sellers reply with offers: original or aftermarket, price, stock, delivery time, warranty.
BlaBlaPrice compares the replies and shows the best one first, with reviews of the seller next to each. Sellers can see where they stand among the others and compete for your request. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose. The principle is described on the “How it works” page.
How to compare offers
Compare part to part: manufacturer, part number, new or reconditioned, country of manufacture. Two offers with different prices may be of different quality classes. Ask about the warranty, return terms and who pays for return shipping. For used parts, ask for photos and the mileage of the donor car.
Check what is included too: whether a headlight has its ballast unit, whether a caliper comes with brackets and bearings, whether a shock absorber has its mount or bump stop. A full set is often better value.
Avoid buying “by the picture” without checking the side and the connector. Don't save money on brakes, the timing kit or suspension. Don't buy a cheap battery with an unknown manufacturing date. Don't skip the question about returns. For complex repairs, talk to the mechanic who will fit the part.
New, reconditioned and from a breaker
Each assembly has its own sensible choice. Consumables such as spark plugs, filters and pads are best bought new. Expensive units like an engine or an automatic gearbox are often bought as tested used units from a dismantled car, and body panels as used parts in the same colour. Ask about a fitting warranty and whether you can return the part.
