Buying Genuine Toyota Parts Online: What You Need to Know
Every car needs maintenance and repairs. For example, Toyotas are built to last, but even they sometimes need repairs or need parts replaced. It's important to note, though, that not all parts are created equal. If you need to replace a Toyota part, virtually every expert recommends that you always use genuine Toyota parts rather than less expensive aftermarket parts. That doesn't mean, though, that you need to pay top dollar. While you can buy Toyota parts at a local Toyota car dealer, you'll get OEM Toyota parts at a much lower price if you shop around online. Here's what you should know before you make your purchase.
Is It the Real Deal?
Always read through the information posted on the website to find out if they sell genuine Toyota parts. If the site doesn't specifically state that all of their Toyota auto parts are from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), you may wind up with parts made from substandard materials. If your Toyota is still under warranty, using aftermarket parts could void or invalidate your warranty. You don't want that to happen.
Is It An Authorized Toyota Parts Dealer?
Make sure you're buying from an authorized parts dealer or from a seller who only buys parts from an authorized Toyota auto parts seller. If the seller is an authorized Toyota parts center or sells only OEM parts, they will note it prominently on their website. If it's not spelled out on the site, chances are that they're selling aftermarket parts.
What's Your VIN?
Many online sellers make it easy for you to find exactly the right parts for your vehicle when you provide your vehicle identification number (VIN). Their search engine will then pull up a list of parts made specifically for your vehicle. If you have the option to search for Toyota auto parts by VIN, use it. It's the safest way to be sure the parts you buy will fit your model.
Alternative Ways of Finding the Parts for Your Vehicle
If you don't have the VIN, the next best thing is knowing the make, model and year of your vehicle. The more information you can provide, the better the chances that you'll get the proper parts for your car or truck. If there were multiple variations of your car made in that year - for example, a liftback and a sedan or a 2-door and a 4-door - have the information handy before you start searching.
Check the Warranty
New OEM Toyota parts generally include a limited manufacturer warranty, typically 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition, the website you use may offer other warranties or have specific conditions or restrictions on their returns. Know the warranty and the return policy before you order to avoid future unpleasant surprises.
Don't take chances with your vehicle or your warranty. When you buy parts to repair or restore a Toyota, make sure that you're buying genuine Toyota parts. They're the only ones that are specifically made to meet all the manufacturer's standards for Toyotas.
Is It the Real Deal?
Always read through the information posted on the website to find out if they sell genuine Toyota parts. If the site doesn't specifically state that all of their Toyota auto parts are from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), you may wind up with parts made from substandard materials. If your Toyota is still under warranty, using aftermarket parts could void or invalidate your warranty. You don't want that to happen.
Is It An Authorized Toyota Parts Dealer?
Make sure you're buying from an authorized parts dealer or from a seller who only buys parts from an authorized Toyota auto parts seller. If the seller is an authorized Toyota parts center or sells only OEM parts, they will note it prominently on their website. If it's not spelled out on the site, chances are that they're selling aftermarket parts.
What's Your VIN?
Many online sellers make it easy for you to find exactly the right parts for your vehicle when you provide your vehicle identification number (VIN). Their search engine will then pull up a list of parts made specifically for your vehicle. If you have the option to search for Toyota auto parts by VIN, use it. It's the safest way to be sure the parts you buy will fit your model.
Alternative Ways of Finding the Parts for Your Vehicle
If you don't have the VIN, the next best thing is knowing the make, model and year of your vehicle. The more information you can provide, the better the chances that you'll get the proper parts for your car or truck. If there were multiple variations of your car made in that year - for example, a liftback and a sedan or a 2-door and a 4-door - have the information handy before you start searching.
Check the Warranty
New OEM Toyota parts generally include a limited manufacturer warranty, typically 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition, the website you use may offer other warranties or have specific conditions or restrictions on their returns. Know the warranty and the return policy before you order to avoid future unpleasant surprises.
Don't take chances with your vehicle or your warranty. When you buy parts to repair or restore a Toyota, make sure that you're buying genuine Toyota parts. They're the only ones that are specifically made to meet all the manufacturer's standards for Toyotas.
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