Most of us can agree that spotting a scratch or crack on our vehicles can ruin our entire day. Finding genuine spare parts isn’t easy, even for more common models like Toyota. With so many options for spare parts online, it can be difficult for you to know who you can trust. So, if you’re hoping to buy high-quality and reputable spare parts for your Toyota soon, here are our five favourite tips to help you choose only the best.

1. Look for genuine Toyota spares

Toyota is a reputable brand, so if you’ve already invested in one of their cars, why not continue to do so by shopping only for genuine pieces? Copy parts might seem tempting thanks to their cheaper price tag and availability, but they come with the risk of not lasting as long as a genuine part from the original manufacturer. If you don’t want to risk having to replace the new part again in a few months, we highly recommend shopping only for reliable and genuine Toyota spare parts.

2. Research, research, research!

We know how tempting it is to replace a car part as soon as you find a dink or scratch, but trust us, it can be better to wait. Researching the correct spare parts and the options available on the market can make a huge difference to the end result. Spare car parts are often expensive investments, so taking your time shopping around can help you reduce your costs in the long run and prevent you from having to replace them twice.

When buying genuine Toyota parts, look for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part number on your current piece before confirming the purchase. This should be hidden, usually on the unpainted side, where you can cross-match it to pieces online. Not only should this give you a better idea as to whether the piece is genuine or not, but it’ll also give you peace of mind that it’ll fit your current car.

3. Go in with a game plan

When buying a new spare part, whether online or in person, you are your own best resource. Some experts can make mistakes, so knowing exactly what you need can save you a lot of time and anguish. You need to know exactly what you need, including which parts, and for what model, with any extra bells and whistles. The best thing to do is take your car to a good mechanic and ask them what needs replacing. They should be able to tell you the exact specs of the parts you need, which you can then buy from a trusted dealer.

4. Only buy from reputable dealers

Thanks to the world of online shopping, you can now buy almost anything from your phone – including Toyota car parts! However, with so much choice on the market, you might find yourself wondering which dealers you can trust. While a lot of retailers sell authentic and genuine pieces, some sellers sell fake and counterfeit parts that are inferior to the real deal.

To make sure you’re shopping from only reputable sites, check their customer reviews and testimonials. This is a quick and easy way to rest assured that you’re looking at genuine pieces before placing an order.

5. Research shipping TORs

A shipping Transfer of Residence (TOR) can reduce shipping costs, especially if you’re buying from another country. Thanks to shipping and customs, you’ll often have to wait a certain amount of time for the part to reach you, so make sure you’re okay with waiting this amount of time for your part to arrive. If you want it quicker, you’ll need to find another retailer with quicker delivery estimates.

Similarly, checking shipping prices can also save you stress in the long run. The last thing you want is to be billed after the part has shipped for extra tax or custom costs. When buying larger car parts like bumpers, you might want to look for online dealers closer to home to avoid these fees.

Buy high-quality Toyota spare car parts today

Buying spare parts online can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for genuine Toyota pieces. Finding a reputable supplier is essential to keeping your car as durable and reliable as the manufacturer intends, but with so many online retailers out there, it can be hard for first-time buyers to know where to look. If you’re looking for a retailer who won’t let you down and who sells genuine, authentic pieces, then look no further than Toyota spare parts. Here you’ll find a range of high-quality automotive parts for your car, along with advice on how to fit them and how to differentiate between the different grades. With five warehouses Australia-wide, they’ll also keep shipping costs down as much as possible.