And I can't see spending a lot of money on repairs. Starnes is one of many consumers who try to save cash by buying replacement parts from retailers, such as Pep Boys, rather than from dealers. Those sales include not only replacement parts but also accessories to customize vehicles. Not surprising, some automakers, dealers and their mechanics warn that replacement parts might not save consumers a penny and in some cases could leave them in a pinch. There's no free lunch.
Consumers can buy parts manufactured by automakers or their suppliers through dealers.
When they do, they are buying a part made to the automaker's specifications for that model and make of vehicle. Such frugal buyers as Starnes might prefer to buy aftermarket parts, such as brake pads, filters and spark plugs, through retail stores, such as Murray's Discount Auto Stores or AutoZone. Or they might ask the mechanic at their local service station to use less expensive parts that are not blessed by a manufacturer. Replacement parts made for the aftermarket generally cost about 25 percent to 50 percent less than original parts. But because they might not meet all of the automaker's specifications, they could alter or, in extreme cases, hurt a vehicle's performance.