Below are our recommendations for places to purchase spare parts.
Service stations licensed by the manufacturer
This is the best source for parts that are made specifically for your vehicle and are not normally available on the market (e.g. emblems, interior trim panels, some body panels, etc.). Also, these are the only places you should buy parts if your vehicle is still under warranty.
Auto accessories stores
They are often a great place to buy supplies and items needed for your car's maintenance (e.g. oil and fuel filters, air filter elements, lamps, drive belts, lubricants, brake pads, car enamels, etc.). These products, sold in reputable stores, meet the same standards as those used by car manufacturers.
Automotive spare parts stores
Good stores have all the most important parts that wear out relatively quickly, and they can also occasionally purchase individual parts needed for the overhaul of some larger unit. It is also possible to perform some work in them, such as boring the cylinder block, grinding and balancing the crankshaft, etc.
Workshops for the repair of wheels and exhaust systems
These workshops can be either independent or part of any local or national network. Often they offer their services at competitive prices when compared to the prices of the main dealer or local repair shop, but before contacting them, it is wise to check prices elsewhere. When looking at prices, also find out what extra charges are possible. For example, often the cost of installing a new valve and balancing the wheel is added to the cost of a new tire.
Other sources
Avoid purchasing parts and supplies from market stalls, car dealerships, and similar places. The items they sell don't always turn out to be defective, but if they do turn out to be defective, it's highly unlikely that you'll be able to recover the damage. If we talk about parts and assemblies that play an important role in ensuring safety, such as brake pads, the risk is not only in financial damage, but also in the possibility of an accident that can result in serious injury or death.
Purchasing used parts or assemblies can be successful under some circumstances, but such purchases are best made by an experienced motorist.