Aftermarket parts have a well-earned reputation for being less expensive than OEM counterparts. In fact, the savings on major components like alternators and starters can be quite significant. Cost savings is one reason many independent repair garages choose aftermarket parts, but have you ever taken a close look at the difference in price between aftermarket and OEM parts?
To illustrate the difference, here is a quick look at a few comparisons of prices for aftermarket and OEM parts.
Alternator for Honda Accord 2013-2016 with a SKU number of 31100-5A2-A02
Aftermarket alternator from DB Electrical: $181.76
OEM alternator from hondapartsonline.net: $357.55
Published prices on November 2, 2021
Alternator for Pontiac Grand Prix 2004
Aftermarket alternator from DB Electrical:$121.21
OEM alternator from gmpartsstore.com: $235.31
Published prices on November 2, 2021
Starter for Toyota Sequoia 2008
Aftermarket starter from DB Electrical: $136.43
OEM starter from parts.maplewoodtoyota.com: $254.80
Published prices November 2, 2021
Starter for Volkswagen Passat 2010
Aftermarket starter from DB Electrical: $71.37
OEM Stater from parts.lutherbrookdalevw.com: $725.33
Published prices November 2, 2021
Starter for Harley Davidson FLHP CVO Road King 2014
Aftermarket starter from DB Electrical: $192.19
OEM starter from Harley-davidson.com: $545.95
Published prices November 2, 2021
Solenoid Relay for Yamaha YFM125 Grizzly ATV 2013
Aftermarket solenoid relay from DB Electrical: $18.26
OEM solenoid relay from yamahapartshouse.com: $52.99
Published prices November 2, 2021
Starter for Polaris Frontier Classic Snowmobile 2003 (Part 4010417)
Aftermarket starter from DB Electrical: $43.61
OEM starter from partzilla.com: $439.71
Published prices November 2, 2021
Starter for Bobcat 2200 UTV (Part 6683052)
Aftermarket starter from DB Electrical: $119.80
OEM starter from bobcatparts.com: $332.25
Published prices November 2, 2021
These examples are a snapshot in time of the published prices listed by a few vendors on November 2, 2021. All the pricing information presented here is subject to change over time and may be different after publication of this article. However, the pattern shown is fairly typical. OEM products will generally cost more than aftermarket counterparts. Value-conscious consumers are wise to do some comparison shopping before purchasing.
