Are aftermarket parts reliable for my European car? Will my dealership warranty be voided if I don’t use genuine parts? What are the differences between genuine, OEM and aftermarket parts? These are questions we frequently get asked here at Prestige and Performance as we offer our customers the choice for logbook servicing and repairs and keep a wide range of parts in stock at both our Coorparoo and Capalaba workshops.
Here are the facts..
Genuine parts
Supplied by the manufacturer and are the exact same parts that were fitted to your vehicle when it left the factory. There is an assurance of quality and these parts come with a warranty.
OEM
(Original equipment manufacturer) parts are made by the manufacturer or made for them to their specification by an external company. They are basically genuine parts that are supplied in non-branded packaging and slightly better priced than genuine parts.
Aftermarket parts
Made by other competitor companies and are generally cheaper than genuine and OEM parts. In the past aftermarket parts come with the stigma of being lower quality and made from cheaper materials. However over time these manufacturers, in some cases, claim that they have the most updated, advanced technology and may sometimes be an improvement on the original part and most also offer their own warranty. Often aftermarket parts are reversed engineered and work out any weaknesses that may be present.
Prestige and Performance carry out all servicing and repairs with genuine or OEM parts first and only fit aftermarket parts (when available) to your car if needed or requested. Our customers can have peace of mind in knowing we only source and stock high quality aftermarket parts, mainly from original equipment manufacturers, that have proven their reliability and meet our high standards.
In regards to warranty, aftermarket parts fitted to the vehicle that are direct replacement parts do not void your dealership or manufacturer warranty. Furthermore, Prestige and Performance have a 2year/30,000km warranty on all parts supplied and work conducted by our experienced technicians. This is equivalent to the warranty you get with genuine parts.
In summary
Our European car mechanics carry out all servicing and repairs with genuine or OEM parts first and only fit aftermarket parts (when available) to your car if needed or requested. Our customers can have peace of mind in knowing we only source and stock high quality aftermarket parts, mainly from original equipment manufacturers, that have proven their quality.
We now have two workshops located in Coorparoo and Capalaba. To book your car in for a service head over to our Contact & Book page or give our friendly team a call on 07 3324 0611 for Coorparoo or 07 3180 1888 for Capalaba.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a big price difference between genuine, OEM and aftermarket parts for European cars?
Yes, and it can be significant. Genuine parts are typically the most expensive, OEM parts sit slightly lower in price, and quality aftermarket parts can cost considerably less — sometimes half the price of genuine. That said, the gap varies depending on the brand and the part, so it’s worth asking your mechanic what options are available for your specific repair.
Will fitting aftermarket parts void my manufacturer warranty?
No — under Australian consumer law, fitting direct replacement aftermarket parts does not void your dealership or manufacturer warranty, provided they are of equivalent quality and fitted by a licensed workshop. At Prestige and Performance, all parts and workmanship come with a 2-year/30,000km warranty, giving you the same protection you’d expect from genuine parts.
How do I know if an aftermarket part is actually any good?
The quality of aftermarket parts varies considerably between manufacturers, which is why it matters who is sourcing and fitting them. We only stock aftermarket parts from reputable original equipment manufacturers that have passed our quality checks and proven their reliability in the field — we won’t fit a part we wouldn’t put on our own cars.
Should I use OEM or genuine parts on an older European car?
For older vehicles, OEM parts are often the better value choice — they’re manufactured to the same specification as genuine parts but come without the dealership price premium. In some cases, a quality aftermarket alternative may actually incorporate design improvements over the original. Your mechanic can advise which option makes the most sense for your car’s age and condition.
What does Prestige and Performance recommend when I come in for a service or repair?
We always start with genuine or OEM parts and only recommend aftermarket alternatives when they offer clear value without any compromise on quality. We’ll always explain your options and the reasoning behind our recommendation — you’re never left in the dark about what’s going into your car. If you’d like to discuss parts options before booking, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.
Ready to book your next service or repair? Contact our Coorparoo workshop on 07 3324 0611 or our Capalaba workshop on 07 3180 1888, or book online through our website.
