Which auto parts shops are cheaper in the UK?
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The UK has one of the largest aftermarket sectors in Europe, with an estimated £22–£25 billion spent on replacement car parts and servicing each year (according to SMMT aftermarket reports). As inflation, global supply-chain costs and vehicle age continue to rise, the average UK car is now 9.3 years old, and more drivers are asking a simple question:
Where can I buy auto parts without overpaying?
The answer depends on the type of part you need, how quickly you need it, and whether you prefer new, remanufactured or used auto parts. Here’s how the UK’s main options compare.
Dealerships: Reliable but Rarely Cheap
Franchised dealers offer factory-new parts with strong warranties. They are the safest route when:
the car is still under warranty
the part requires coding or calibration
safety components are involved
But dealerships are the most expensive option. Even simple items such as sensors, alternators or control modules can cost 30–70% more than equivalent units from aftermarket or OEM retailers.
Large Auto Parts Retailers: Cheaper, Fast, Good for Service Items
National chains such as Euro Car Parts, GSF and Motor Parts Direct dominate the mainstream. They benefit from:
nationwide same-day collection
constant discount codes
both budget and premium brands
strong availability for common parts
For routine maintenance items: filters, brakes, oil, belts, these auto parts shops are usually cheaper than dealers. However, the savings shrink when shopping for more complex electrical car parts or brand-specific items, where prices can still be high.
Online Marketplaces: The Most Variable Prices
Marketplaces like eBay and Amazon host thousands of independent sellers and small garages. Searching “automobile parts shop near me” often brings these listings to the top.
Pros:
Often, the lowest initial price
Rare or discontinued parts available
Large selection of used and refurbished items
Cons:
Inconsistent quality
Limited warranty protection
Mixed accuracy in part descriptions
Delivery reliability varies
Great for small components, trims and accessories. Risky for mechanical items unless bought from an established business seller.
Car Breakers & Auto Breakers: Frequently the Best Value for Genuine and OEM Quality Parts
Car breakers remain one of the biggest sources of cheap, genuine auto parts in the UK. As of 2024, the licensed breaker network processes over 1.5 million vehicles each year, creating a huge supply of used, tested car parts.
Why breakers are often the cheapest:
Parts are removed from real vehicles
Prices are typically up to 70% lower than dealer equivalents
OEM or genuine quality without that cost
Good for engines, gearboxes, bodywork, electronics, interior modules and other parts, where a used part is a great choice.
The downside is variation. Some breakers list parts professionally with clear photography and testing notes. Others dismantle many brands at once, leading to patchy descriptions and slower turnaround times.
Still, for many drivers in the UK, breakers offer the strongest balance of cost and confidence.
Online Specialist Breakers: A New Middle Ground
Over the last few years, a new category has grown: specialised auto breakers shops that focus on certain makes or modern models. They catalogue parts more accurately, test components that require it, and often provide faster delivery than traditional yards.
MT Auto Parts is an example of this newer, more structured approach. Their stock is focused on modern BMW models from 2012 onwards, listings are photographed clearly, parts that require testing are tested before sale, and most items are delivered within 24–48 hours in the UK mainland. Prices are significantly lower than dealership equivalents, especially for engines, interiors, electronics and other spare parts.
While not relevant for every make, these specialist online operations represent a growing trend across the UK, combining breaker pricing with retailer-level organisation.
So Which Auto Parts Shops Are Actually Cheaper?
It depends on what you’re buying:
Large retail chains – competitive for service parts and common maintenance items.
Online marketplaces – cheapest for small items, trims and accessories, but quality varies.
Car breakers – cheapest for used genuine or OEM quality mechanical and structural parts.
Specialist online breakers – best for modern vehicles where accuracy and fast delivery matter.
For most UK car owners, looking to stretch their budget, especially with an ageing national car fleet, car breakers and specialist online dismantlers tend to offer the best overall value.
FAQ: Buying Cheaper Auto Parts in the UK
1. Are auto parts cheaper at breakers than at dealerships?
Usually, yes. Breakers often sell genuine quality parts for up to 70% less than dealer prices because the parts come from dismantled vehicles rather than new stock.
2. Are used auto parts safe to install?
Used mechanical and structural parts can be safe when purchased from reputable, licensed breakers. Look for clear photos, part numbers, and notes on testing. Avoid unverified private sellers for critical safety items.
3. Why are online auto parts shops often cheaper?
Online retailers have lower overheads than physical stores and can hold larger inventories. This allows them to discount service items and offer a wider range of brands.
4. Are aftermarket parts cheaper than OEM parts?
In most cases, yes. Aftermarket components can cost 20–60% less than OEM equivalents, but the quality varies by manufacturer. For essential engine or electrical components, OEM used parts are often the safer choice.
5. Can I return auto parts bought online?
Most retailers offer returns, but policies vary. Breakers may allow returns within a 14–30-day window, while marketplaces depend on the seller. Always check the return terms before purchasing.
6. Do breakers supply parts for all car brands?
Yes. Most UK breakers dismantle a wide mix of vehicles rather than specialising in one brand. Specialist breakers exist, but they are less common, in many options, more reliable choice.
7. Are auto parts from online marketplaces trustworthy?
They can be, but it depends on the seller. Look for business accounts with strong feedback, detailed descriptions, and clear imagery. Avoid listings with vague fitment details or no warranty.
8. How can I make sure I’m buying the correct part?
Matching the part number is the safest method. VIN-matching services offered by specialist breakers also help ensure accuracy.
9. Is next-day delivery available for auto parts?
Many national retailers offer same-day or next-day delivery on common parts. Breakers vary; some specialist dismantlers also deliver within 24–48 hours, while traditional yards can take longer.
10. What’s the cheapest type of auto parts supplier overall?
For most mechanical components, car breakers remain the lowest-cost option, especially when you’re comparing prices with a typical seller from Google, when searching “automobile parts shop near me”. For routine service items, large national retailers usually come out cheapest due to volume pricing. And if you’re hunting for niche or discontinued components, online marketplaces often provide the best value thanks to their wider range of sellers.
Disclaimer: all pricing and supplier information in this article is based on publicly available UK market data at the time of writing. Actual costs can vary between retailers, regions and individual sellers. Always check current prices, shipping terms and return policies before purchasing auto parts.
