The best places to get cheap car accessories are online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, discount auto parts stores such as RockAuto, and salvage yards for secondhand OEM parts. For custom or generic items, AliExpress and Temu offer rock-bottom prices, though shipping can take longer. Don't overlook your local auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly) for weekly sales and their clearance aisles.
The key to saving money is knowing what you're buying. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by your car's brand, while aftermarket parts are produced by third-party companies. Aftermarket parts are almost always cheaper and can be of equal or even better quality, but research is essential. For purely cosmetic items like decals or interior LED lights, generic brands are perfectly fine. For functional parts like air filters or wiper blades, stick with reputable aftermarket brands.
Here’s a comparison of average price ranges for common accessories from different sources:
| Accessory Type | Online Marketplace (e.g., Amazon) | Major Retailer (e.g., AutoZone) | Salvage Yard | Discount Site (e.g., RockAuto) |
|---|
| All-Weather Floor Mats | $35 - $80 | $50 - $120 | $15 - $40 (used OEM) | $30 - $70 |
| Phone Mount | $8 - $25 | $15 - $30 | N/A | $10 - $20 |
| LED Headlight Bulbs | $25 - $60 | $40 - $100 | $10 - $25 (used) | $20 - $50 |
| Windshield Wiper Blades | $10 - $25 per set | $15 - $50 per set | N/A | $8 - $20 per set |
| OEM Style Grille | $60 - $150 | $90 - $200 | $30 - $80 (used) | $50 - $120 |
Always check return policies, especially for fitment-specific items. Joining model-specific forums can also lead to great deals from members selling their take-off parts.
