Buying parts online

The internet has made car parts far easier to find. Online stores, marketplaces and social media groups offer everything from filters to whole engines, often delivered to your door. But online buying also brings risks, from parts that don't fit to outright scams. This guide explains how to check sellers, pay safely, handle freight and returns, and spot the warning signs.

Know who you're buying from

Online parts sellers include:

• established parts retailers with online stores;
• recyclers and wreckers listing used parts;
• overseas sellers shipping to Australia;
• private sellers on marketplaces and social media.

Each carries different risks. Buying from an Australian business generally gives you consumer guarantees, and it's easier to resolve problems with a local seller. Private sellers and overseas sellers can be harder to pursue if something goes wrong.

Checking a seller

Scamwatch suggests these checks before you buy:

• look for an ABN and check it on ABN Lookup to see if it's a real business;
• check the website has information about privacy, terms and conditions, dispute resolution and contact details, plus secure payment options such as PayPal or credit card;
• check that the store's physical location really exists;
• search for the website name with the word "scam" or "review";
• look for red flags in the web address, such as extra dashes or names that imitate a real business.

Scamwatch also warns that scammers can register Australian domains and display stolen ABNs, so one check alone isn't enough.

Scams targeting car parts buyers

Consumer Protection WA has warned about scammers impersonating genuine auto wreckers and car and motorbike parts businesses on Facebook Marketplace. It says scammers typically offer parts, tyres and second-hand engines at too-good-to-be-true prices and ask for full payment plus shipping by bank transfer. In one case it described, a buyer who asked for a recommendation in a car enthusiast group transferred money, was then asked for more money to a different account, became suspicious and was blocked, losing $700.

Its advice includes checking when a social media page was created, since recently created pages are likely scams, checking "page transparency" for name changes, and not paying by bank transfer.

Paying safely

• Use secure payment methods such as credit card or a platform's protected payment service where available.
• Avoid bank transfers, money orders, gift cards and cryptocurrency to sellers you haven't verified. Scamwatch lists unusual payment methods as a warning sign.
• Check the payee name. Scamwatch notes that when using PayID or bank transfer, you should make sure the name matches the person or business you think you're paying.
• Keep communication on the platform when using a marketplace.
• Don't pay for big-ticket items before inspecting them where possible.

Getting the right part

Online listings can be vague. Before you buy:

• give the seller your VIN, vehicle details and part number and ask them to confirm fitment in writing;
• check photos carefully and ask for more if needed;
• read the listing for what's included;
• check the returns policy, especially for electrical parts.

Our guide to identifying the right part explains the details to gather.

Freight and delivery

Freight can add a lot to the cost of bulky or heavy parts. Check the delivery cost and time before buying, and compare with local options. When the part arrives, inspect it straight away and contact the seller quickly if it's damaged or wrong. Keep the packaging until you're sure the part is right. Our quote comparer includes freight in the all-in cost.

Overseas sellers

Overseas sellers can offer lower prices and a wider range, but returns can be expensive and slow, and parts may be made for different markets. Check that the part suits Australian-delivered vehicles and consider the cost of returning it if it doesn't fit.

Your rights

When you buy from an Australian business, consumer guarantees apply whether you shop online or in person. Consumer Protection WA explains that sellers must provide a remedy if products aren't of acceptable quality, aren't fit for a specified purpose or don't match their description. See our guide to your rights when a part fails.

If you've been scammed

Scamwatch advises acting fast: contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam and ask them to stop any transactions, change passwords on your accounts, and report the scam to Scamwatch. IDCARE, Australia and New Zealand's national identity and cyber support service, can help you make a plan for free on 1800 595 160.

Marketplaces and social media groups

Online marketplaces and car enthusiast groups can be great places to find rare parts and get advice. They're also where many scams happen. Consumer Protection WA's example involved a buyer who asked for a recommendation in a car enthusiast group on Facebook. Treat recommendations from strangers carefully, check the business independently and never feel pressured to pay quickly.

When buying from an individual:

• meet in a safe public place or at a business address where possible;
• inspect the part before paying;
• pay using a method that offers some protection;
• keep all communication in writing.

Checking a part on arrival

When a parts order arrives, check it before signing for it if the courier allows, and in detail as soon as possible afterwards:

• the part number matches your order;
• the part isn't damaged;
• everything listed is included;
• connectors and mounting points match your old part.

Don't fit a part you think may be wrong, because fitting can affect returns. Contact the seller with photos straight away.

Keeping records of online purchases

Save order confirmations, listings, messages and payment receipts. Screenshots of the listing are useful if it's later changed or removed. These records help if you need to claim a refund, return a part or report a scam.

A final check before you buy

Before you pay, run through a quick list: is the seller verified, is the price realistic, has fitment been confirmed in writing, is the payment method protected, and do you know the returns policy? If any answer is no, pause and check again.

Overseas websites and Australian rules

Parts bought from overseas websites may not suit Australian-delivered vehicles or meet Australian requirements. Lights, tyres and some safety-related parts may need to meet specific standards in Australia. Check product descriptions carefully, ask the seller whether the part is suitable for Australian vehicles, and consider getting advice from a mechanic before buying safety-related parts from overseas. Returning heavy parts overseas can cost more than the part itself.

Trust your instincts

If a seller pressures you to pay quickly, changes payment details or avoids questions, walk away. A genuine seller will still be there tomorrow.

Key points

• Check sellers' ABNs, contact details, terms and physical location.
• Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices and new social media pages.
• Avoid bank transfers to unverified sellers and check payee names.
• Confirm fitment in writing and check freight and return costs.
• If scammed, contact your bank immediately and report to Scamwatch.