Why should you buy genuine land rover parts?
22/02/23
Genuine land rover parts can often be more expensive to buy than the alternatives. This can tempt you to look for other – less expensive – options like aftermarket (AM) parts when your land rover needs work done.
But is any initial cost saving (ever) worth it? In this blog, we'll explore the advantages and benefits of buying genuine parts. We'll also look at the alternative options, and when they might be an appropriate choice.
Tip: If you're researching parts to prepare for your next MOT, service or repair, why not consider using Newbury 4x4. We are independent specialists in land rovers and range rovers and offer a full range of services across Thatcham, Newbury, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. You can also find out more about the flexibility we offer our clients (including loan vehicles and out of hours pick-ups/ drop-offs) here.
What are genuine Land Rover parts and why choose them?
They are replacement parts made by the same company who manufactured your land rover. This means the specifications and components of the parts are the same as the parts in your land rover when it was new.
They're sometimes called original equipment (OE) parts. What are the benefits and advantages of buying OE parts?
They are compatible and safe
OE parts will fit your land rover perfectly. This means they'll work like clockwork with the rest of your vehicle's parts and systems. This will help your land rover function safely, efficiently and as properly intended.
They meet rigorous quality standards
OE parts will meet the same quality standards as the rest of your land rover as they usually go through rigorous testing and quality control procedures.
So, if you've bought your land rover for the reliability and performance that it offers, buying OE parts is the best way of maintaining the optimal performance you're used to.
In contrast, alternatives may lead to reduced performance or increased wear and tear.
They can help you to preserve your manufacturer's warranty
This one's particularly relevant if your land rover is a relatively new land rover model still covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Using genuine land rover parts will help to preserve warranty coverage. As well ensuring that any replacement or repair is completed by a specialist in accordance with the manufacturer's specification (like what we do at Newbury 4x4!).
If you use other types of parts, it can sometimes void your warranty or make claims more difficult.
They can preserve the resale value of your land rover
Another advantage of investing in OE parts is that doing so can preserve the resale value of your land rover, as it'll still have the same equipment it had on release.
It also means that in the long-run, buying OE parts isn't always the more expensive option, as you can recover some of the expense if/when you decide to sell.
How much are land rover parts and where can you buy them in the UK?
You can buy genuine land rover parts from dealerships and authorised part distributors. You can buy AM (aftermarket) parts from retail stores and online. We can also source both for you as part of our service.
The price will vary – often quite significantly – and will depend on:
- the part itself and the availability of it (e.g., is it small and commonly replaced like oil filters, or more substantial/ complex)
- the land rover model
- the part type (e.g., genuine or not) and where it's purchased
Alternatives to genuine original equipment parts
Sometimes it's perfectly ok to buy spare parts that are not OE parts. Other options include:
- aftermarket (AM) parts
- remanufactured parts (refurbished OE parts restored to like-new condition)
- used parts (the quality and condition can vary greatly)
What are aftermarket parts?
AM parts are parts manufactured by companies who did not make your land rover. They can be used to replace existing parts, or to upgrade/ customise your vehicle.
Replacement AM parts are designed to fit and function like OE parts. So, how can you decide which type to use? Let's look at some key differences between the two.
OE parts vs aftermarket parts: the differences
There are plenty, but here are a few to consider as part of your decision:
Quality, compatibility and performance
Although AM parts are designed to fit and function in the same way as OE parts, they can also be designed to be compatible with multiple makes or models. This means their specifications may not always be exactly the same as genuine parts.
This might affect how the AM part functions with the rest of your vehicle. They're also sometimes not as precisely engineered or thoroughly tested as OE parts are, which can cause other quality and durability issues.
Ultimately, the manufacturer and part itself are of critical importance when assessing the quality of an AM part. Newbury 4x4 know what is good and what is bad and can help you with this.
Price
AM parts are often available at a lower price. This means you can often save money on your initial purchase.
However, if the AM parts are not as durable or cause problems with your vehicle, you may incur more costs in the longer-run, as you'll need to replace parts more frequently and maybe even pay for additional repairs.
Warranty
Using AM parts may limit or void your land rover warranty. This is less of an issue for older vehicles outwith any warranty period, and a good-quality AM spare land rover part is a suitable option in these cases.
But if preserving a warranty is essential, and/ or you want to absolutely guarantee the longevity and performance of your vehicle, a robust OE part will often be the better choice.
AM spare parts can also be a good choice if you're looking to add accessories to your land rover, as there's a more extensive range available when you look beyond land rover options.
Land Rover accessories
There are so many ways you can accessorise or customise your land rover for maximum style and performance.
Newbury 4x4 can supply or supply and fit a full range of land rover accessories, including:
- roof racks and cargo carriers
- running boards and side steps
- bull bars and grille guards
- winch and recovery gear
- light bars and aux lights
- suspension upgrades
- interior accessories
Why choose Newbury 4x4?
Our team of technicians have extensive knowledge and over 90 years' experience. We
- offer a full range of services for your land rover at a sensible price
- can access all your land rover online service history and technical data
- use the latest diagnostics software available to work efficiently and effectively
- can guide you on the right parts for your circumstances
To get in touch, call us on 01635 32028 or email service@newbury4x4.co.uk