OEM, aftermarket or used: which part is right for you?
28 Jun 2026 · Rakkibo Admin
Not every job needs a brand-new genuine part. Knowing the difference saves you real money without cutting corners.
OEM (genuine). Made by the vehicle manufacturer, identical to what left the factory. The safest match, and usually the most expensive. Worth it for critical safety systems and anything under warranty.
Aftermarket (new). Made by a third party to fit your vehicle. Quality ranges from excellent to basic — a good-brand aftermarket part can equal OEM for far less, but read reviews and check the warranty.
Used (genuine). A real OEM part, previously fitted, sold at a fraction of new. For body panels, trims, interior parts, mirrors, lights and many mechanical components, quality used is the smart-money choice — you get genuine fit and finish for less.
Where used wins. Discontinued parts for older vehicles, expensive genuine assemblies, and cosmetic panels are all cases where a graded used part on Rakkibo beats paying new. Each carries an honest condition grade so you know exactly what you're getting.
Rule of thumb: genuine for safety-critical, used-genuine for value, aftermarket when a trusted brand offers new for less. On Rakkibo, every used part states the exact vehicle it fits.
OEM (genuine). Made by the vehicle manufacturer, identical to what left the factory. The safest match, and usually the most expensive. Worth it for critical safety systems and anything under warranty.
Aftermarket (new). Made by a third party to fit your vehicle. Quality ranges from excellent to basic — a good-brand aftermarket part can equal OEM for far less, but read reviews and check the warranty.
Used (genuine). A real OEM part, previously fitted, sold at a fraction of new. For body panels, trims, interior parts, mirrors, lights and many mechanical components, quality used is the smart-money choice — you get genuine fit and finish for less.
Where used wins. Discontinued parts for older vehicles, expensive genuine assemblies, and cosmetic panels are all cases where a graded used part on Rakkibo beats paying new. Each carries an honest condition grade so you know exactly what you're getting.
Rule of thumb: genuine for safety-critical, used-genuine for value, aftermarket when a trusted brand offers new for less. On Rakkibo, every used part states the exact vehicle it fits.