Are OEM Parts Better Than Aftermarket for Chinese Car Brands?

When sourcing Chinese car parts, one decision keeps popping up: OEM or aftermarket? The wrong choice could mean customer complaints or costly returns. But don’t worry, we’re breaking it all down so you can make smarter, more profitable choices for your auto parts business.

OEM parts are typically more reliable than aftermarket parts, especially when imported from certified Chinese manufacturers. They’re made to match original specifications and often include warranties, making them a safer choice for distributors. However, high-quality aftermarket parts from trusted Chinese suppliers can offer excellent value, provided quality control is in place.

Let’s dive into what sets OEM and aftermarket Chinese parts apart — and how to choose the right type for your customers, your margins, and your reputation.

Are OEM Parts Better Than Aftermarket Parts for Chinese Vehicles?

Let’s start with the basics. OEM parts are produced by the same company that supplied the parts used in the original vehicle assembly. For Chinese car brands like BYD, Geely, Chery, or Great Wall Motors, OEM parts are either made in-house or contracted to top-tier suppliers.

OEM advantages:

• Perfect fit and compatibility
• Often comes with a warranty
• Trusted by repair shops and dealerships

Aftermarket pros and cons:

• Wider variety and pricing
• Quality ranges from excellent to questionable
• No universal standard or regulation

When importing for resale, OEM parts give peace of mind. But don’t sleep on high-quality aftermarket Chinese spare parts — the best ones are engineered for both affordability and durability.

Is OE Better Than OEM?

There’s a lot of confusion around OE, OEM, and aftermarket. Let’s simplify it:

• OE (Original Equipment): The exact part installed by the carmaker during production — often branded by the carmaker itself.
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Made by the same supplier but sold under the supplier’s brand or white label.

From a quality standpoint? OE and OEM are usually the same thing — same factory, same specs. The real difference is in the branding and price.

Pro Tip: Some Chinese factories supply OE parts to automakers and OEM or aftermarket parts under private labels. So, if you’re sourcing, always ask for the supplier’s OE/OEM credentials.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Chinese Parts?

Aftermarket parts from China can be both a blessing and a curse — it all depends on the manufacturer and quality control.

✅ Pros:

• Cost-effective: Huge savings compared to OEM, especially in bulk.
• Flexibility: Some aftermarket parts offer design upgrades (like reinforced materials).
• Availability: Easier to source quickly and at scale.

⚠️ Cons:

• Inconsistent quality: From excellent to unreliable — even counterfeit.
• Fitment issues: Not all follow strict OEM specs.
• No warranty: Many cheap aftermarket parts offer no guarantees.

As a wholesaler, this means doing extra due diligence when choosing a supplier — and it’s often worth paying a bit more for reputable aftermarket brands.

How to Tell if a Chinese Part Is OEM or Aftermarket?

If you’re not sourcing directly from the automaker or an authorized distributor, identifying whether a part is OEM or aftermarket can be tricky.

Here’s what to check:

Always request photos, certifications, and sample pieces before placing large orders. If possible, visit the factory or attend trade fairs like Automechanika Shanghai to build trusted relationships.

Where to Buy Reliable Chinese Car Parts Online?

There are tons of platforms, but only a few are reliable for long-term sourcing.

🌐 Top platforms:

• Manufacturer/ supplier website – To know more details and introduction.
• Alibaba – Great for bulk ordering from verified OEM/aftermarket factories.
• Made-in-China.com – Strong B2B sourcing for branded Chinese spare parts.
• 1688.com – Domestic version of Alibaba (needs Chinese skills or agent).
• Taobao – Mostly retail and low-quantity sellers. Be cautious.

🔍 Tips:

• Filter suppliers by “Gold Supplier” or “Verified Manufacturer.”
• Ask for ISO/TS16949 or IATF16949 certifications.
• Get at least 3 quotations before choosing.

And don’t forget to negotiate warranty and return policies — especially when buying aftermarket parts in volume.

OEM vs Aftermarket: Which Is Better for Long-Term Business Growth?

If you’re building a serious distribution business, your brand reputation depends on quality. Here’s how each option stacks up:

Balanced strategy: Offer OEM parts for premium buyers and reliable aftermarket parts for price-sensitive markets. That’s how you scale without sacrificing trust.

What’s the Price Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Chinese Parts?

The difference can be huge — up to 30–70% depending on the part type.

For example:

But keep in mind — cheap parts that fail early = higher costs in returns + reputation loss.

If you’re importing for resale, the sweet spot is quality aftermarket parts that hit both cost and performance benchmarks.

Should Distributors Choose Aftermarket Parts for Budget-Conscious Markets?

Absolutely — if you choose smartly.

In emerging markets like Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, price sensitivity is high. Many car owners are open to non-OEM solutions as long as they’re durable and safe.

🎯 Strategy for distributors:

• Build a “Tiered Offer” system: Premium (OEM), Standard (High-grade aftermarket), Budget (basic aftermarket).
• Educate your buyers about the difference.
• Provide fitment guides and after-sales support to build loyalty.

Aftermarket doesn’t mean low-end — it just means more choices for different customer needs.

What Are the Best Chinese Spare Parts Brands for OEM Quality?

Here are a few high-trust Chinese brands that are already supplying OE or Tier 1 level parts:

• GDST Auto Parts – Offers both OEM and quality aftermarket parts
• WANLI – Known for OEM-grade suspension and brake components
• SAIC Motor’s Yanfeng – Supplies interior and electronics to global OEMs
• Zhejiang Asia-Pacific Mechanical – Brakes and ABS systems

Bonus Tip: Look for brands that export to Europe or comply with E-Mark/CE standards — it’s often a good indicator of reliability.