FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING SPARES

Always contact franchised dealers first. Don’t assume they won’t have the part you want – they may well have or can order it in for you.

Check prices. Don’t assume just because a part is genuine that it’ll be ludicrously expensive. You may be pleasantly surprised. Often used parts can sell, via places like ebay, for more than the cost of new genuine. Avoid getting drawn into online bidding wars, too. A high bid may win you the part, but do you really want to pay £700 for a side-panel?

Know your part numbers. This helps dealers and you; sometimes a part is generic and is fitted to several different models, but prices – again through places like ebay – can go through the roof if a part is listed as, say, RD350LC. That same part may well be used on a less popular model, and therefore not command the premium if you hunt and buy using part numbers as your guide.

Speak to clubs. There is a lot of really useful specialist knowledge within marque, era and model-specific clubs. Someone will know who stocks what, what to pay, and if a part is even available. The knowledge is out there – use it.

Don’t be afraid of reproduction. Some aftermarket parts are amazing quality – often better than OE, so don’t dismiss them off hand. Again, do your research and ask those in the know what they recommend.