DIY mechanics slugged with 30-40 per cent spike in car part prices

The cost of car parts has surged up to 40 per cent in recent months while a global shortage has led to a six-month wait for the most in-demand parts.

Desperate Queenslanders unable to purchase new or second hand vehicles are being forced to fix them themselves on top of being hit with a “ridiculous” surge in car part prices and six months wait.

With a global shortage of new vehicles and computer chips, buyers have flooded the used car market which sent prices through the roof.

According to eBay, the demand has now turned to vehicle parts and accessories which have accelerated since Covid-19 and remained in short supply across all most popular brands.

eBay Australia’s head of vehicle parts Matt Wilkin said Queenslanders were opting to fix their own vehicles after being faced with record high prices for second-hand vehicles.

That is, however, if the parts are available.

Redcliffe-based market commentator and car broker Bob Aldons said people were waiting “months” just for parts.

Car guru Bob Aldons said prices had increased “exponentially” by about 30-40 per cent across most car parts.

Mr Aldons said prices had increased “exponentially” by about 30-40 per cent across most car parts.

“Ford Ranger bonnets, just the bonnets, you’re waiting six months, it’s ridiculous,” Mr Aldons said.

“Alloy wheels, the same story. Took me three months to get some for a customer.

“Any electrical components, so many have computer chips in them. Even tyres. Again it takes six to eight months for a set.”

It comes after buyers across the southeast were forced to pay “whatever it takes” prices to secure a used vehicle, with some models going for thousands of dollars more than its original price.

The drastic price surge was to “all-time favourite” models in Toyota HiLux (59.9 per cent increase), Toyota LandCruiser (49 per cent) and Holden Commodore (41.1 per cent), according to Carsales.com.au.

Desperate Queenslanders unable to purchase new or second hand vehicles became DIY mechanics have now been hit with a “ridiculous” surge in car part prices and six months waits.

Mr Wilkin said car part sales had increased by 20 per cent since January across the seven top brands, including Toyota, Kia and Mazda, compared to the same period pre-pandemic.

“At eBay we’ve seen more people buying car parts as Queenslanders are faced with record high prices of second-hand vehicles and opt to fix their own cars,” Mr Wilkin said.

“Vehicle part purchases initially accelerated during Covid as fixing up cars became a hobby for people spending more time at home.

“Sales peaked during prolonged lockdowns in 2021 with the biggest increases being 4WD and caravan parts.”

Mr Wilkin said electric vehicle parts had also jumped by more than 40 per cent over the past three years, sparked by continued environmental concerns and the cost of fuel.

Mr Aldons said the manufacturers’ focus was solely on the production line to pump out new vehicles which created supply chain issue for parts.

Normally, he said the manufacturers would build up about 10 years of stock.

“The supply of raw materials is very low,” he said.