As a car repair professional, I’m always on the lookout for reliable parts suppliers. When it comes to sourcing components online in Europe, Autodoc (also known as autoonderdelen24, autoparts24, and others) often comes up due to its competitive pricing and a wide selection of brands. They also advertise a 90-day return policy, which on the surface, seems appealing. However, after several personal experiences, I feel it’s crucial to share a detailed review, especially focusing on aspects that might not be immediately obvious to new customers. This review will delve into the reality behind Autodoc’s service, particularly for English-speaking customers considering them for their car part needs.
The Problem with “Stark” Brand Substitutions
Around 2017, Autodoc introduced their in-house brand, STARK. Initially, information about these parts was scarce, raising concerns about their quality and origin. It’s been mentioned that these are essentially budget-friendly, rebranded parts, likely sourced from China. While they do come with a 3-year warranty, the lack of established history made many, including myself, hesitant to use them, especially for critical components.
My primary issue began when ordering parts from well-known brands, but receiving STARK branded alternatives instead. For example, ordering Delphi brake pads might result in receiving STARK pads. Upon contacting customer service about this discrepancy, the repeated explanation was that the originally ordered part was “out of stock,” and the STARK part was offered as a replacement. This excuse became less believable when the website consistently showed the desired part as being in stock before and after placing the order.
This substitution issue happened multiple times. To combat this, I started closely monitoring my orders immediately after placement. Even with parts showing as “in stock” at the time of ordering, the order confirmation email would often list STARK parts as replacements. Contacting customer service to revert to the originally selected part often resulted in them agreeing to the change, even suggesting they could disable this “automatic substitution feature” on my account. However, even after this supposed adjustment, subsequent orders still arrived with STARK parts. It seems this practice is deeply ingrained in their system. Adding to the frustration, the prices of STARK items have increased, allowing them to argue that the substitution is for an “equivalent or even more expensive” part, further obscuring the fact that customers are not receiving what they initially chose and paid for.
Customer Service Miscommunications
Dealing with Autodoc’s customer service has been consistently challenging. Despite their email signatures encouraging contact for compatibility questions, actual communication often feels unproductive. While referencing OE part numbers from resources like realoem.com (for BMW) or having brand-specific knowledge (like with VW) can help in identifying parts, issues arise when dealing with less familiar makes and models.
In one instance, trying to identify the correct pulleys for a Hyundai belt replacement, I sent a detailed query about three specific pulleys. The response addressed pulleys #1 and #2, completely ignoring the question about pulley #3, as well as another unrelated question in the same email. Follow-up emails often yielded similar results – partial answers or selective attention to questions, making it feel like each question needs to be sent in isolation to have any chance of being addressed. This disjointed communication makes resolving even simple queries unnecessarily time-consuming and frustrating.
Concerns About STARK Brand Quality
My reluctance to use STARK brand parts stems from concerns about quality and reliability, particularly for safety-critical components. While I wouldn’t risk using unknown brand brakes in normal circumstances, an emergency situation once forced my hand. Receiving STARK brake calipers instead of the ordered brand, and facing time constraints to complete a repair, I reluctantly installed them. To date, they have functioned adequately for about 8 months. However, this single instance doesn’t alleviate broader concerns about long-term durability or consistent quality control.
On another occasion, I intentionally ordered STARK brand rear trunk shock absorbers, reasoning that failure wouldn’t pose a safety risk. Upon installation, these STARK shocks were发现 to be approximately 3cm (over an inch) too long, making it impossible to close the trunk. Despite double-checking part numbers and confirming they should have been correct for the vehicle, the parts were clearly manufactured incorrectly. While the return process was honored and a refund issued, the fact that Autodoc continues to sell these demonstrably incorrect parts raises serious questions. If basic components like shock absorbers are manufactured with such significant errors, it’s difficult to trust the quality and precision of more complex parts from the same brand, such as sensors or engine components.
Shipping Delays and “In Stock” Misrepresentation
Finally, shipping from Autodoc has consistently been slow. Despite orders being placed when all items are listed as “in stock,” shipment typically occurs 5-6 days after the order date. This delay happens with every order, suggesting it’s not an isolated incident but a standard practice. This extended processing time needs to be factored in when ordering from Autodoc, especially if timely repairs are needed. The “in stock” indication seems to refer more to availability within their broader system rather than immediate readiness for dispatch.
Conclusion: Price vs. Peace of Mind
Autodoc’s low prices are undeniably attractive, and their 90-day return policy provides a degree of reassurance. However, my experiences highlight significant drawbacks. The practice of substituting ordered parts with the potentially lower quality STARK brand, coupled with frustrating customer service and unreliable shipping times, raises concerns. While cost is a crucial factor, particularly in car maintenance, the potential for receiving unwanted parts, dealing with communication issues, and experiencing delays needs careful consideration. For critical car parts, especially those related to safety, and when timely repairs are essential, exploring alternative suppliers might offer better peace of mind, even if it means a slightly higher upfront cost. This review is intended to provide a balanced perspective, allowing you to weigh the potential benefits of Autodoc’s pricing against the documented risks and make an informed decision for your car part purchases.
