Are OEM Mazda Starter Motors Better Than Aftermarket?
If your Mazda’s starter motor needs replacing, you might be considering going with an aftermarket part instead of an OEM component. In this blog, we examine the pros and cons of both to help you make an informed decision.
What Is An OEM Starter Motor?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are made to the same specifications and standards as the parts that were fitted to your vehicle at the factory.
An OEM starter motor will be built with the same quality components, and will have to meet the same high quality standards as the original.
What Is An Aftermarket Starter Motor?
Aftermarket parts are components made by companies that are not affiliated with the auto manufacturer. They are often of a generic design and do not have to meet any specific quality standards. Aftermarket parts are sometimes described as 'One-size-fits-all' as they typically apply a common design to make auto makes and models.
OEM vs Aftermarket

Image Credit: WorldMechanics
REALMazdaParts.com only sells genuine Mazda OEM parts. They are guaranteed to work perfectly, and we stock everything you need, from solenoids to starters and more.
OEM Parts
- Come with a 1-year manufacturer parts warranty
- Will fit perfectly without any modifications
- Are guaranteed to work exactly like the original part
- Typically last longer than generic aftermarket parts
- Are available at wholesale prices from REALMazdaParts.com
Aftermarket Parts
- Are often of a generic design
- Rarely come with a warranty
- May not fit correctly without some modification
- Can cause damage to other components if they are not made to the exact specifications of the original
- Tend to fail sooner than OEM parts (check out this guide to learn about failing starters)
Most people consider aftermarket parts because they think they will save money. This is often a short-sighted view, as aftermarket parts are usually built from inferior materials and tend to fail earlier than OEM parts. If you order from REAL Mazda Parts, you also pay lower wholesale prices for your OEM parts. Why would you spend your money on a poor-quality aftermarket component when our wholesale prices are comparable? You wouldn't!
REAL Mazda Parts Has Genuine OEM Starter Motors

A starter motor is an integral part of your Mazda. Choosing the right replacement part is important to keep your vehicle running as the manufacturer intended and to prevent further damage. That’s why OEM starter motors are the best choice. Buying a potentially cheaper aftermarket component will only cost more in the long run.
At REAL Mazda Parts, we only sell genuine Mazda components with a manufacturer warranty at wholesale prices. This saves you money and gives you added peace of mind. Use our VIN decoder to find the right starter motor Mazda the first time. You can also contact our team to help you find the right OEM starter motor at the best price for your Mazda.