Search for almost any famous JDM tuning brand and you'll find dozens of cheap listings that look like the real thing. Some are honest "style" parts. Many are sold as genuine when they aren't. For a cosmetic part that might just mean disappointment. For suspension, brakes, wheels or engine parts, it can mean a real safety risk.
Here's how to tell the difference.
Why buy genuine?
- Fit and quality: genuine parts are engineered and tested for the car they're sold for.
- Safety: replica wheels, brake components and steering parts may not meet the original strength specifications.
- Resale value: genuine Spoon, Mugen, Nismo and TRD parts hold their value and add to the car. Replicas don't, and they can put off serious buyers.
Seven signs a part might be fake
1. The price is too good
Genuine parts from Japanese tuning houses are made in limited volumes and priced accordingly. A "genuine" part at a fraction of the Japanese retail price is the biggest red flag.
2. No part number, or the wrong one
Genuine parts carry the maker's part number on the part, the packaging or both. Check it against the manufacturer's catalogue. For example, the current genuine Spoon Sports oil filler cap is part ALL-15610-001, which supersedes ALL-15610-000.
3. Poor logos and machining
Look closely at engraved or machined logos. Replicas often have shallow, uneven or slightly wrong lettering, rough edges and uneven anodising.
4. Generic or missing packaging
Genuine parts usually come in branded packaging with labels and part numbers. Plain bags and blank boxes are common with replicas.
5. Sold everywhere at once
The same photo appearing on hundreds of marketplace listings is a sign of mass-produced copies.
6. Too many fitments
A genuine part has a specific fitment list. A listing that claims to fit every car is usually a universal copy.
7. Vague seller information
Ask where the part was bought. A reputable seller can tell you whether it came from the maker, an authorised dealer or a known supplier in Japan.
Parts where genuine really matters
- Wheels: replica wheels may not be tested to the original load ratings.
- Steering wheels and hubs: look for proper compliance markings for road use.
- Brake and suspension components: buy genuine or from established brands.
- Engine and oiling parts: caps, filters and fittings that seal properly matter.
How we source genuine parts
We buy parts in Japan from the makers, authorised retailers and established Japanese suppliers, and ship them to Australia and New Zealand. If you've found a part online and aren't sure it's genuine, send us the link and we'll check it or find a genuine one. See our Japan sourcing service, our JDM parts range, and where to buy genuine JDM parts in Australia and NZ.
FAQ
Are "style" parts illegal?
Selling a part described honestly as a style or replica isn't the problem. Selling a copy as genuine is. Know what you're buying and avoid replicas for safety-critical parts.
Can used genuine parts be a good option?
Yes. Japanese auction and marketplace sites have plenty of used genuine parts. See how to buy from Yahoo! Auctions and Mercari.