Avoiding fake Mitsubishi parts is vital when planning a New Zealand road trip, as nothing ruins a scenic drive faster than a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. While you might be concentrated on the route and stops, the reliability of your car and the quality of its parts are what truly guarantee a safe journey.
The danger lies in cheap components; using fake Mitsubishi parts might save a few dollars upfront, but they often lead to engine damage or safety failures, leaving you with a massive repair bill. Unfortunately, as we head into 2026, these counterfeits are becoming harder to spot.
This guide offers 9 essential tips to help you spot fakes before they cause trouble, so your Mitsubishi stays reliable and your holiday stays on track.
One of the most important steps to avoid fake Mitsubishi parts is to know where you buy them. Always obtain parts from authorised Mitsubishi dealers or well-established suppliers. These sources have a direct connection to Mitsubishi or trusted manufacturers, ensuring quality and compatibility.
Buying from unverified sellers often leads to trouble. Here is why you should be cautious:
Before making a purchase, check if the seller has certifications or is a member of recognised automotive groups. This small step guarantees you are dealing with a reliable business that stands behind its products. More so, avoid buying from street markets, private sellers on social media, or auction sites where the origin of the parts is uncertain.
The packaging of the part you buy is often the first indication of its quality. Genuine Mitsubishi parts are packaged with care to ensure they reach you in perfect condition. If the packaging looks cheap or messy, the part inside likely is too.
To spot a fake Mitsubishi part through its packaging, keep an eye out for these red flags:
Another tip is to compare the new box to one you know is real before you install anything. Even a small difference in the logo’s colour or the font size can reveal a counterfeit. If something feels off, it is always better to double-check with an expert before putting it in your car.
Price is the first factor that alerts drivers to fake Mitsubishi parts. Genuine components carry a price that reflects their quality and the production standards. If you encounter parts priced lower than usual, this could indicate counterfeit products.
While availing cheap components might seem like a good way to save money at first, it often leads to much higher costs later. Fake Mitsubishi parts are made from low-quality materials that do not meet the manufacturer’s standards and can fail unexpectedly.
To make sure you are getting a fair deal on a real product, keep these tips in mind:
Every genuine Mitsubishi component has a unique number that matches the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Before buying, take time to check the part number using your car’s handbook or official Mitsubishi sources.
Fake Mitsubishi parts sometimes show incorrect, altered, or missing part numbers. Even small code differences can mean the part won’t fit correctly or work as it should. Carefully matching the part number ensures you get a product made specifically for your car’s needs.
If you are unsure how to confirm the correct part number, authorised dealers and Mitsubishi service centres can provide guidance. Their databases contain detailed information about all genuine parts.
Always ask for a receipt when you buy Mitsubishi parts. The receipt should show who sold it, what part you bought, and the price. Keep it safe in case you need to return the part or use the warranty.
Many fake sellers don’t give proper receipts or only give vague invoices without details. Having a full record of your purchase protects you from problems and helps you keep track of your vehicle’s service history. Keeping receipts organised also benefits those who look after their own vehicles. It allows mechanics to check the parts used in previous repairs and suggest suitable replacements when necessary.
If you are replacing a part, compare the new item with the original one removed from your Mitsubishi. Pay attention to differences in weight, colour, texture, and shape.
Fake Mitsubishi parts might look the same from a distance, but they often have small flaws because they are made with cheaper materials. These minor differences can cause huge problems, especially for components that help your car stop or steer:
Shopping online for car parts is convenient, but you need to be careful. Always avoid sellers who don’t have a clear website, a physical business address, or any customer reviews. Reliable suppliers are transparent with their contact details and will have positive feedback from other drivers to prove they are trustworthy.
To stay safe, only buy from trusted automotive retailers that offer a clear return policy and a warranty. Before you pay, make sure the seller can provide official documentation for their parts. This extra layer of security ensures you receive a genuine product that keeps your Mitsubishi running safely.
If you ever doubt the authenticity of a Mitsubishi part, take your vehicle to a certified Mitsubishi service centre. Technicians working there have the experience and access to official information that enables them to quickly identify genuine components.
Service centres can confirm the authenticity of parts, fit them correctly, and carry out full vehicle inspections. They also offer advice on maintenance and replacement schedules to ensure your Mitsubishi stays reliable.
Finding expert assistance before a long road trip is a smart choice. It helps deter breakdowns caused by faulty or fake Mitsubishi parts and keeps your vehicle running smoothly.
Before a long trip, take your Mitsubishi to a trusted garage for a full check. Make sure all important parts are genuine and working well. A full vehicle check can identify worn or counterfeit components that might fail during your trip. Professionals can recommend replacements and carry out repairs to keep your car safe.
Regular checks and maintenance also help prevent breakdowns and give you peace of mind. When your car has real, working parts, you can enjoy your journey without worry.
A trouble-free road trip relies on more than just good planning and fuel. Using genuine parts is important for keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and performing well throughout your travels. While fake Mitsubishi parts may seem like a cheaper alternative, they bring risks that can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving.
Following these nine tips will help you avoid fake Mitsubishi parts and safeguard your vehicle’s performance. When in need of genuine Mitsubishi parts or professional advice, consider turning to Belair Mitsi Wreckers. We offer authentic parts and expert service that you can trust.
Making careful choices about your Mitsubishi car parts is an investment in your safety and peace of mind. Hence, choose genuine Mitsubishi parts and enjoy every kilometre of your journey without worry.
You can determine fake parts by carefully inspecting the packaging for holographic stickers and checking the overall quality of the materials. Genuine parts always have a precise branding and a high-quality finish, whereas fake Mitsubishi parts often have rough edges, poor fitment, or missing Mitsubishi Motors logos.
Extremely low prices and substandard packaging are the most common red flags for counterfeit components. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is, as fake Mitsubishi parts typically lack the proper documentation and safety certifications found with authentic Mitsubishi products.
To verify authenticity, cross-reference the part number on the packaging with your vehicle’s owner’s manual or an official parts database. If the number does not match the specifications for your model’s year and series, the part is likely an imitation.
Yes, you can cross-reference part numbers through official catalogues to ensure the component is a 100% match for your specific engine or trim. Verifying these numbers before installation is the best way to prevent mechanical issues caused by incorrectly sized or poorly made fake parts.
There is no fixed public price list available because our inventory of genuine new and recycled parts fluctuates daily. To get an accurate quote, it is best to send us an enquiry through our contact form or call our team, as this ensures you receive the most current pricing for the specific parts your vehicle requires.
To ensure you get authentic gear, purchase only from authorised dealers or trusted NZ specialists, such as Belair Mitsi Wreckers. Dealing with a reputable provider ensures that every part is safety-checked and verified by experts, protecting you from the poor fitment and mechanical risks associated with unverified online sellers.
Driving with counterfeit components is extremely dangerous, as they are not built to Mitsubishi’s strict safety standards and are prone to sudden failure. Using fake Mitsubishi parts, especially for brakes or engine components, can lead to catastrophic mechanical breakdowns, void your insurance, and put everyone on the road at serious risk of an accident.
