Are ‘toks’ parts better than new? If you’re a new vehicle owner in the developing world, I’m 100% certain that you’ve have asked this question. I’m also certain that your mechanic kazeem has asked demanded that you buy only ‘tokunbo’ parts, as against brand new ones. Further, I’m also pretty sure that you’re wondering why used parts are often more expensive than brand-new vehicle parts in this part of the world.
First things first: let me clarify an important term for those who may not be familiar with the local lingua: ‘tokunbo’ or ‘toks’.
So, what’s a ‘toks’ (short for ‘tokunbo’) part?
Article Outline
What Is a ‘Toks’ Part?
A ‘toks’ part is a used vehicle part, something similar to what is obtained in the junkyard parts of other regions.
Historically, toks parts were parts shipped in from overseas either from accidented vehicles or vehicles that had validly served their time on the road and were brought in to help run local vehicles here.
The idea was (and remains that), the local maintenance culture was/is poor and the roads these vehicles must ply leaves much more to be desired.
As a result, vehicles (and their parts) wear out quickly. Coupled with the fact that there was (and remains) a dearth of qualified local mechanics, it made perfect sense to import used vehicle parts (like engines and transmissions) as against trying to either fix (or buy) them locally.
But, this is where the story gets interesting.
Tokunbo Parts Are Now Just a Name…
Some time ago, tokunbo parts were usually what they were touted to be: parts from vehicles used overseas.
For the reasons already shared above, these parts sufficed – and largely worked for the average, local, vehicle owner.
However, things changed – and that tag, ‘tokunbo’ expanded (like what is called ‘GRA’ in Benin City).
Now, any used part, by default, is called toks (or tokunbo); even parts scrapped off from vehicles condemned to be butchered (at the bone yard).
The irony?
Most of the parts recovered from such vehicles are the worst quality parts anyone can ever buy or fit on their vehicle!
The above said, why are toks parts costlier than brand new parts? Is it a case of being better than the new options or there is more to this reality than meets the eye?
The answer is simple – but prepare to be shocked.
Why Most ‘Toks’ Parts Are Costlier Than Brand-New Parts
The reason why most toks parts are more expensive than brand new parts is the assumption that such used parts are OEM (made after years of R&D/properly supervised) and will serve, even as used, better than poorly manufactured options that are produced in someone’s backyard.
This is the underlying theory and logic why parts that have cycled their lives and undergone their purpose still retail at a rate higher than their seemingly brand-new cousins.
But, price tags aside, are these used parts (truly) better than new parts? Should you consider them when it’s time to replace something on your vehicle?
Once again, the answer may not be what you’ve been expecting.
Are ‘Toks’ Parts Better Than New? A Mechanic Answers
No; toks (used) parts are not better than new parts in any way and their preference over used, brand new options is as a result of ignorance or finance.
However, there’s a caveat: when I mention ‘new’, what I mean is OEM grade or at the very least, a good aftermarket unit.
You see, in the market, parts are classed as follows: OEM -> Good Aftermarket -> Used (OEM) -> New Cheap Knockoffs -> Used Cheap Knockoffs.
Let me offer an easy-to-digest breakdown below:
OEMs
From the above, OEMs are top of the line and offer the best value for money spent; they are also the most expensive.
These parts are usually what your (honest) dealer will use when they change a part for you.
They are the quality of parts that came with your vehicle and are the replacement units you’ll get from your vehicle manufacturer should you decide to place the other directly.
Great Aftermarket
However, OEMs aren’t the only source of great vehicle parts; there are other manufacturers, not directly licensed, usually making parts for your vehicle that are usually as good (and in some cases, better) than OEMs.
These aftermarket parts manufacturers are easily identified by their pedigree and reputation…they have been in the industry, usually, for many years and in most cases, take pride in exceeding OEM quality for less.
If you can’t get OEM parts (or their prices are over the board for you), the smartest thing is to look for an alternative aftermarket unit; just make certain that the company you’re buying from has a reputation of actually making great aftermarket parts.
Used (OEM)
Used (OEM) parts are what the original tokunbo part is or rather, ought to be. Here, an original OEM part is pulled off from a vehicle and sold off to continue its service life. Such a vehicle could have been in an accident or have been retired, naturally.
However, not only OEMs qualify as ‘toks’, strictly speaking: a good aftermarket part, pulled off from a vehicle it’s no longer serving equally qualifies as ‘tokunbo’.
What, strictly don’t qualify are locally used parts (irrespective of source) are old, cheap knockoff parts.
To call these toks is a disservice to the auto repair world and importantly, an insult to the intelligence of the vehicle owner who has come forward to buy them.
They are used parts and it stops at that. Simple.
Used (OEM) parts are third in the hierarchy as far as parts are concerned when you hit the market.
(New) Cheap Knockoffs
The last but one part you’ll find in the market is the new, cheap knockoff.
Usually offered in very shiny nylons and equally shining like stars themselves, these parts are usually the cheapest options available and are the parts your local mechanic has in mind when he warns you not to buy ‘new’.
Unfortunately, in developing countries, these are the parts that make the chunk of the offers end up in the markets.
These parts usually attempt to mimic OEM units and for the uninitiated, may be fooled by less-than-honest sellers/vendors when shopping for vehicle parts.
However, once mistakes are made and these part types are bought, it’s only a matter of time before one needs to buy them again.
As relates to the original question: are toks parts better than new? The answer is ‘YES’ – if we’re talking about cheap new knockoffs AND provided one opts for used OEM/good aftermarket parts with a reasonable part of their service life still ahead.
But wait, there’s more…
Used Cheap Knockoffs
Used, cheap knockoffs are the very last in the ‘value chain’ of parts and aren’t better than new or anything else for that matter.
They are simply the absolute WORST!
This is how these parts get into the (used) parts market: an original owner skips on quality, buys the cheapest (fake) options he can find, and then, for obvious reasons, the vehicle is scrapped and lands as parts.
If you’re cursed enough to buy such a part, you’ll be sorry you wasted that money and time in the first place…
…no matter how broke you are, this isn’t an option: stop at used OEM or good aftermarket.
But, are all parts good in the used realm? The answer is what I’m going to treat next and round off.
Some Parts Shouldn’t Be Bought Used…
Sometimes, one is broke but the vehicle still needs to start and run. In such an instance, it makes perfect sense to consider used parts, known in some of the developing world as ‘toks’ or ‘tokunbo’ parts.
However, there are parts that SHOULDN’T be bought as used at all: shock absorbers, O2 sensors, and MAFs are great examples.
The reason behind this logic is simple and to the point: there’s no way to gauge what life is left in them. So, unless you’re getting them for less to nothing (or free), fixing them yourself (or for free), and sure that if/when they fail again, you won’t be greatly inconvenienced, they aren’t simply worth it.
What if as you put them and drive away, they fail even before you reach home? Makes no sense, right?
Tires and body parts such as bumpers, windows, lights, pads, etc, on the other hand, are generally great buys, if you know what to look out for and importantly, know what you’re doing. For such parts, it’s easy to gauge what life is left and make sound judgments.
And, with cars, sound judgment is usually all that matters.
So, to sign off, are toks parts better than new? Well, it depends on the ‘new’ in question. For OEM and good aftermarket, the answer is NO.
For cheap knockoffs? Well, you already know the answer!