Reducing the maintenance bill without immobilising the vehicle: that's the priority for an independent driver. Buying online offers substantial savings (often 30 to 65 % vs. dealership), but there is no such thing as the “always” cheapest site. The right choice depends on room type, the actual availability, and returns and deadlines. This guide gives you our Top 5 pros, with the points that save time and money (and avoid wasting them).
In a nutshell
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Direct Plus Auto Technical parts expert (FAP, turbo, injection) with compatibility validation; ideal for avoiding errors that can lead to downtime.
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Oscaro very reliable on full baskets (availability often better than others); attention, returns possible for a long time (365 days) but your own expenses (excluding site errors, of course).
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Mister-Auto : good AFTER-SALES SERVICE and easy returns under certain conditions (pro account or “Achat Tranquille” option).
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Autodoc : aggressive pricing and very large catalogue; returns extension 200 d paying and free delivery from €100 (excluding bulky items).
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TRODO : manual check compatibility + returns 90 days free (in France).
- And in general: always identify parts by OEM reference (number marked on the part) to avoid compatibility errors.
Comparison table
| Website | Speciality | Return policy (cond.) | Free delivery | Pro key asset | Vigilance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Plus Auto | Technical parts & advice | ~15 days (merchant standard) | Variable | Secure compatibility | Smaller catalogue |
| Oscaro | Generalist + high basket availability | Up to 365 j, return at your expense (excluding errors) | Variable | Complete baskets | UX criticised (pop-ups, sorting) |
| Mister-Auto | After-sales service (Stellantis) | 30 j free under certain conditions (Pro/option) | From €60 | Support & clarity | Check option conditions |
| Autodoc | Low prices, huge catalogue | 200 j paying (option) | From €100 (excluding bulky items) | Floor price | Costly cross-border returns |
| TRODO | Check compatibility | 90 j free of charge (FR) | Variable | Reassuring to avoid mistakes | Timescales can vary |
How to choose (quick logic, pro)
- OEM reference first (on the part) → makes the process 90 % more reliable.
- Technical/critical part (turbo, FAP, injection) → Direct Plus Auto (technical exchanges, validation) or TRODO (manual check).
- Full basket without breakage → Oscaro.
- Clear after-sales service / framed returns → Mister-Auto (but be sure to read the pro/option conditions).
- Floor price → Autodoc (add the cost of a potential return to your calculation).
Professional tips
- Group together to reach a delivery threshold and reduce parcels.
- Anticipate actual lead times (avoid ordering late, just before a weekend or public holiday).
- Standardise your OEM brands (braking/direction) to reduce quality hazards.
Our top 5 (in 2025)
1) Direct Plus Auto - The “zero useful error” technical parts expert”
French specialist in complex technical parts (FAP, turbos, injection, flowmeters) with human advice and compatibility validation before purchase. This layer of expertise prevents failed orders, which means returns, which means downtime. This is often what costs a pro the most: one day of stationary vehicle.
Who is it for? Sensitive operations where certainty is more important than the last euro.
Returns/Delivery : short return window to merchant standard (around 14-15 days); delivery costs and times vary according to carrier.
What you need to know less “mainstream” than the giants, but much better technical support.
2) Oscaro - The best for entertaining all in one go
French pioneer, large catalogue and above all excellent availability For multi-piece baskets, Oscaro is often the only one to supply the entire item without a break. On the other hand, ergonomics has its limitations (pop-ups, poor sorting) and can slow down searches.
Returns Extended trading period (up to 365 days depending on the item), but standard return postage will be charged to the customer unless the site is mistaken.
Delivery : methods and thresholds vary according to carrier and period.
Who is it for? Pros who want a complete basket with no gaps and limit split orders.
3) Mister-Auto (part of the Stellantis group) - The AFTER-SALES SERVICE and simplicity (subject to conditions)
As a subsidiary of a major manufacturer, Mister-Auto is banking on trust and legibility of the service. Free 30-day returns if you are pro eligible or if you have subscribed to the dedicated option (for private customers). Visit free delivery from €60 is an appreciable plus.
Who is it for? Those who value’support (telephone, clear process) and a supervised return.
What you need to know on some references stocks may be tighter; check before a planned operation.
4) Autodoc - The floor price... by assuming the risk
Very large European player (massive catalogue), often unbeatable prices on common parts. However, the UX can seem insistent (retention pop-ups, surveys).
Returns extension to 200 days via paying option (“secure order” type). Free delivery in mainland France from €100, excluding bulky items/consigned items/tyres. Attention If you make a mistake, a cross-border return can be costly.
Who is it for? You have the exact reference and a “price first” requirement.
5) TRODO - The manual check that reassures
A clear promise: a specialist checks compatibility before dispatch. Free 90-day returns in France, useful if the unexpected happens.
Who is it for? Pros who want limit the risk incompatibility without spending time on the phone.
What you need to know A more serene experience: sometimes variable lead times; fewer promotional operations than the giants, but a more serene experience.
In conclusion
For a pro, the total cost is more important than the unit price: avoid part errors and receive everything at once is often worth more than “scratching €2”.
- Direct Plus Auto or TRODO for secure a technical room.
- Oscaro for the availability of a complete basket.
- Mister-Auto if you prefer’support, with a clear understanding of conditions.
- Autodoc for the floor price, anticipating the risk of return.
Glossary
Here are some useful terms to know and understand:
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OEM / Reference Manufacturer's number engraved/printed on the part ; safest reference to order.
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IAM (Independent Aftermarket) OEM parts sold outside the manufacturer's network (often good value for money).
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Equipment manufacturer OEM: manufacturer (Bosch, Valeo, TRW, etc.). The same factory can supply both the OEM and the IAM.
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Return extension Some charge a fee for this service (e.g. 200 days), which should be weighed against the cost of a return.
