eBay reveals the priciest and most in-demand car parts and accessories of 2023

eBay, one of the UK’s biggest online automotive marketplaces, has revealed the most expensive parts and accessories of 2023, with performance engines, carbon fibre monocoques for high-end performance cars and exclusive number plates dominating the top 10.

First and second places on the rundown of biggest buys for 2023 belonged to the performance car sector. Coming in first place was a BMW M5 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, which was bought for £12,289. In second place was the carbon fibre monocoque for a McLaren P1, which sold for  £9,102.16. Third place was secured by a set of carbon ceramic brakes for a BMW M3/M4, selling for £8,983.56.

Along with the parts for high-end performance cars, the list also included the exclusive vehicle registration of TSY1, which was bought for £8,192.26, demonstrating the  breadth and scale of items available

Although you’d expect the prancing horse of Ferrari to take up the top five most expensive purchases on the platform, the most expensive item from the famous Italian supercar-maker wasn’t a famous engine or carbon fibre body part, but a complete set of tailored luggage for the company’s beautiful 456GT. Purchased on New Year’s day, the lucky buyer purchased a complete set for £1,385.53.

Data from eBay also revealed the most searched-for items over the last 12 months. The most popular search term for car parts and accessories customers was for ‘Snap On’, the high-end tool and accessory maker.

In second place were searches for a ‘trailer’ and the Classic Mini clearly remains a big favourite among enthusiasts as it featured in third in list of the most searched-for items of 2023. Dash cams ranked fifth in the most looked-for chart, showing that drivers are turning to car-based recording equipment to keep themselves protected.

An eBay vehicle parts and accessories spokesperson said: “Looking at our list of the 10 most expensive parts and accessories sold on eBay in 2023 demonstrates the diversity and breadth of what UK motoring enthusiasts have been working on. It includes everything from the building blocks of a modern hypercar and advanced brake technology to complete sports car engines. 

“We’re seeing increasing numbers of electric vehicle parts being listed on the site and that is reflected in our rundown, with a complete battery pack for a Tesla Model 3 showing the value of so-called second-life EV batteries – we expect to see more and more of these as they have a variety of applications, many of which extend beyond reuse in an automotive context.” 

Top 10 car parts and accessories sold on eBay during 2023: