What You Need To Know When Buying Used Auto Parts

Posted on: 6 September 2018

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Purchasing used automotive parts for sale is a good way to save money on a project, and in many cases, it may be the only way to easily get a component that's no longer being manufactured. The process, however, requires paying closer attention to what you're dealing with and asking more questions than you might while buying new. Here are some tips for buying used automotive parts for sale.

Ask What Happened to the Car

Knowing what happened to the vehicle the parts came off of is critical, especially when dealing with components like engine parts, transmissions and axles. While the damage done to a ride might be obvious when looking at something like a door or corner panel, it might not be so clear what harm was done deeper down. When in doubt about used automotive parts, simply ask what sent the car to the salvage yard.

Price New Parts

Many people just assume that the used part will be priced lower, but that's not always the case. If you're only looking at a 25% lower price, it might be worth it to buy new. You should also feel free to negotiate on price, as a salvage yard usually has some wiggle room.

Pull Your Own Parts

Some places have u-pull-it options, where you can go into the salvage yard and pull the part you need. Make sure to ask about policies beforehand, though. Some companies, for example, are reluctant to let visitors use torches due to the risk of a fire. Most u-pull-its, however, will offer significant discounts for saving them the labor associated with parting out a vehicle.

Large Inventories

If you're more worried about convenience than price, you may want to establish a relationship with a business that keeps a large, cataloged inventory. These are especially useful for folks who are hunting for parts that aren't even manufactured for the aftermarket anymore. Most will have computerized inventories and can provide fast answers.

Buy a Whole Vehicle?

In some cases, if you can afford it and are able to haul an entire vehicle, it might be more cost-effective to find a ride at a salvage yard and buy the whole thing. As much as 70% of a car that has been totaled may actually be usable. Buying the whole of a vehicle saves the salvage company time, and you will have a ready supply of parts for your own.