Used Car Parts - Essential Buying Advice

The thought of buying second hand/used car parts can be a daunting one. What part is it I need? Who do I buy from? Can they be trusted? The advice below should help you on your way to getting your car back on the road as easily, cheaply and safely as possible.

Do Your Homework

Make sure you know exactly what part/s you need including part numbers if possible. Ensure you have all the details of your vehicle, as well as the make and model you will need the year of registration, the engine size and any other information relevant to the part you are looking for.


Should you buy second hand?

Many parts should not be purchased second hand brake pads, windscreen wiper blades, engine bearings and gaskets for example. These are generally parts that wear with use therefore second hand parts may well be as 'used' as the parts you are replacing. Consider if you should use reconditioned (as good as new) or indeed new parts instead.

Shop around

It is always sensible to obtain more than one quote as prices will differ depending on the age and condition of the donor vehicle. Don't forget using Parts Location Services, just like price comparison websites they will search hundreds of suppliers for competitive quotes on you behalf, make sure however that you research the company beforehand to ensure they are reputable and that they offer you assistance and back-up should something go wrong. Find-A-Part Ltd is a good example of such a company. Some of these location companies will also be able to source new and reconditioned parts.

Ask Questions

The important thing to remember is that they are the experts, ask their advice. Before parting with your money ask the seller to double check his part number/code against your own. In particular iIf you're buying an engine ask him for the engine code, if you've done your homework you will know yours.

Know who you're buying from

Make sure you take the company name, address and phone number of whoever you buy from. It will make it easier getting back to them if you have any problems or indeed need further parts. Many dismantlers will offer reduced rates for returning customers/

Price isn't everything

When purchasing second-hand parts always consider the length of guarantee you are being offered, a gearbox with a 6 or 12 month guarantee may well be more appealing than one with 30 days.

Pay by Credit Card

As with all goods, if you are purchasing via mail order it is always advisable to make payment by credit card. The card company can always step in and reclaim your money in the event of a problem arising.

Check parts on delivery

It is always advised to check parts, particularly body panels, lights etc, when the courier delivers them and before signing for them (to make sure they are correct, damage free, correct colour etc). When signing to take delivery of goods you are also generally signing that you have received them in good condition. Failure to do this could result in your guarantee being invalidated.

Fit parts promptly

Most guarantees start from the date you receive the goods, therefore make sure they are installed promptly to avoid fitting the goods, finding they are no use, and then realising the guarantee has expired.

Used Car Parts For Sale

Used car parts for sale can be found on the Internet, in the flea market, salvage yards, and many gas stations. Salvage yards are the best place to find used auto parts because of the many varieties that they provide the buyer with. This is not true of gas stations that may sell far cheaper but useless parts to unsuspecting buyers. Many gas stations on the highway sell these parts because they are able to buy these parts from people who abandon their cars and broken down vehicles on the highway.



Used car parts for sale can also be found in the flea market as well as in the wholesale and retail market. Many auto parts sellers deal in duplicate auto parts and care should be taken before buying the same. The market is flooded with Chinese duplicate auto parts that usually become useless after some use.

The market for used car parts is ever expanding because of the increase in production of automotive vehicles and cars. Recycling used car and automotive parts can solve the problem of disposing waste that is created because of abandoned and old cars. Recyclers also deal in used parts and usually sell quality products to their customers.

The Internet provides a buyer or a seller with a huge market for selling and buying used car and automotive parts. However, the quality of these parts cannot be judged easily because the parts cannot be actually seen and touched. Unbranded, locally manufactured or duplicate auto parts can prove to be dangerous.

Almost all the automobile companies offer original parts for their products if they need to be replaced. Some auto parts are also covered by warranties and some are not. It is advisable to buy used parts that are covered by a warranty but these are very rare and hard to find.

The used automotive market is very huge and there are countless options available for a buyer or a seller. Thus, selling and buying used auto parts can be a pleasurable activity if the dealer knows the proper places and markets.

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Shopping For Used Car Parts

Sometimes certain parts of our cars break down for one reason or another. We may need to replace the battery if it no longer holds a charge. We might need to get a new muffler for the car if the engine gets too loud all of a sudden. It is important to make sure that the car part that we are looking to replace is the right one. Used car parts are an alternative to purchasing brand new car parts, and this can save money. If it is not done correctly, you can lose money because you will have to buy yet another car part.

The first step is to figure out which part needs to be replaced. If the car seems to be making strange noises, find out where the noise is coming from. Note what function the car is performing when you hear the unusual noise. Do you hear a scraping sound when you step on the brakes? You might need to replace the brake pads. Examine the car for rusted or broken parts. Check under the hood as well as under the car itself.

Once you know which part needs to be replaced, consider the make, model and year of your car. While all of the basic parts of a car may be the same, the size and shape of each part will be different, as parts vary between makes and models. For example, the brake pads made for a 1997 Ford Mustang will not fit a 2000 Toyota Corolla.

When shopping for the part, check your local mechanic or car supply store. Many parts are relatively inexpensive. The true cost comes in when you need to pay for the labor to have the part installed. Used car parts are often available at a low price at these locations.

You may be able to find used car parts on the internet. Shop online and do some research on installing the part as well. You may be able to save money on the purchase of the used car part, as well as save money on labor if you know how to install the part yourself. When you conduct your search online, don't forget to include the make and model of your car.

Finally, when you buy the used car part, inspect it for rust and cracks. Make sure that it is in working condition. Don't buy it if it looks worn down or unusable.