Purchasing used auto parts can provide tremendous cost savings compared to buying new ones. Beyond just savings, used parts may be the only option to find discontinued components that are useful for restoration projects. However, there are risks around fitment, quality, and longevity that must be managed.
In this blog post of Cash for Junk Cars Calgary, we explore the advantages of used parts, where to source them, how to assess compatibility and condition, negotiation tactics, and environmental considerations around reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling auto components. Follow these tips to maximize benefits while minimizing headaches when you plan to buy used auto parts.
Advantages of Buying Used Auto Parts
Buying used auto parts offers several compelling benefits:
First and foremost is significant cost savings, often around 50-70% savings versus new OEM parts. For expensive components like engines, transmissions, and dashboard infotainment systems, the discounts are steep. Even for less costly items like mirrors and body panels, the reduced price remains appealing. Using used parts makes repairs and maintenance much more affordable.
Another advantage of attempting to buy used auto parts is sourcing rare, obsolete, or specialty parts. For older and vintage vehicles, replacement components may no longer be in production. Salvaging parts from donor vehicles provides the only option. Used parts buyers also gain a wider selection for customization projects to achieve unique performance or styling goals.
Environmental benefits are another consideration. Reusing existing auto parts reduces waste and resource use compared to manufacturing brand-new components. The auto salvage industry helps extend the lifecycle of vehicles no longer drivable. Rebuilt parts also require significantly less energy than smelting raw materials.
Overall, used parts unlock financial, selection, and ecological incentives for drivers, collectors, and restoration enthusiasts alike. However, finding the right components takes effort and diligence.
Where to Source Used Parts
Buy used auto parts originate from several sources, each with pros and cons including:
Local junkyards allow direct inspecting and testing of fitting parts before removal but have limited inventory and require getting hands dirty extracting components yourself. Online junkyards offer a wider selection but may lack detailed descriptions and charge hefty shipping for bulky parts. General online marketplaces like eBay provide selection but you compete with other buyers. Specialty recycling sites focus just on used auto parts at a national scale.
Dedicated forums, groups, and classifieds for specific car models connect with owners parting out vehicles. These provide niche access but very limited volume. Local classified ads offer convenience but take time to filter sparsely posted parts. Auctions can yield deals but usually don’t allow testing before bidding. Don’t forget to check local antique cars and hot rod clubs as well.
Private sellers are common for rare, vintage, and specialty components. Quality and availability are hit or miss for unique parts. Lead time, shipping costs, and customs duties should be considered when importing exotic parts from overseas collectors and warehouses.
Each sourcing channel balances cost, selection, and convenience differently. Combining online parts aggregators with community classifieds is a solid overall strategy.
Things To Do When Buying Used Auto Parts
There are several things you should consider when you’re planning to buy used auto parts which include:
Choosing Compatible Parts
Verifying to buy used auto parts compatibility and fitment is crucial before purchase. Interchangeable parts often span 2-4 model generations but engineering changes still occur over time. Key steps include:
Thoroughly research part numbers, specifications, connectors, mounts, and dimensions across model years in detail. Having the VIN handy for speed lookups. View install guides to understand critical mounting points. Request photos of all angles and connections from sellers. For electronics, confirm port types and wiring harness connectors match. Test fit non-permanently if possible.
A part physically fitting does not guarantee full functionality. Later-year power window motors may have different current draws that could overload OEM wiring. Updated controller firmware could produce faults. Emissions tuning evolves. While not always straightforward, putting in the diligence upfront prevents headaches later. Test fits, benchmarks, and shakedown periods help de-risk major components.
Inspecting and Testing Parts
Carefully vetting used parts condition before purchasing helps avoid implicit issues:
For mechanical parts, look for cracks, warped surfaces, abnormal wear patterns, corrosion, and metal fatigue that signal impending failure. Fluids should not be extensively discolored or contaminated. Spin shafts, gears, and pulleys manually to feel for tightness or grinding. Electronic modules should be opened to inspect for moisture, corrosion, or burnt components.
Bench-testing electronic parts quickly reveals malfunctions. Use a multimeter to check connectors and simulate sensor inputs. Verify ECUs and motors activate properly in response. However, some faults only manifest under load, vibration, or temperature extremes. Consider tools like board cameras and endoscopes to inspect internally.
Background usage data provides useful context. Well-maintained highway-driven parts tend to fare better than heavily abused off-road components. Review any service records available and request photos of the donor vehicle. Low-mileage engines and transmissions merit paying higher premiums.
Negotiating on Price to Buy Used Auto Parts
Used auto parts frequently have room for price negotiation:
Factor in required repairs, reconditioning costs, and your time invested when negotiating bids. A transmission requiring a couple of hundred of dollars for gasket replacement is only a deal at well under market price. Make reasonable offers based on rework needed and risks assumed.
Sellers often discount when bundling multiple parts which saves on shipping and nets them a guaranteed sale. Consider grabbing other easily sellable or usable items even if not immediately essential.
With rare parts, be willing to pay market value Given limited availability, haggling excessively risks losing the component entirely. However, having flexibility on timing often helps still secure a mutually agreeable price.
In general, offer fairly but stand firm on maximums based on realistic repair budgets. Walking away is an option if the bidding gets unreasonable.
Reusing, Remanufacturing, and Recycling
Before discarding damaged parts, consider reuse possibilities:
Some scrapyards and services will remanufacture extremely damaged components like transmissions and engines if cores still have salvageable metal components and casings. This requires fully disassembling and re-machining parts which is only economically feasible for more valuable components.
If no longer usable even as cores, properly recycling auto part materials like metal, fluids, and plastics keeps them out of landfills. Many parts contain hazardous chemicals requiring special handling. Contact local municipal recycling centers to responsibly process materials.
Conclusion
Buying used parts offers major cost savings but requires thorough inspection and research to identify the right components in serviceable condition. Combining online parts aggregators, community classifieds, auctions, and local auto clubs provides the widest selection.
Careful verification of specifications, visual inspections for damage, and testing functionality prior to installing used parts minimize disappointments. With diligence, planning to buy used auto parts enables affordable repairs and the exhilarating revival of older vehicles.
