Generally, used auto parts are less preferable to their brand new counterparts. This is just to be expected.
After all, its a widely accepted notion (with factual basis, too) that brand new parts are much more reliable than used car parts.
Unfortunately, however, we can’t always afford brand new things, so there are times when we may have to settle for used auto parts.
To get the best value for your money, however, you do have to be careful about buying used car parts. Read on for some used auto parts buying tips.
Where to Buy
First, you have to decide on where you will buy used auto parts. The obvious choice would be your neighborhood salvage yard and local car repair shops.
You can visit each one of these in turn to find the auto parts that you are looking for.
If you want to save yourself the trouble of having to go anywhere, you can try searching for auto parts online.
There are lots of used auto parts retailers online. There are also swap sites for people who want to trade in some auto parts that they do not need for some other auto parts that they do need.
Online, however, you have to be even more careful of shopping for auto parts. You won’t be able to personally inspect a replacement part before you place the order for it.
All you can do is pray that the store or retailer is trustworthy and pray that the part you ordered will fit perfectly.
What to Buy
This is another thing that you should consider when thinking of buying used auto parts. It would probably be okay to buy used auto parts that do not have moving parts.
Such auto parts have probably not sustained much damage from normal handling and use. For instance, you can definitely buy used rearview mirrors.
Nothing much could have happened to damage such parts and they’re probably going to last you the whole life of your car.
However, you should make it a practice to buy brand new when it comes to essential auto parts.
Parts that are crucial to safeguarding your and your passengers’ safety (e.g. brake pads) should definitely not be bought secondhand.
Furthermore, it is also not practical to buy auto parts that, due to their function, are worn out very easily (e.g. car tires). To buy such used auto parts would be an utter waste of money.
