Are you looking to buy used car parts to replace a broken or failing part in your car? Whether you’re looking to save some extra cash or have an old car that is difficult to find parts for, visiting your local car wreckers could be the way to go.
If this is your first time buying second-hand car parts, here’s some of the pros and cons you should be aware of.
Pros of buying used car parts
Used car parts can be much cheaper.
If you know what you’re looking for, you could score a used car part that costs a fraction of the price of something brand new.
Choosing to buy second hand could save you thousands on more expensive car parts, such as the engine or alternator. For example, a new engine can cost up to $10,000, in comparison to a used engine which typically starts from $400.00.
It also pays to remember that just because a car part is on display at the dealers, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s very old or worn out.
We often come across parts in near mint condition that have been salvaged from a vehicle that had been written off for various other reasons.
As long as you’re getting a used part from a reliable wrecker, then it could work just as well as a new one!
Find rare parts that are no longer in production.
Got an older car that’s been running for years? Then you might be worried about what to do when it comes to replacing one of your parts, especially if the original manufacturers no longer make them for your particular model.
While you can try to source the part from the original car company, this can still be quite costly, not to mention additional warranty and labour costs to install the new part.
Luckily, car wreckers often have more stock for many older cars, especially for parts that might be out of production today.
At Advanced Auto Wreckers, we rigorously test all of our used parts for safety and quality and offer a 3-month warranty on each part installed by us, so you can have peace of mind.
Buying second-hand is environmentally friendly.
Opting for used car parts instead of buying new is the more sustainable choice, given that it takes a considerable amount of raw materials, energy, shipping, and other inputs to produce new parts. You’ll also help save on landfill by giving old parts a new life!
Cons of buying used car parts
Finding parts for modern cars can be a challenge.
As good as the savings sounds, it can be tough finding used parts for cars that are newer or not as common as other models. In this case, your best bet is probably buying new.
Dealing with dodgy sellers.
As with any major buying decision (especially for your beloved car), it’s important to do your research on the people you’re buying from to make sure they have a reliable track record.
If you’re unlucky enough to be knocking on the doors of an unreliable seller, you could end up with a broken or poor piece of equipment that won’t last very long.
One way to reduce your chances of being sold a dud part or getting ripped off is to visit the dealership or wreckers in person.
This way, you’ll be able to get a much closer look at the part and confirm it’s the right one for your car, and in a good enough condition that justifies the price they’re selling it at.
As long as you’re sourcing from a reliable dealer, buying used auto parts are almost always the better option. At Advanced Auto Wreckers, we have 20 years of experience helping our Perth customers source quality parts for their car.
If you’d like to pay a visit to our workshop or have a specific part you’re looking for, give us a call today on 08 9459 8155 or contact us through our website.