How to buy Used or Second hand Car Parts onliine

Step 2: Check out Online suppliers. The online marketplace can get you connected with parts sellers locally.

You may be able to ride over to the seller and see the parts before you buy, negotiate your best deal, and bring those parts home.

Part 3 of 4: Locating used car parts at an auto recycler

Step 1: Find a nearby auto recycler online and give them a call. Formerly known as junk yards, auto recyclers are the largest source of used car parts in the country.

They are frequently networked with other auto recyclers, and may be able to locate the part you need even if they don’t have it on their property.

Step 2: Go pick your car parts. Some require you to bring your own tools and remove the part yourself. Wear your grungy clothes!

Ask them ahead of time about their policy on refunds, returns, and exchanges.

• Tip: Remember that the vehicle you are getting car parts from may have been in an accident. Look very closely for damage on the components you want. Look at the odometer if you can, too. Worn parts can still have usable life remaining, but they also may have reached their usability limit.

Part 4 of 4: Deciding what to buy used and what to buy new

Parts whose condition is easy to judge based on a visual inspection can be a good bet to purchase used. So can parts that require very little labor to install.

Here are some examples of parts that may save you money if you can locate good ones used:

• Body and trim pieces like doors, fenders, hoods, bumpers

• Headlight and taillight assemblies

• Power steering pumps

• Alternators

• Ignition coils

• Original wheels and wheel covers

Just because someone is selling a used car part that you need doesn’t mean that you should buy it used. Some parts should only be original equipment, or top quality and purchased new.

Parts that are critical for safety such as brakes, steering, and airbag components fall into this category. Additionally, some parts simply take too much labor to install to risk improper operation or short useful life. Use only new parts for these applications as well.

Some parts are maintenance items, not as expensive, and will need replacing as they wear out. It does not make good sense mechanically nor financially to install used spark plugs, belts, filters, or wiper blades.

These are some examples of parts that are better sourced new rather than used, due to safety or reliability concerns:

• Brake parts like pads, calipers, master cylinders

• ABS control units

• Steering racks

• Airbags

• Clutches

• Axle shafts

• Fuel pumps

• A/C compressors and receiver driers

• Water pumps

• Thermostats

• Cooling system hoses

• Spark plugs

• Filters

• Belts

Some used parts require an even more skillful appraisal before purchase, and may still need some level of reconditioning before installation and use:

• Engines

• Transmissions

• Cylinder heads

• Internal engine parts

• Fuel injectors

Obtaining and installing a used car engine for your vehicle is a risky proposition if the vehicle is to be your daily driver. For a project car or hobby it may be just the ticket!

• Note: A catalytic converter is a component that legally may not be sold used due to emissions laws.

If you’ve read this far, you are already doing the kind of homework that can pay off when hunting for used car parts. The goal is to save substantial amounts of money without taking on too much additional risk. Where you find your own comfort level in this equation is a personal thing.