How to buy Used or Second hand Car Parts onliine

No matter how reliable a vehicle is, sooner or later most of us find ourselves in the market for car parts. And whether it’s due to the vintage of your vehicle or the state of your bank account, you may be considering the option of locating and buying used car parts. Here are a few guidelines that can help you make better decisions, and improve your odds of having a successful experience in buying used car parts.

Part 1 of 4: Figuring out what parts are needed

Step 1: Determine your car spare part needs. Have information about your vehicle - including year, make, model, engine size, and trim - on hand.

You’ll need to know if it has an automatic or manual transmission, and whether it is front wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Also, whether the car is turbo or non-turbo often makes a difference in getting the right part.

Step 2: Locate and record your VIN. Knowing those 17 digits stamped near the base of the windshield, known as the vehicle identification number, can often be helpful in getting the parts that will be the correct fit for your vehicle.

Step 3: Locate and record the date of manufacture. You can find this on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb.

It will show the month and year your vehicle was actually built. Manufacturers often make changes on the fly while manufacturing a given model year vehicle.

For example, if your 2009 vehicle was built in November of 2008, it may have a different part in a particular location than 2009 vehicles of the same model had rolling off the assembly line in August of 2008. Hopefully yours is better! 

Step 4: Take a few pictures. Having a picture or two of the car part(s) you want and the way they connect to your vehicle can be a big help when you are buying used car parts.

Let’s say, for example, you have a 2009 Toyota Innova and you’re looking for a used alternator. You find someone who is parting out a 20012 Innova, but you’re not sure if the alternator will fit your car. Having the pictures of your alternator will confirm that the size, mounting bolt pattern, electrical connectors, and number of belt ribs on the pulley are an exact match.

Step 5: Shop new parts first. Getting prices from the dealer, local car spare parts store, and an online car parts source will let you know what those parts would cost new.

You may even find a good deal and decide to buy new.

BTW you can avoid this process by contacting us.

Part 2 of 4: Locating used auto parts online

Surf over to GOOGLE it is nationwide, and a massive website - and so is the parts selection.

You’ll find all levels of parts and sellers. Seller's feedback ratings are also provided for prospective buyers to view before doing business with them.

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.

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:

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:

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

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!

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.