Buying Used Car Parts? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
The secret to extending the lifespan of a car is proper maintenance. Once you take your vehicle to a garage for servicing, some parts may need a replacement. There are two options for acquiring vehicle spare parts – you either buy them new or go for used ones.
Buying new car parts is a straightforward task since it has never been used and is in perfect condition. The problem comes when you are buying used car parts. While they come at a slightly lower price, it is good to be careful with the selection to avoid future uncertainties.
Here are some tips to help you avoid costly mistakes.
How important is the part?
New ones can only replace some car parts. Things like transmission, alternators, or radiators play a pivotal role in a car’s overall performance and require a warranty when buying them. If you are buying something like a side mirror, then a used one might do just fine.
Others that quickly wear out like brake rotors, starters, and even tires should be purchased brand new. This will save you time and money as you won’t need to replace them more often.
Look for a genuine dealer.
Finding a reliable and trustworthy dealer in used car parts can be problematic, but this doesn’t make it impossible to find one. Some of the places where you can get second hand or used car parts include junkyard or wrecking yard, auto parts stores, and even online platforms like eBay.
Online sellers may not be very trustworthy, but you can use their customer ratings to assess the level of trustworthiness.
On the other hand, auto parts stores are costly. This leaves us with one choice – a junkyard/wreck yard. It is the most cost-effective way to source used car parts. All you have to do is research the price of the item you need and talk to the guy at the junkyard – you can still haggle the price.
And again, you should stick to local sellers.
Go with your mechanic.
The car is yours, yes, but there are some parts you may not even understand how they function. This is why you need to bring an automotive expert with you when buying used car parts.
They can easily differentiate a fake item from an authentic one. Besides, they can suggest which parts to acquire new and which one to purchase used. If you are unsure of where to get the used car parts, an automotive expert can help you get a genuine dealer.
Make sure you get the right part.
When shopping for used car parts, make sure you know your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN entails your car’s make, the year it was manufactured, transmissions, and engines, among other insightful information about your vehicle. This way, it will be much easier to match the used part of your car.
With the VIN, you can effortlessly search and find used car parts compatible with your vehicle.
Color and style also come in handy when purchasing a used car part. You don’t want your car to color-clash or style-clash, as this will create a wrong impression. Be very sensitive on color since a high-pressure spray can easily wash away the paint used on the used part – leaving spots on your vehicle.
Take note of the policies.
Before you purchase any used car parts, especially online, you have to read and understand their terms and policies.
Read and clearly understand every detail of the return policy. Some dealers can only allow returns or refunds within a limited period from the time of purchase – while others do not accept refunds or returns.
Again, you should double-check the number or identity of the used part so that you do not get the wrong one.
Ask for warranty
The warranty comes in handy when you purchase a used car part, and it does not function as required or expected. Never close the deal without understanding the warranty terms and conditions – the statements should be clear and precise.
Also, a warranty is an indication of a genuine dealer- no one will give you a warranty knowing that the item’s quality is low.
Conclusion
Buying used car parts can sometimes be challenging. You have to find a reliable and trustworthy seller. You also need an automotive expert to help you select the right item.
With the above tips, it will be much easier to purchase used car parts, and you will avoid making costly mistakes.