Buying used car parts is cheaper than buying new parts and many used parts work just as well. Here are the pros and cons of used car parts. If you’ve ever had to fix up your car, you know it can be costly. Buying used can feel like a relief in a frustrating moment. It can also feel like a gamble.
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Tips for Buying Used Car Parts
Buying used car parts is cheaper than buying new parts and many used parts work just as well. Here are the pros and cons of used car parts.
1) Before Buying a Used Car Part
- Know What You Need: Before you shop around, make sure you know exactly what you need. If it’s possible, bring the old part with you. You can use it as a comparison. You usually can’t return used parts, so you don’t want to end up buying something that won’t work.
- Ask About Return Policies: You may not always be able to return a used part. However, don’t just assume that’s the case. Ask where you’re shopping and what their policy is. They might be able to exchange it for the correct part if you happen to buy the wrong one.
- Ask All The Questions You Need: It’s okay to ask many questions. It’s better to ask an auto parts dealer about every detail than to make a mistake fixing it later. Auto shops understand you can’t always pay for a mechanic. Chances are, you’ll get a little recognition from them for trying it out on your own, too.
- Is Buying Used Right for This Instance?: Go over the pros and cons when searching for the specific part you need. Parts like a cracked tail light are perfect to buy used. It’s a low-cost, low-risk solution. Other parts wear out very easily. Alternators, starters, and brake rotors die out relatively quickly, even new. Buying a part like these used may mean bigger problems down the line.
2) The Pros of Buying Used Car Parts
1. The Price of the Part
- A used frs car part will cost far less than a new one. Often, you can find parts for up to 40 percent less than a new car part.
2. Finding The Right Part Part
- Many times, car parts will get pulled from the shelf, especially if it applies to an older car.
- By buying used, you have more parts to choose from. This means it won’t be difficult to find the right part you need.
- Cars need parts that work with their specific manufacturer. If you want a new part, you only have one source to buy from the manufacturer.
- Shopping from the used market, you have far more options. You have lots of sellers to shop from, giving you more to choose from.
3. Convenience
- Sometimes, if you need apart from the manufacturer, it’s in the shop. Other times, you need to wait for the manufacturer to order the part. When that happens, who knows when your car will finally get fixed.
- Searching through the abundance of used parts, you’ll be able to get one quickly. You won’t have to wait for the unknown time for a part to become available. You’ll be able to get the part and get your car up and running in no time.
4. Car Part Quality
- Depending on the part you need to replace, it may not be difficult to find a good quality, reliable part.
- If you choose to buy through an auto recycler, make sure they do thorough testing on their parts. If they treat their parts well, test them, and refurbish them properly, chances are, you’ll have a good quality product.
3) The Cons of Buying Used Car Parts
Car Part Reliability
- The biggest issue with buying new cars is the question of reliability. You don’t know the full history of a used part. It could have been in play for several years, running for several miles.
- A used car part may have a much shorter lifespan than a brand new one.
Consistency of Aftermarket Parts
- Yes, you’ll have many parts to choose from when buying used. However, not all of those parts will be equal in price or quality.
- Having more to choose from means a higher likelihood that you’ll find a part that isn’t the perfect fit for your car. You’ll find lower quality items right alongside higher quality items.
Facing More Issues
- Those lower quality items often mean issues with fit and finishes. This can lead to bigger issues down the road, more replacement parts to buy, and more overall trouble.
Lack of Warranty
- Practically every new car part will come with a warranty at the time of purchase. This way, you’re protected even if the part fails on you.
- Used parts typically come with little or no warranty at all. If you end up with a part that doesn’t last long, you’re on your own. There is nothing to cover you if or when it fails.
How to Buy a Used Part
- Buying used car parts can be a gamble. You never know if you’re going to get a replacement that will last you a year, a month, or a week.
- You don’t want to buy a used part blindly. Make sure you visit a trusted mechanic who can test out the part you want.
- If you buy a refurbished piece, make sure they have proof of a proper rebuild and a reputation to back it up.
- When you’re looking for reliable used car parts, make sure you go with a name you can trust. For more information on all things auto body, check out our blog for the tips you need today.
