Guide to Used Auto Parts Basics

Understand the benefits of used auto parts

By George Angus, Owner, Tumblemoose Productions

1. When considering the cost savings over new parts, be sure to include any shipping costs.
2. Understand the difference between refurbished auto parts, remanufactured parts and reconditioned car parts.
3. Remember that some used auto parts may have a core charge, requiring the return of the damaged item you are replacing.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for used auto parts online

An online search is the best time saver when you are searching for used auto parts. Many of the best used car parts web sites have a used auto parts locator to help you find any used auto parts for sale close to your zip code.

I recommend: Get Used Parts has a wonderfully simple interface, allowing you to find the part you need very quickly. Car-Part.com will get you headed in the right direction with its extensive database of used car parts, many of them in your local area.

Understand used auto parts terminology

If you're somewhat new to shopping for used auto parts, it's important to understand the unique terminology that is used throughout the industry. Knowing the difference between a remanufactured auto part and a reconditioned auto part, for example, should make a difference in what you are willing to pay.

I recommend: This informative article at CNN describes the major differences between commonly used auto parts terminology. The Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association defines the common terms used in the industry.

Find a reputable salvage yard near you for a supply of used auto parts

Depending on your location, there may be dozens of salvage yards near you that will have hundreds of used auto parts. A salvage yard is a great place to find used auto parts for your project. You should keep in mind that the services vary greatly, that generally the parts are not guaranteed and some salvage yards require you to walk the yard and find the part yourself. The advantage here is the cost savings above and beyond a remanufactured part.

I recommend: Junkyard Locator boasts thousands of salvage yards in their database. You can do a state-by-state search for a salvage yard at Used Wrecking Yards.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some of the major automobile manufacturers have initiated a program where they are offering OEM parts for the same price as selected aftermarket items. This means cost savings for you on used auto parts plus the security of a guaranteed OEM part.

Guide to Used Auto Parts

How to find used auto parts for sale at great prices.

By Christine Margiotta, Freelance writer

1. Give you a means to get feedback and advice on your purchase.
2. Put you in touch with other auto experts to help you determine if the part you're replacing is safe to swap with a used alternative.
3. Help you compare and purchase refurbished car parts for any make or model.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do your homework before shopping for used auto parts

No matter the level of expertise, it's wise for the do-it-yourself mechanic to enlist the help of a fellow friend or family member with auto mechanic experience for feedback on their online choices. If no one is available, online auto advice is available.

I recommend: Visit 2CarPros, a team of auto repair specialists who answer auto repair inquiries on their site and offer a wealth of auto resources.

Evaluate your need for auto used parts

Minor auto parts such as side-view mirrors or tail light covers are most economically repaired with used parts. But items like brake pads or air bags are best replaced new. Make sure to evaluate whether it's safe to replace your broken auto part with a used substitute.

I recommend: Automotix will not only help you find the remanufactured auto part you need, but it will put you in touch with people who can help you determine whether the part you're replacing is better bought new.

Shop online for used auto parts with ease

A number of sites offer large, comprehensive databases of used auto parts for numerous makes and models.

I recommend: Get Used Parts, Car-Part.com, and Junkyard Dog are all comprehensive used auto parts online databases that feature free quotes from salvage yards, shopping by price for auto parts, used parts wholesaler and salvage yard directories and direct chat with recyclers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your used auto parts dealer will accept returns in case the part doesn't fit or isn't right for your car model

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn important terms about refurbished auto parts and other used parts

'Recycled parts' generally refers to parts taken from junk yards 'as is' or cleaned up to look more attractive. 'Rebuilt parts' are those that were once broken, but have been removed from their original vehicle and repaired. 'Remanufactured car parts' have been thoroughly repaired so they meet new part standards. 'Used parts,' although a term sometimes used without further explanation, is a completely inadequate term and should be avoided.

I recommend: The Automotive Parts Remanufactures Association offers a lot of good information about used, remanufactured vehicle parts, including a glossary of common, general terms. GetUsedParts.com features a large online glossary of automotive terms as they relate to specific parts.

Use the most effective used auto parts search system

Once you understand what you need, you can either call your local junk yards or used parts stores, asking if they have the correct parts in stock. This can be a time consuming process, however, and buying used auto parts online is much faster. Online parts locating services have access to used parts inventories throughout the country, and can instantly tell you where to buy what you need.

I recommend: Auto Parts Locating Service and AutoAndParts.com are both considered excellent locating services, scanning the inventories of businesses selling used auto parts for sale throughout the U.S.

Avoid certain refurbished car parts and other used parts

There are some parts that should never be purchased used. These include water pumps (the gaskets and seals are likely to be bad), brake system parts, safety equipment, bearings, gaskets, filters or spark plugs, among other things.

I recommend: For information about using used auto parts, and which parts should never be purchased used, check out this reader question at TrustMyMechanic.com. Automotix sells "Buying Junkyard Parts -- The Complete Guide," an eBook with complete information about buying and using used auto parts.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some unscrupulous dealers sell counterfeit used auto parts. These can pose a quality and safety issue, so always compare used parts to your old, broken part.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rebuilt

Rebuilt parts are those that are repaired by replacing only the components that are broken. Any components that work correctly at the time of the rebuild are not replaced.

I recommend: For a discussion of what rebuilt auto parts are and how to select them, visit America's Auto Show.

Remanufactured

Remanufactured auto parts are used components that are repaired until they meet the manufacturer's high-quality standards. Unlike rebuilt parts, remanufactured parts are thoroughly cleaned, inspected and tested, so they are 'like new.'

I recommend: NewCarBuyingGuide.com offers a more in-depth explanation of what remanufactured auto parts are and how they differ from rebuilt parts.

Used

When auto parts are labeled 'used' and don't specify they are rebuilt or remanufactured, they've rarely been inspected and definitely have not been repaired or rejuvenated in any way. Used parts are sold 'buyer beware.'

I recommend: BuyingAdvice.com discusses the pros and cons of used parts and how they differ from used parts marked "rebuilt" or "remanufactured."

OEM

OEM is short for 'original equipment manufacturer' and is sometimes shortened to simply 'OE.' OEM parts come from the vehicle's original manufacturer and are considered genuine.

I recommend: The Auto Parts Bin examines OEM and non-OE parts and exactly what they are.

Aftermarket

Aftermarket parts are sometimes called aftermarket or non-OE parts. This means the components come from a different manufacturer than the original vehicle's parts.

I recommend: WiseGEEK offers more details about what aftermarket parts are.

Locator service

A locator service is a business that an amateur or professional mechanic can hire to search for specific used auto parts. Locator services have access to thousands of auto parts dealers and wrecking yards throughout the country and can usually have parts delivered to a mechanic within a few days, at most.

I recommend: State of California's Department of Consumer Affairs website discusses using parts locator services for emissions control auto parts.