Buy Used Car Parts to Save Money

It is something everyone dreads yet there is no way around it: a car that needs repair. Few things are more frustrating than getting caught up on bills, maybe even a little ahead then ... the car starts making funny noises, or won't start, or your teenage driver backs into a fence and breaks a tail lamp cover. Sometimes it seems as if the car can monitor conversations held within it. For example, my husband and I are returning from errands and I say, " Hon, how about we use that bonus for a new couch?" Right on cue we hear strange thunks and then a clacking noise. True story, I swear!

Fortunately, we didn't have to resort to using sign language while in the car because I got a job selling used parts in a salvage yard. The benefits were great. If you needed a part for your car, it was free for the pulling, we got a free tank of recycled gas per week and if my car needed work I knew every mechanic in town since they were all customers. I never had to wait to get my car in for repair. One time I had snow tires installed during my lunch hour and got back to work with time to spare! I had retail customers that would tell me how they loved salvage yards and had fond memories of pulling parts with their Dad. I can't blame them, the sight of endless rows of every type of car all lined up is still thrilling to me...all those parts just waiting for bargain seekers.

Over the years, I learned a thing or two about how to get the best deal on used parts. I am all for recycling. Modern salvage yards are greener than most places and take special care to not pollute the environment. According to the Automotive Recyclers Association, salvage yards are responsible for millions of mercury switches being disposed of properly. Who wants mercury floating around in the soil and water?

The first rule is, they are modern salvage yards not junk yards. I had many people call me on the phone and ask, " Is this a junk yard?"
I would reply, "No, it's a salvage yard, I don't sell junk." Don't get me wrong, there are still some junk yards around. Don't buy parts at a junk yard, you rarely will get a good deal.

U-pull-its are cheaper. However, consider your time and skill level. Some items are time consuming and difficult to pull without damaging the part. It is worth the extra money to have a professional pull the part.

Call ahead for price and availability. Make sure you know what part you need. The salespeople are valuable sources of information but they can't diagnose your vehicle over the phone.

Know your basic vehicle information before you call. Engine size, make, model and year are essentials. Have the VIN code handy. It is located on a tag, usually in the door jamb. Engine size is on a tag in the engine compartment.

If the salesperson needs more info such as, wheel size or other specifics, get the info and call back. Don't ask the salesperson to guess, a good one won't try anyway.

If they do have the part in stock ask if it is on the shelf. If it is, you can just walk in and purchase it. If the part needs to be pulled ask how long it will take. It will vary with how busy the dismantlers are.

If the part you need is not available at that yard, ask the salesperson to put it on the locator. Many times they will be able to locate the part you need at another yard and have it shipped in for you.

Ask for the mileage of the vehicle the part will be coming off. They should know. If they don't it is a red flag that the part has 150,000 miles on it. Also, make sure you ask if the part is off a vehicle that was hit. You want a part from a vehicle that was in a crash. These parts were driven in working condition to the accident. The dismantlers know what is damaged and needs to be scrapped and what can be sold. A junk vehicle dropped at the yard was junked for good reason. Stay away from engine parts off those.

Once, you have found the part you need, ask the salesperson if they can do better on the price. Ask politely. If a part has been sitting in the warehouse for 6 months or longer, they may be willing to bargain. The longer the part sits at the yard the less chance they have of selling it and they would rather sell it than crush it for scrap value.

Don't buy used parts that have to do with safety. Buy new on tie rods, brake pads and most brake parts (believe it or not I had people ask for used brake pads), inspect used tires carefully. Sometimes you can get a beautiful set used but you have to know what you are looking for. A good salesperson won't steer you wrong on safety. Be cautious on windshields. They are difficult to transport and install without breaking and most yards offer no guarantee on glass.

Finally, ask about the return policy. You need to know what happens if you take the part home and then find that something else entirely was wrong with the vehicle. Ask about the warranty. If the part goes bad in a month ( this doesn't happen very often) you need to know your options. Also be aware that if the part is not good most yards do not pay labor.

You can really save by using recycled parts. I have seen plenty of customers almost jump for joy when they find a part that is $135 new, at a salvage yard for $35. There are plenty of bargains, just be sure to do your homework and ask as many questions as you need to.