Buying Used Auto Parts: What To Buy And Where To Find Them

Posted on: 27 December 2014

If you are currently making repairs on your vehicle, you might find that brand new auto parts are expensive and really add to the cost of repairs. To avoid this, you can always buy used auto parts. A good amount of auto parts can be purchased used and will work perfectly fine, but not all of them are. It helps to know not just what used parts are good, but which to avoid, as well as where to buy them.

Auto Parts to Buy Used

There are quite a few auto parts that are perfectly fine to buy used and use on your own car, as long as they are in good condition. These parts are known for lasting a long time and there is no reason you cannot use them. You will notice the majority of used auto parts that can always be used on your vehicle are for the inside and outside body of your car, and not under your hood. Though there are a few for under the hood as well. Feel free to use:

  • Carburetor for rebuilding
  • All body parts and panels, including bumpers
  • ABS controller
  • Cigarette lighter
  • Steering wheel
  • Coolant reservoir
  • Exhaust pipes, manifold and heat shield
  • Gas cap
  • Fuel tank
  • Hub caps
  • Oil pan
  • Jack
  • Interior trim
  • Grill
  • Seats
  • Lug nuts
  • Window glass
  • Vacuum lines and reservoir

Auto Parts To Choose More Carefully

The next category of used auto parts includes parts that are sometimes okay to use on your vehicle, but that you need to be extra careful of. You want to be extra sure you check their condition before repairing your vehicle using these parts. When buying these parts, make sure you inspect them carefully or that you buy from a respected auto parts dealer.

  • Alternator
  • Air conditioner compressor or condenser
  • Clutch master cylinder
  • Axle shafts
  • Brake drums
  • Master cylinder
  • Engine block or engine mounts
  • Flywheel
  • Fuel pump, injector or injection unit
  • Pistons
  • Power locks
  • Power window switch
  • Timing chain
  • Radiator
  • Suspension springs
  • Tires
  • Transmission

Auto Parts To Never Buy Used

Lastly, make sure you are aware of the parts that should never be purchased used and put on a vehicle. It can be dangerous if you re-use some of these parts, while others it is simply a waste of money because they are inexpensive to buy new. Avoid buying these parts used:

  • Bearings
  • Battery
  • Air filter
  • Air bags or airbag sensors
  • Ball joints
  • Brake pads or shoes
  • Catalytic converter
  • Cooling fan switch
  • Distributor cap
  • Fuses
  • Gaskets
  • Headlights
  • Muffler
  • Oil filter
  • Spark plugs
  • Thermostat

Where To Find Used Auto Parts

Now that you know what parts you can buy used, you may be wondering where to buy them from. You have a few different options when it comes to buying used auto parts. The first place to check is your local auto salvage yards, like Bi County Auto Truck & Salvage. Many vehicles that end up in salvage yards are not working or were no longer wanted, but they have a variety of parts that can easily be used as they are in good condition. Keep in mind when you go this route, you need to bring your own tools and remove the parts on your own. In return, you get cheap or free parts.

Checking the classifieds is another option, as people might have taken apart an old vehicle and are now working on selling the parts individually. In addition, check out local auto repair shops, as they might also have some used auto parts for sell.

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