When Searching for Car Parts, Don't Overlook Salvage
When it is time to buy car parts, you could be overlooking a possible source of quality components at reduced prices. Salvage yards are sometimes the place to get just what you want without paying the high costs of dealer items and parts warehouses.
If you are one of those handy individuals who will do your own tune-ups, change your oil and handle minor fixes, congratulations. You've got the skills to save thousands of dollars over the life span of your car. However, you also know you could spend hundreds on car parts with just one trip to the auto supply house. And if you want an item that's categorized as a dealer-only part, you could easily be looking at tens of thousands of dollars for the replacement.
So what's the solution? Almost since the invention of the car, people have recognized the value of used car parts. When it is time to work on your car or truck, used car parts can solve many issues, including price and availability.
Especially for older cars or classic vehicles being restored, used car parts might very well be the sole answer to your parts needs. You might not find any auto supply outlet with access to car parts for a'49 Studebaker pickup or a'32 Ford, but you could just find salvage yards with cars that are being sold for parts.
Most salvage companies have"hot lines" that connect them with other businesses. These are utilized to transfer information, like requests for certain car parts. That means you don't need to jump from salvage yard to salvage yard seeking your car parts. You can simply have a look at a single salvage yard. If they don't have what you're looking for, they are most likely to find it from another trader via the hot line.
You can often eliminate the auto parts yourself to save even more money.
Newer models are especially tricky to find, but not impossible. Wrecked vehicles are usually sold to salvage yards from the insurance companies where the autos are sold for parts. That means that you may find vehicles which are just a year old, or even less.
Finding used car parts might take a little bit of time, but you will may discover rare components and dealer parts at exceptionally reduced cost.