Even in this day and age, people still have qualms when it comes to using secondhand auto parts. Not only do some people think that used car parts have nothing to offer, many believe they’ll pose a danger to your car!
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Ask anyone who knows enough about cars or has used secondhand parts before, and they’ll tell you that used auto parts are worth the money you pay.
Aside from cost savings, there are several used auto parts benefits that you can enjoy, regardless of your car’s make and model.
In this article, we’re going to clear up some of the misconceptions about used car parts. First, we’ll look at the benefits of buying these parts.
Keep reading, and we’ll take it a step further and provide you some tips on how to get the best used auto parts for your money.
What are the benefits of using used car parts?
As mentioned before, you stand to gain by using secondhand auto parts. Let’s explore a few of these benefits, starting with the most obvious:
You get them at a lower price
When you buy used auto parts, you’ll be able to get a well-functioning part at a much lower cost. This benefit is the main reason most people appreciate used car parts.
While the most appealing thing about used car parts is its lower price tag, you’ll start to appreciate its other qualities once you’ve used the component for a while. You’ll soon see that the negative stigma associated with them is baseless.
Instead, what you get is a spare part that does what it's supposed to do for a lot less than the price of a brand new part.
They’re a reliable source of discontinued parts
The market for used parts is a big one, and there are plenty of good reasons for that. Aside from the affordability they offer, the sellers are also a great place to find discontinued parts unavailable anywhere else.
Think about the people who drive classic cars or older models with sentimental value. When those vehicles need spares, there’s little to no chance you can purchase them brand new. Thankfully, you can get what you need when you choose to shop for used parts instead.
Your car parts stay OEM
Even if you can find brand new spare parts readily available from third-party manufacturers, some people prefer not to go that route. Instead, there’s a significant portion of car owners who insist on keeping all of their parts OEM, i.e. those that come from original equipment manufacturers.
But why? Well, car owners take immense pride in keeping their vehicles ‘pure’, for lack of a better word. First, OEM parts have their performance benefits; second, some car owners want to keep their vehicle as original as possible.
As mentioned in the previous point, availability can be an issue. You might find yourself in a situation where the OEM has already discontinued producing the car parts, although brand new parts may still abound from third party manufacturers.
So, what can you do to make sure that every single part in the car is OEM? Well, that’s where you start shopping for used auto parts. Done this way, you’ll keep the vehicle running on nothing but OEM parts.
These days, you can even find used auto parts sellers that focus on selling secondhand OEM parts only for specific car brands, especially classical and collectable ones.
You get to do your part for the environment
If you care for the environment (or if your partner keeps saying that your passion for car parts is terrible for the planet), this is a benefit you’ll be glad to know. When you buy a used auto part, you’re doing your part to cut down on pollution!
That’s right! Think about it. If no one buys used car parts, they’ll just sit in some yard rusting away, overburdening the landfills, and leaching pollution to our environment. Also, more parts will need to be produced, thus requiring more energy expended and adding to our carbon footprint.
Instead of that, you’re ‘rescuing’ (well, ‘recycling’) these used car parts and giving them a second chance at life under the hood of your car. Think about it - it’s your chance to be an awesome Earthling!
What should you watch out for when buying used auto parts?
Of course, there's a reason why some people still believe in the bad rep that goes with used auto parts. If you want to have a good experience with secondhand car parts, you’d need to know how to separate the good ones from the bad. When buying used parts, learn how to spot counterfeit from OEM parts.
Here are three quick things you need to consider before you buy any kind of used auto parts.
Mileage
Always ask about the mileage, especially when it comes to moving or mechanical parts. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, knowing the mileage will give you an idea of how much wear and tear those parts have already experienced. Then, you can do your cost-benefit analysis to figure out if the part is worth the price.
Next, knowing the mileage will give you a reasonable estimate of its remaining useful life. Remember: Certain parts will only last an estimated amount of mileage before it starts to break down.
If you know the part can last for a lot longer, then a slightly higher price is justified.
Damage
Of course, you should look for faults and damage. It’s best to do a visual inspection on the part wherever possible. Honest sellers will be upfront about any damage that the part has gone through.
They’ll also tell you about the steps taken to fix that damage. Plus, they should also tell you whether or not they’ve put the part through testing.
Warranty
Always look for warranty duration and scope. The coverage won't be as long as the one you'd get for a brand new part. Still, a warranty gives you a chance to use the part and return it if you face a problem.
Some used auto parts sellers take this a step further by offering additional warranties for purchase. So, if you’re feeling unsure, you could always invest in an extended warranty to keep you covered for longer.
Where to search for used auto parts
If you’re in the market for used auto parts, be sure to browse Carpart.com.au. Here, you’ll get access to plenty of sellers listing their used car parts, complete with details to help you decide which parts are best. The best part is the Auto Parts finding tool, which you can use for free. With this tool, searching for car parts and sellers who have them is expedient and fast! Try requesting a part now!
By Ray Hasbollah