How to buy used auto parts

No matter how reliable a vehicle is, sooner or later most of us find ourselves in the auto parts market. And whether it's because of the year your car was made or the state of your bank account, you might want to consider finding and buying used parts. Here are some tips to help you make smarter decisions and improve your chances of a successful used auto parts buying experience.

Part 1 of 4: Finding out what parts are needed

Step 1: Determine what parts you need for your car. Have information about your vehicle at hand, including year, make, model, engine size, and trim.

You need to know if it has an automatic or manual transmission, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Also, when choosing the right part, it often makes a difference whether the car is turbocharged or not.

Step 2: Find and write down your VIN. Knowing those 17 numbers stamped at the base of the windshield, known as the Vehicle Identification Number, can often help you choose the right parts for your vehicle.

Step 3: Find and write down the date of manufacture. You can find this on a sticker in the driver's door jamb.

It will show the month and year of manufacture of your vehicle. Manufacturers often make changes on the fly during the production of a vehicle of a given model year.

For example, if your 2009 model year was built in November 2008, it may have a different part in a particular location than 2009 cars of the same model that rolled off the assembly line in August 2008. Hope your car is better!

Step 4: Take some pictures. Having a photo or two of the part(s) you need and how they fit into your car can be a big help when buying used parts.

Let's say, for example, you have a 2001 Mazda Miata and you're looking for a used alternator. You find someone taking apart a 2003 Miata, but you're not sure if the alternator will fit your car. Having photos of your alternator will confirm that the size, mounting bolt locations, electrical connectors, and the number of belt ribs on the pulley match exactly.

Image: 1A Auto

Step 5: Buy New Parts First. Getting prices from the dealer, local auto parts store, and online parts source will let you know how much new parts will cost.

You may even find a good deal and decide to buy a new one.

• Attention: Remember that finding the right used parts instead of new ones usually takes extra time and effort. Usually you pay with your time, not money.

Part 2 of 4. Finding Used Auto Parts Online

Step 1. Go to the eBay Motors website.. eBay Motors operates nationwide and has a huge website as well as a selection of parts.

They have everything automotive. You will find all levels of parts and vendors. Seller Review Ratings are also provided to potential buyers for review before doing business with them.

The downside to ordering parts on eBay is that you can't test the parts in your hands before buying and have to wait for shipping.

• AttentionA: Some auto parts sellers on eBay require parts to be installed by a certified mechanic to be eligible for a full warranty.

Step 2: Check Craigslist. Craigslist online marketplace helps you connect with local parts dealers.

You may be able to drive up to the dealer and see the parts before you buy, negotiate the best deal, and bring those parts home.

Running a business in the home of a stranger they just met online can make people feel less than comfortable. This problem can be solved by inviting a friend or meeting in a neutral and public place acceptable to both parties, such as a shopping center. Craigslist operates with fewer consumer guarantees than ebay.

• Functions: Emtor caution, or let the buyer beware: this is a rarely mentioned but unofficial mode of operation in the used auto parts market. The buyer must examine, evaluate and review the items for himself. Do not rely on the seller to guarantee the quality of the part.

Part 3 of 4. How to Find Used Parts at an Auto Recycler

Step 1. Find the nearest car service online and give them a call.. Formerly known as junkyards, car recyclers are the largest source of used auto parts in the country.

They are often networked with other car recyclers and can find the part you need even if they don't own it.

Step 2: Pick the Parts. Some require you to bring your own tools and remove the part yourself. Wear your ugly clothes!

Ask them in advance about their policy regarding refunds, returns and exchanges.

• Functions: Please be aware that the vehicle you are receiving parts for may have been in an accident. Look very closely for damage on the components you want. Look at the odometer if you can, too. Worn parts may still have a life remaining, but they may also reach their usability limit.

Part 4 of 4: Deciding what to buy used and what new

Parts whose condition is easy to judge based on visual inspection can be a good choice to buy used. The same can be said about parts that require very little labor to install.

Here are some examples of parts that can save you money if you can find good used parts:

• Body and trim elements such as doors, fenders, hoods, bumpers
• Headlights and taillights assy
• Power steering pumps
• Generators
• Ignition coils
• Original wheels and caps

Just because someone is selling a used part you want doesn't mean you should buy it used. Some parts must only be original or high quality and purchased new.

Parts that are critical to safety, such as brakes, steering and airbags, fall into this category. In addition, some parts require too much labor to install, which may result in improper operation or shortened service life. Use only new parts for this purpose.

Some parts require maintenance, they are not that expensive and need to be replaced as they wear out. Installing used spark plugs, belts, filters or wiper blades is neither mechanically nor financially feasible.

Here are some examples of parts that are better purchased new than used for safety or reliability reasons:

• Brake parts such as pads, calipers, master cylinders
• ABS control units
• Steering racks
• Airbags
• Clutch
• half-shafts
• Fuel pumps
• A/C compressors and receiver dryers
• Water pumps
• Thermostats
• Coolant hoses
• Spark plug
• filters
• Belts

Some used parts require an even closer evaluation before purchase and may need some level of refurbishment before installation and use:

• Engines
• Gear boxes
• Cylinder heads
• Internal engine parts
• Fuel injectors

Purchasing and installing a used engine for your car is a risky business if you plan on using that car every day. For a car or hobby project, this might just be the ticket!

• Attention: The catalytic converter is a component that cannot legally be sold used due to federal emission laws.

If you've read this far, you're already doing some homework that can pay off when looking for used auto parts. The goal is to save significant amounts of money without taking on too much additional risk. Where you find your own comfort level in this equation is up to you. However, if you find yourself in a desperate situation, you can always contact AvtoTachki - we will be happy to send a certified mechanic to your home or work to replace any part, from battery wires to the windshield wiper switch.