Modern cars last longer than ever before. Thanks
to innovative technology and superior maintenance routines, the average length
of car ownership has gone up by about 60 percent in the past decade.
While this is true, cars still need repairs and
part replacements from time to time. While drivers can opt for new parts,
there’s another option. Simply choose used auto parts. Learn some tips on how
to buy used auto parts and extend the lifespan of any vehicle here.
Find a
Reliable Seller
When trying to find car parts for sale the first thing to
consider is the actual seller. Make sure the seller used has good reviews from
other customers and that they provide accurate information about the parts for
sale.
In addition to finding a quality seller, do a bit
of price-comparing, too. Research the parts needed and how much they cost new.
Then, begin browsing online to see what the average cost is for the same part
that’s pre-owned.
Keep in mind, when buying parts online, the
photos available aren’t always clear and concise. As a result, it’s important
to ask plenty of questions or request better photos prior to making a purchase.
Verify the
Part’s ID
Regardless of what parts needed, no matter how
common it is, it’s important to know the precise identification. A buyer can
match the part they want to buy with their vehicle’s VIN or the chassis
number.
If there’s no number on the part, and no way to
determine it’s the part that’s needed, buying from another seller, who’s
offering verifiable parts, is a better option.
Get to
Know the History of the Used Part
Avoid
buying a lemon by taking the time to get to know the
history of the part. While many parts seem perfect from the outside, they could
have a crack or defect that results in failure or malfunction in the future.
This leaves the driver having to purchase the same part all over again.
Find out the age of the part, number of miles on
it, if it’s undergone repairs, or been rebuilt or modified in any way. If the
person selling the part is unable to answer these questions, make sure the
price reflects this uncertainty.
Return
Policies
Don’t ever purchase a used auto part from a
seller who doesn’t offer a return policy. There’s no amount of savings that is
worth the potential of being stuck with a part that doesn’t work. Always read
the policy carefully and take note of any exclusions or exceptions.
Some sellers only cover used parts for a specific
amount of time. An example of this would be a seller providing a 30 day
warranty from the date of purchase. Many online sellers often charge high
restocking fees, too, so knowing this ahead of time is beneficial.
Warranty
Considerations
Even car wreckers add a warranty to any used part
purchase. Make sure to carefully read the warranty coverage provided with the
part.
Some online used part sellers include terms and
catches to their warranties, so reading carefully is advisable.
Fining the
Needed Part
There’s no question that purchasing a used auto
part can help a driver save a significant amount of money. While this is true,
there are less-than-honest sellers out there. Using the tips and information
here can minimize the possibility of getting a bad deal.
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