Used auto parts are not a new option when making repairs to your vehicle, but many people are not familiar with how to find the best deals and ensure you get parts that work. There are some options to consider when searching for parts, and between local recyclers and online vendors, most used auto parts are available at well below the cost of new ones.

Local Salvage Yards

Most areas of the country have a salvage yard nearby, and many places will have several you can use. The salvage yards take in unwanted, wrecked, or older cars and strip the parts still functioning from the vehicles. 

If the salvage yard can test the used auto parts before they sell them, they may offer a short warranty that allows the buyer to exchange a piece that stops working. However, if the parts are untested, the yard operator will often only guarantee they work when you get it home. If it doesn't work, you can bring the car part back and get a replacement. 

Each yard has its own guidelines for the replacement or exchange of used auto parts, so be sure to ask when you buy them. While the price for these parts is often lower than new parts, you should still expect them to work when installed, but that is not always the case, and you are taking a chance with used parts.

Online Used Auto Parts

If you do not have a salvage yard in your area, or if they don't have what you need, some large salvage operations sell parts online. Most of these vendors post pictures of the used auto parts, offer a detailed description, and can answer questions through e-mail or if you call them. 

The price for used auto parts you purchase online may be somewhat higher because you have to consider shipping. Some salvage yards that sell parts online will offer free shipping on small items, but most will not cover the cost for something heavy like a transmission, an engine, or a differential. 

Talk to the seller about arranging a truck shipment for these large items because that will often be less expensive than traditional shippers. If you need to, you can arrange the shipping, schedule the pickup and drop off, and let the yard know when the truck will arrive to get the parts. 

One advantage to buying online is the number of parts available to you. If you are searching for a rare part or something that has been out of production for a long time, you will often have a better chance of finding it if you have more sellers to choose from.