Used car parts – helpful hints?

[Don Holg]

Are there any guidelines about parts that are generally OK to buy used?

I have an 03 PT cruiser that’s only going to last another couple of years, so I don’t want to throw good money after bad. I’m actually going out today to pick up a used starter. Are there parts you should completely avoid buying used and are there some you should always buy used because they never go bad?

Just curious what people think about using used parts.

Topic

[Dave]

I look to see the price difference between new/rebuilt or used, if it is close I get new otherwise I look for rebuilt or used.
With any used parts there is always the chance it is no better than the part you are replacing.

[Carlos]

That would depend on how big your wallet is and how long your going keep the car. If I have two cents to my name and have the time to install four starters on. Used parts is the way to go. I wont buy used parts that show a lot of rust on them. My biggest fear is breaking a rusty bolt. Then using dull drill bits, because I cant afford to sharpen them. 🙁

[valde]

Don’t buy used wear items. Don’t buy used parts that are known problems in this type of car. Don’t buy used parts that are too hard to chance unless you’re absolutely sure of them. Some parts you can check and/or make better before installing them.

[Kevin Criswell]

I have actually had customers bring me brake pads from a junkyard to install in their car. :huh: Once I diagnosed a bad fuel pump and had the customer bring one out of a junkyard that was full of varnish.

On both cases the answer was NO.

[Bluesnut]

It’s not a good idea if you’re having to pay someone to change the parts out and especially so if the part being changed is labor intensive.

Salvage yards will claim that the part (be it an alternator or complete engine) is “guaranteed good”. They make this claim about a part from a car they know nothing about nor have they even heard it run.
My experience has been that a large percentage (half or more)of boneyard parts have problems ranging from minor to major and a fair percentage of the remainder may not have much in the way of longevity.

[Nick]

Body parts, interior parts, yes.

Wear and tear Items. I’m talking spark plugs, break pads, discs. No

If you’re handy with things like brake calipers and starter motors, If you have truly knackered them and your looking to find one in exchangeable condition thats will cost you less than the exchange surcharge to get a refurb, that can be worthwhile.

Plus alot of the bit’s and pieces already mentioned ^^^ above.

One of my local breakers have a guaranteed good policy, you can take it back and exchange it if it’s not but they will not cover any labour charges!!

[Author]

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