One of the advantages of keeping your older vehicle is that you’ll avoid the high cost and monthly payments associated with a newer car (not to mention the depreciation). Having said that, components wear out after tens of thousands of miles and several years of use. Finding replacement parts that will put your vehicle back on the road at a price that doesn’t blow your budget can be a challenge. A lot of motorists look toward junkyards as a reliable source of used car parts. But, is it a good idea to buy them there?
This article will explore some of the advantages and drawbacks of purchasing used components at salvage yards. I’ll explain how these vendors have changed over the years and offer a few tips for chasing down the auto parts you need. We’ll also take a realistic look at the potential cost savings.
It’s Not Your Father’s Salvage Yard
If the last time you visited a junkyard was more than a decade ago, you may be surprised by the changes. Long ago, the carcasses of automobiles were strewn lazily throughout a plot of dirt. If you needed to find a particular component, you would spend time looking through the wreckage hoping to stumble upon it. Asking an employee for help was a hit-or-miss proposition; they would often be unaware of the items within their inventory.
Today, everything is computerized with each item stored within a database. Every radiator, passenger seat, water pump, and stereo knob can be accounted for with a few clicks of a button. If you need to find a specific item, you won’t be forced to spend hours digging through a dirty lot. Just ask an attendant to check the database. What’s more, a lot of salvage yards are now connected through a network. If one location cannot find a component in their database, they can check the databases of other locations.
How Much Money Can You Expect To Save?
Every junk yard is a little different with regard to pricing. And the amount you can expect to save will vary based on the type of item you’re looking for. For example, car seats may carry higher savings than fuel pumps. As a general rule, you should expect to pay 40% to 50% less than you would for a comparable new unit. A brand new “straight-from-the-box” alternator might cost $200. At a junkyard, you should expect to pay $100 to $120 for the same brand and model.
An important point should be made here. Buying certain components from a salvage yard is risky because you won’t know whether there are defects. If you’re purchasing a replacement rear bumper for your car, there’s little need for concern. However, brake systems, water pumps, alternators, and catalytic converters are more difficult to judge. One small defect can lead to a failure. I always recommend buying auto parts that meet OEM standards. They’re far less likely to fail. Whether they’re new or remanufactured, the peace of mind they offer is well worth the higher price.
By: Lawrence Reaves
Posts Tagged ‘Replacement Parts’
Should You Buy Auto Parts From a Salvage Yard?
January 26th, 2010Benefits of an Extended Auto Warranty and Determining If This is Right For You
January 23rd, 2010
When you purchase a car you will be offered various options to purchase alongside of it and one such option is that of an extended auto warranty. When considering whether to get this type of warranty for your automobile you should be aware of the benefits which coincide with such an option and this will help you to determine if an extended warranty is the right choice for you.
Benefits of an Extended Automobile Warranty
There are a few benefits of obtaining this type of warranty. First, it will provide the owner of the car with peace of mind in knowing that various aspects are covered. Since each warranty will differ with regard to what is covered under it, it is important to peruse the document to see which coverage points are included. By selecting an extended warranty you will know that you have certain areas covered on your automobile should anything happen which results in the car needing to be fixed.
Extended warranties will also ensure that your financial investment is protected. Since many individuals live on a budget it is a good idea to put forth the funds when you have them so that you will not be caught short in the future should something go wrong with the automobile and you will have to get it fixed.
In addition, the price of an extended auto warranty is often much more reasonable than what you would have to pay should you need to get your car fixed in the future. Therefore, by spending a smaller amount of money in the beginning you may save yourself quite a few dollars in the end should repairs or replacement parts be necessary for your automobile.
Is This Warranty Right For You?
When determining whether or not to get this type of warranty you must look at a few of the finer points to see if this type of warranty is right for you. One thing you should consider is what types of coverage items are included within the warranty. For example, if the warranty covers only replacement parts but not time and labor expenses then perhaps obtaining this policy may not be a good investment for you since labor can be quite pricey. On the other hand, if the warranty includes all the necessary repair costs you could possibly imagine yourself having to pay in the future then maybe getting the extended warranty would be a wise choice.
Another factor to consider in order to decide whether this type of warranty is right for you is the cost of the warranty. If the total cost of obtaining such an automobile warranty is reasonable in amount then it may be a good deal. On the other hand if the price of the extended auto warranty is obscenely high then maybe foregoing obtaining such a warranty for your automobile is the right choice to make.
By: Craig Thornburrow