Maintaining your car and keeping it on the road can be costly these days and saving money is as important as ever. Nowadays, however, not only can you easily save money, you can help improve the environment and still get the right parts for your car. That is why millions of people each year choose to buy used auto parts online. Beware though, before you make that purchase online, here's some advice to help you get the right parts at the best price, without getting ripped off.
Whenever you purchase a part, make sure you have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy. Your VIN can provide the seller with a lot of information about your car, including the year, make, model, engine, transmission and trim level. Having your VIN available is especially important when purchasing engines, engine computers, and transmissions. You can find your VIN on the left side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the driver's side door pillar. You can also find it on your vechile registration documents.
Make sure the company that you are buying the part from offers a warranty on the part and make sure you understand the terms of that warranty.
Find out how many miles are on the part or whether the part is being sold as rebuilt, remanufactured or used.
When possible, make your payment with a credit card. Using a credit card may help you to quickly resolve any disputes with the merchant. Check with your card issuer about their dispute resolution procedures.
Do some research on the merchant. Search for them on any major search engine. See if there are any reviews by other people that have dealt with them.
As more people use the Internet to help them find and buy used auto parts for their cars, we found that there is a need for a directory that would allow discriminating buyers the opportunity to rate and review salvage yards before and after they make a purchase. It's a democratic process that allows all buyers to make their purchases with confidence.
Whenever possible, you should always consider buying used auto parts. Here are just a few reasons why:
1) Save money: purchasing used auto parts allows you to save money. In most circumstances used auto parts are around 50% less expensive than new auto parts.
2) Get the right parts: buying used auto parts means you are sure to get parts that are made to fit your car. Aftermarket parts don't necesssarily meet the same fit, functionality and quality of OEM parts. When you opt to purchase used auto parts you're buying OEM parts made for your vehicle.
3) Help the environment: when you buy used auto parts you are doing your part to improve the environment. Automotive recycling plays an important role in preserving natural resources and reducing the demand for scarce landfill space. In addition to conserving and preserving resources, automotive recycling plays an important role in reducing air and water pollution, and solid waste generation, all of which are beneficial to the environment.