8 Tips When Buying Used Car Parts
Buying used car parts, just like buying a used car, can be risky. Making matters worse, anyone who buys used car parts without knowing what they are doing could be headed for a disaster that may not rear its ugly head until later.
Fortunately, buying used parts can save car owners vast amounts of money. For this reason, it pays to look for parts wherever used car parts are sold. Tips for picking the right used car parts are listed below.
1. Buy From Local Dealers, Not Franchises
Purchasing from a franchise store might not be the best source of used parts. Instead, buy from a local dealer. The chances are good that a local dealer will offer better prices since they don't have the overhead of a franchise.
2. Know Which Car Parts Are Okay to Buy Used
Some car parts are okay to buy used, while others are not. As a general rule of thumb, if a part can wear out relatively quickly, buy it new. There are other parts such as water pumps that have rubber components that dry out with age. Avoid buying these used.
3. Find out What Parts Are Needed
The used car part business is known for some shady characters who work in it. When looking for a used car part, make sure you know what is needed, and avoid being sold anything else.
4. Determine What Parts Are Too Used
In some cases, used car parts are too worn for use, even as used parts. Such parts should be considered junk, and the potential buyer should move on to another dealer.
5. Try to Find Out the History of the Part
The more a buyer can find out about a part he or she is interested in buying, the better. Otherwise, there's a good chance of buying a part that is old, worn, and won't last long. Try to find out if the part has been modified, repaired, or rebuilt. If so, find another part.
6. Ask Questions
The used part buyer should know what they are looking for, but they can't be expected to be an expert. Unfortunately, some are looking to sell anything and everything they can to an unsuspecting buyer. The only defense a buyer has in these situations is to ask questions. Better yet, ask a more knowledgeable friend to come along.
7. Don't Be Afraid to Haggle
Haggling on price is a perfectly acceptable practice in the used car parts business. Don't be aria to ask for a lower price. Be courteous and respectful, and the chances are good that you will get a deal.
8. Look Online
Just as is the case with so many other businesses, the used car part business has gone online. Unfortunately, just like the other businesses, it pays to be cautious. It might be online, but don't buy a pig in a poke. And remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
These are probably some of the most important things to remember when buying used car parts. Following these tips and a buyer's experience will likely go well, and the parts purchased will probably serve well for many miles to come.
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