Are you in need of car parts and are considering buying used? Here are a few things to think about before making any buying decisions:

Who Manufactured the Parts?

It is important to consider who manufactured any used vehicle parts you consider buying to ensure that they are quality parts. If possible, choose used parts that were made by the same manufacturer that made your vehicle, as these are the parts that are designed just for your car — not just cars in general. Aftermarket parts that are made by unknown companies may not perform as well as they should when installed in your vehicle. You might end up having to replace them again sometime soon in the future.

If you cannot verify who made the parts at all, you cannot know whether they are of quality or not. So, even if you cannot find parts made by the same manufacturer that built your car, stick with brands and manufacturers that you are at least familiar with. Do not be afraid to research the brand and find out how other drivers feel about them.

Where Did the Parts Come From?

You should also consider where the used parts you consider buying come from. Have they been sourced from a junkyard, or are they gently-used parts from pre-owned vehicles that were replaced while being certified for resale? Parts from a junkyard likely will not perform as well or last as long as those taken out of gently-used cars. So, the source is an important topic to explore when comparing used car parts to one another. If it is not possible to know where a part comes from, it should be inspected and certified by a qualified auto parts or repair shop.

Are Any Warranties Available?

Another thing to think about when buying used car parts is whether any warranties are available for them. No matter how well the part has been cared for or how well it is expected to perform, you cannot be sure whether it will perform as it should once it gets installed in your own vehicle. A warranty will provide you with some financial protection if the part does fail or break down anytime soon after it gets installed.

Instead of paying for repairs or a replacement out-of-pocket, you can make a warranty claim and only pay a deductible or copay. The used part you buy may come with an original warranty still intact, but if not, you might be able to buy an extended warranty from the part seller or the manufacturer.

Talk to a used car parts distributor to learn more.