You can’t believe it. No sooner did you pull out of your driveway than your car suddenly died. Sure, the old girl hasn’t been running as smoothly as she used to, but you never thought this would happen. After having the vehicle towed to your mechanic, he informed you that several parts need to be replaced. Unfortunately, since the car is no longer under warranty, your dealership won’t be able to supply you with the parts you need free of charge. Worse yet, ordering those parts directly from the manufacturer is liable to cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. You’re at a loss regarding what to do. On one hand, you need to have you car fixed. On the other, you just don’t have the money to purchase manufacturer-direct parts. Luckily, there are a number of places you can find the parts your vehicle needs for prices that are affordable on any budget.
Online Parts Stores
In the digital age, purchasing auto parts online is a piece of cake. With countless online stores specializing in new and pre-owned vehicle components, your options are anything but limited. On the off-chance that you’re unable to locate the parts you’re looking for, many stores are happy to order them for you. In addition, even Internet shopping powerhouses like Amazon and Overstock.com boast enormous selections of affordable auto parts. If you like to haggle, you’ll be pleased to learn that prominent sellers on eBay and other online auction sites regularly auction off heavily discounted vehicle components.
Salvage Yards
If you need a certain part immediately, don’t hesitate to visit your local salvage yard. Although the cars found at these establishments have been abandoned, they’re still chockfull of useable parts. When visiting an auto salvage yard, you can either roam the grounds yourself to track down the part you need or have one of the yard’s attendants find it for you. If you don’t really know your way around the hood of a vehicle, the second option is probably best. Once the part you need has been found, you’ll be charged a small fee on your way out. The vast majority of salvage yard parts cost between $10 and $40. Parts that are exceptionally rare may cost between $60 and $100 – which is still much cheaper than the typical manufacturer-direct part.
Mechanics
Many independent auto mechanics keep a steady supply of spare parts on hand, so the next time your mechanic informs you that your car needs a new part, ask if he has it in stock. Most of the parts found at mechanics’ shops come from auto salvage yards, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying exorbitant prices for them. As an added bonus, certain mechanics will waive installation fees on parts you purchase from their shops.
Replacing defective or worn-out components is an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. However, provided you know where to look, paying for new parts doesn’t have to entail emptying out your wallet.
