Buying Used Auto Parts Online

Recently, a friend needed a rearview mirror for a classic car. Trouble was, it was the dead of winter in Michigan, and this guy is a tightwad against which all other tightwads can be measured. He wasn't about to lay out cash for a new part, but there aren't any swap meets when the snow flies.


With a little time at the keyboard, he found a salvage yard in the Sunbelt that was bursting at the seams with vintage, used parts at great prices. Our friend emailed a parts request, and the salvage yard responded later that day that they had the part. A few days later, the used mirror arrived, wrapped in bubble packaging. It fit perfectly.


Without a doubt, shopping online for your used auto parts can be a rewarding, timesaving experience. And you're not haggling over a dirty part at the swap meet. Here are some guidelines to make your online buying experience safe, secure and easy.

Reputable Companies
The World Wide Web has been compared to the Wild West—an unfamiliar frontier with a few bandits behind the tumbleweeds. Be wary of Internet companies that you've never heard of, especially if they're Internet-only companies that don't offer phone numbers, a mailing address or even a real showroom. Be suspicious if the only given address is a P.O. box.

Ask Around
If you're unfamiliar with an Internet supplier, ask about it on a message board or in a chat room. Word of mouth from other enthusiasts can be helpful before ordering those parts. Conversely, fellow enthusiasts will be quick to steer you away from disreputable sources.