Rebuilt Versus New Car Parts - Which is the Better Option?

Suppose your alternator unexpectedly dies one day. Should you invest in a new replacement or is a used component sufficient? How about your catalytic converter, rack and pinion steering module, anti-lock brakes, and water pump? What about major assemblies, such as your engine and transmission? The decision between using a rebuilt component and its out-of-the-box counterpart is more complicated than it seems. A lot depends on the item you're replacing, your budget, and your outlook for the life of your vehicle.

In this article, we'll explore the issue in more detail by first considering the terms used to refer to "reconditioned" car parts. A lot of needless confusion springs from the terminology, so we'll clarify the most common expressions. I'll also explain why rebuilts often represent a more palatable - and sometimes, more reliable - solution than new components.

Forget The Terms, Look For Quality

Used... rebuilt... salvaged... remanufactured... reconditioned... these terms mean different things to different people. Much of the confusion surrounding them is due to their being used interchangeably to refer to the same thing.

For example, were you to ask a mechanic to define a "used" component, he might instinctively think of a part removed from a salvage yard vehicle. Another mechanic might think of a component that has been stripped, cleaned, reassembled, and tested to meet certain quality standards. Still other mechanics may consider "used" to mean parts that have been rebuilt from a core and OEM-certified to provide customers with a higher level of confidence.

The terms are less useful than they seem. The important factor is the quality of the replacement part and by extension, the craftsmanship of the rebuilder. For the remainder of this discussion, we'll use the terms "rebuilt" and "remanufactured" to refer to used components. These are parts that have been dismantled and inspected with worn pieces replaced before being reassembled and tested to meet OEM standards.

When Are Rebuilts Better Than New Components?

The biggest advantage to using rebuilts is that they cost far less than new components. You can expect to save more than 50 percent off the cost of the new part. In the case of replacing an engine or transmission, this can mean thousands of dollars in savings.

Many consumers buy new parts simply because they are unfamiliar with remans, or have an unwarranted negative perception of them. For instance, they might feel their quality is inferior to an out-of-the-box replacement. In reality, rebuilts and remans are often just as reliable - and sometimes, even more so - than their new counterparts.

For example, suppose your transmission dies much earlier than it should. Your options are to invest in a remanufactured assembly or to purchase a brand new replacement. The former will likely have been improved upon to eliminate flaws in its design. The latter option is new, but will probably incorporate many of the same weaknesses that caused your dead transmission to fail in the first place.

Just because a replacement part is new does not necessarily mean it will be more reliable. In fact, some new OEM components are designed with notoriously poor quality.

Important Considerations When Purchasing Used Auto Parts

The quality of used car parts varies wildly, which means you'll need to exercise your judgment. First, some components and systems are unavailable as rebuilts. If this is the case, your only option is to purchase new.

Second, keep in mind that "used" does not always mean "cheap." If a replacement component is priced at a small fraction of its new counterpart, there's a good chance corners were cut in its design. It's better to pay a little more for a reliable unit rather than trying to save a few dollars.

Third, the warranty offered by a rebuilder is a good barometer of the part's quality. Essentially, the longer the warranty, the more reliable the component.

Some parts, such as fuel pumps, brake pads, and head gaskets, should be purchased new, especially if a rebuilder refuses to offer a long warranty. Others can be replaced with OEM-certified rebuilts. Be willing to pay a little extra for quality that provides peace of mind.

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Should You Use Rebuilt Auto Parts to Fix Your Vehicle?

rebuilt auto parts, Even though automobiles last longer than ever, parts and systems suffer wear and tear. After working efficiently for tens of thousands of miles, many of them fail (usually unexpectedly). The question is, when components fail, should you be confident in the quality of rebuilt replacements or should you always purchase new? Choosing the former will help you save as much as 50% from the cost of new replacements. Choosing the latter costs more, but has the appearance of higher quality.
Below, we'll explore whether you should place your trust in rebuilt auto parts (RAPs) when you need to replace failing components. I'll first explain what they are and clarify some of the terms that are used interchangeably when referring to them. Then, I'll explain why RAPs may be a better option than their newer counterparts (the reason has little to do with price).
Demystifying The Terms
A lot of consumers - and even mechanics - use different terms when referring to rebuilts. For example, they'll often call them remanufactured or reconditioned components. Let's take a moment to clarify the terms.
Most experts agree that parts that are remanufactured are those which are completely disassembled for inspection. Any individual pieces that are worn and on the verge of failure are replaced. In so doing, the remanufacturer typically restores the component to OEM standards.
Reconditioned parts are technically defined the same way. They too, are disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and reassembled after all worn pieces have been replaced.
Rebuilders use the same process. They take components apart in order to inspect and replace the individual pieces before reassembling them.
So, what is the difference between these options? On the surface, not much. The most important factor is whether a given component that is rebuilt, remanufactured, or reconditioned has been restored to OEM specifications. The only way to know whether that is the case is if the rebuilder (or manufacturer) offers auto parts that are OEM-certified.
Can Rebuilt Components Deliver Higher Quality?
RAPs are less expensive than new replacement parts. That's the reason millions of consumers choose them when components fail. However, many people would be surprised to learn that rebuilts can actually offer higher quality.
Some components go through very few changes over the years. For example, an alternator that was manufactured in 2001 will be very similar to one that was manufactured this year. Other components are different. They're complex and are often improved upon every few years. Transmissions are a good example.
Suppose your car's transmission failed after 80,000 miles (early in its life). Your options are to buy a rebuilt or a new replacement. If you choose the former, there's a good chance it will incorporate enhancements that address flaws in previous designs. If you choose the latter (i.e. new), those flaws likely remain. Given this, buying from a rebuilder can actually deliver higher quality for a lower price.
Prices, Warranties, And Peace Of Mind
As you would expect, all new car parts come with a standard warranty. If the component fails or malfunctions during the coverage period, you'll be able to have the problem fixed without charge. RAPs also come with a warranty, but it's usually much shorter - sometimes, as short as 90 days. For some parts (e.g. hoses), there's little concern since they're inexpensive to replace. On the other hand, for catalytic converters, fuel pumps, and master cylinders, a short coverage period is problematic.
Some rebuilders offer much longer warranties than their competitors - occasionally, as long as 3 years. Combined with OEM certification, these longer warranties provide their customers with a level of confidence similar to new components.
Should you use rebuilt auto parts when replacing those that have failed? That depends largely on your budget and how you perceive the value of new replacements. For many people, rebuilts are the most sensible choice.

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