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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Used Auto Parts - Craigslist Versus Pick and Pull Junkyards

When many vehicle owners need car, truck, van, RV, or jeep parts, they usually turn to their local junkyard. Many of these junk yards have a pick and pull policy. Meaning, you can buy the part for cheap, but you must find that part yourself and remove it from the vehicle in question. Although it sounds like a lot of work, it is a great way to find cheap auto parts. Another way is visiting Craigslist.org. In fact, which is the best approach?
Unfortunately, not all junkyards in the United States sell used car parts. This is unfortunate, as these pick and pull yards have shown us that even the oldest cars and those in the worst shape still have salvageable parts. If you do not have access to one of these auto establishments, it is best to visit Craigslist.org. To get started, select your state and then the nearest city. Browse or search the website to find car, truck, van, RV, or jeep parts.
One of the many benefits to using Craigslist to find cheap car accessories is the search function. You don't have to spend hours sifting through a junkyard to find what you need. Instead, you sit at home on your computer and perform a search. To find the best deals and what you need, search with targeted phrases. Search with the make, model, or part you need. For example, Honda Civic fenders, Mercedes hubcaps, Geo Tracker door, Dodge Ram tailgate, and so forth.
At most pick and pull auto yards, you are charged a set price for each part. This is good if you only need one or two items. However, many buyers want to have an entire junk car on hand for parts in the future. At an established auto yard, this can cost you thousands of dollars or more. On Craigslist.org you are likely to find better prices. You may get a junk car for as little as $100! These cars don't run and the seller doesn't want to bother with needed repairs, so they sell the vehicle as a junk car and sell it for next to nothing. The only downside is you may need to rent or borrow a car trailer to tow it home.

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Automotive Gadgets - Buying From the Dealer Versus the Aftermarket

Automotive electronics have traditionally been the outlandish realm of specialty shops. For example, if you wanted rear-seat entertainment for your SUV, you needed to visit a store that carried and installed them. Car manufacturers watched these places soak up millions of dollars in profit over the years. They eventually decided to offer motorists specialty electronics and systems from the dealership lot.

Today, you can order these gadgets directly from the dealer. The inquire is, should you? It's not as simple as comparing prices. In this article, I'll elaborate the differences between buying from the dealer versus buying from an aftermarket shop. We'll also catch a gape at a few categories that are celebrated among drivers.

What's The contrast?

designate is a difficult barometer to expend when comparing gadgets at the dealership versus those at a specialty store. The reason is because many of them are packaged with other options at the dealer. For example, if you want the rear-seat entertainment system, it may be packaged with a rear camera. That muddies the waters for strict heed comparisons.

Another dissimilarity is that the electronics you acquire from an aftermarket store will not be covered by your car's warranty. On the other hand, if you seize them from the dealership, they're typically covered. Finally, it's difficult for an aftermarket shop to match the seamless integration of the electronics that a dealership can offer. Not impossible, but difficult.

Stereo Systems

Years ago, the aftermarket offered the latest in audio technology. Car manufacturers couldn't match the speakers, subwoofers, and acoustics sold by the specialty shops. These days, automakers have partnered with high-end brands in order to bring a premium sound to the cabin of your vehicle.

Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems

This is an region that was all but dominated by automakers when they first became accepted. However, specialty stores snappy gained momentum. Over the last ten years, they've been able to gain systems that offer the same functionality as those purchased from the dealer. What's more, they're often far less expensive.

Navigation Devices

The first automotive navigation systems made their debut in the early 1980s. They were only installed in high-end vehicles because the technology carried a high imprint. GPS technology has since plummeted in cost which led to the popularity of portable navigation devices. Today, the imprint of an in-dash unit is practically identical between the dealership and the aftermarket.

Which Should You determine?

Your decision regarding whether to pick the latest automotive electronics directly from the dealer or from the aftermarket depends on what you're buying and how worthy flexibility you want. Automakers have done a wonderful job of meeting the quality and reliability of the gadgets sold in specialty stores. However, customization of those gadgets remains a spot. In the kill, you may inspect that your decision is based solely upon convenience.

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