If you’ve got a piece of junk car sitting around, you may be toying with the idea of restoring it to its former glory. While rebuilding a car can be exciting for the avid auto enthusiast, if you don’t take the time to research the various parts of cars, you may find yourself spending more than you wanted to. 

Prices on Basic Parts of a Car Can Fluctuate Significantly Depending on the Vehicle Model

Selling junk cars is one way to get rid of them. Scrapping a car for parts is another option worth considering if you need quick cash. However, if you’ve grown attached to a particular vehicle, then rebuilding it could be a fun project. 

Like any hobby, rebuilding a car takes time and can be a considerable financial investment. Depending on the car make and model, you may find yourself working with a vehicle that requires older, harder to source parts, which, in turn, could result in a higher price tag.  

If you’re looking to buy the basic parts of a car or purchase specialty pieces to make the care uniquely yours, then you’ll want to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. 

Paying Cash for Car Parts: 6 Tips to Help You Get the Best Deal

Cash for car parts is a popular marketplace with plenty of individuals heading to online sources, such as Craig’s List, eBay, and even Facebook Marketplace, to buy and sell old car parts. If you’re in the market for car parts, then you’ll want to check out these six tips to help you get the best deal.

1. Do Your Research

The first step to buying either new or used car parts is to take adequate time to do your research. Every vehicle is unique, some more so than others. Several things you’ll want to know include:

• How to identify a transmission by VIN
• How to find car parts using the VIN
• The make and model of the vehicle and more

Certain vehicle brands share a make and model. However, the car’s VIN will tell you what is unique to your specific vehicle. So, take the time to research your vehicle’s history as much as you can to have all the details ready when you start making purchases. 

2. Identify Your Car Parts by VIN Number

This is part of the research process. The VIN is your car’s Vehicle Identification Number, and you may need it to find out some important information regarding:

• The location of manufacture
• The manufacturing company
• Type/size of the engine
• Manufacturer security code
• The car’s model year
• The car’s manufacturing plant 
• The vehicle serial number

These pieces of information are important, especially if you are looking to buy manufacturer-approved replacement parts. While aftermarket parts can be perfectly suitable for your car repair, many individuals prefer Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. This is because OEM parts are guaranteed to fit your vehicle and work as intended, whereas aftermarket parts can come from different manufacturers and locations, so they are not guaranteed to fit and work properly. 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle

When buying new car parts, there is little wiggle room when it comes to the pricing. However, if you are looking to buy used car parts, you should never be afraid to haggle. Haggling is the art of negotiating a price until it’s within your ideal range. Sure, some people will do whatever they can to make the most money on their sale. But there are equally as many who are merely trying to sell used car parts to get them out of their stock and out of their hair. So, when searching for used car parts, don’t be afraid to have a little bidding war to save a few extra dollars where possible.

4. Don’t Risk It: Buy Rare Parts in Person

Now, if you are working on a vintage car, you may find yourself in the market for some rare care parts. Unfortunately, while many rare car parts are no longer being made, there is an online market for used, vintage car parts. 

As with anything online, you can’t always believe what you see or read. So, if you come across a potentially rare car part that you need, you should try to set up a meeting with the seller so that you can see the part in person. This is especially true if a listing seems questionable. A reputable seller should have no problem setting up a meeting with you, so never be afraid to ask. 

5. Search the Forums for Those That Sell Used Car Parts

Having some trouble finding used car parts that work for you? Sometimes, the usual online marketplaces lack specific items. Now, that doesn’t mean all is lost! Online forums are an excellent resource for connecting with other enthusiasts who may be able to help guide you to the parts you need. 

6. Enlist the Help of a Dealer

Are you still struggling to find what you need online? Then your best bet is to head over to your local dealer. Many people are afraid to take this step in fear of being sold something they don’t want. However, most dealerships employ fellow car enthusiasts that are more than happy to help a customer find what they need. 

Can’t Find the Parts You Need? Find Someone Who Pays for Junk Cars

Unfortunately, sometimes you start a project that you just can’t handle, or simply no longer have time for. Other times, you may simply lose interest and want to unload the project for some extra cash. In these cases, there are several options you can take, including:

• Selling the car to a junkyard
• Selling the car for scrap

If you choose to go this route, make sure to contact reputable businesses that guarantee a fair price for your junk car. It’s easier than you think, and there are plenty of options. Simply head online and search for “sell my junk car near me,” and you’re bound to find dozens of local locations that can help you junk your car for some extra cash!