Are you rebuilding an old car? Looking to save some cash on a repair by purchasing old car parts from a junkyard? While this is an excellent option for those looking to save some money or simply go the DIY route, it's essential that you thoroughly educate yourself before diving in blind. 

Understanding the Marketplace: Educate Yourself Before You Buy Old Car Parts

Unfortunately, many individuals turn to junkyards because they think they can find what they want free of charge. Now, in some cases, this may be true. However, it's crucial to understand that there is an extremely competitive marketplace when it comes to auto parts, and junkyards are likely to take full advantage of it to bring in some extra cash. 

That said, you want to do some careful research into the various junkyards in your area if you want to get the best deal on old car parts possible. Not quite sure where to start? Consider opening your browser and entering a few of these search terms to get you started:

• Cash for car parts
• Pay for junk cars
• We buy ugly cars
• Junk cars for money
• Sell my junk car near me
• Sell used car parts
• How to sell a car for parts
• Car scrap prices

Search terms such as these will help deliver you results that pertain to the concept of buying and selling old car parts – which is a great way to start the research process and show you which auto part junkyards can help you find what you want. 

Don't Buy Old Car Parts Before You Consider These 6 Factors

Once you've decided on a junkyard or two to browse for old car parts, you'll want to consider several factors before you make any purchase: 

• Be certain about what you do and don’t want when dealing with old car parts
• Inquire about the history of the old car parts that you're presented with
• Inquire about any warranties on the old car parts you are considering purchasing
• Make sure you are educated on the junkyard's return policies
• If you're not an expert in the auto parts marketplace, bring one with you 
• Learn how to spot a fake/damaged part 

Ready? Let's dive in!

1. Be Certain About What You Want/Don't Want When Dealing with Old Car Parts

When purchasing old car parts, you need to know exactly what you are looking for. Unfortunately, there are many junkyards out there that are only looking to make a quick sale, so they are more than happy to try and sell you something "similar" if they don't have exactly the part you want. 

Know exactly what you want and stick to your guns because purchasing something "similar" could end up a massive waste of not only your time but money as well. 

2. Inquire About the History of The Old Car Parts That You're Presented With

When you are presented with a part while shopping at a junkyard, do not hesitate to ask lots of questions. You want to learn a detailed history of the part; otherwise, you risk purchasing a complete dud. 

3. Inquire About Any Warranties on The Old Car Parts You Are Considering Purchasing

Once you've asked for the history, and if you are impressed enough with the old car part to consider purchasing it, you want to drill the junkyard about any available warranties for the part. These are included with many used car parts to reassure buyers that they can get something back should the part be faulty. For example, many junkyards offer a 30, 60, or 90-day warranty on used car parts. So, make sure you inquire before you buy!

4. Make Sure You Are Completely Aware of The Junkyard's Return Policies

Like with the warranty on any old car parts, you want to inquire about the junkyard's return policies. Many junkyards do not have a return policy outside of a limited warranty on specific parts. So, make sure you ask for all the details on the junkyard's return policies and you are entirely comfortable with them before you make any purchase. 

5. If You're Not an Expert in The Auto Parts Marketplace, Bring One with You 

If you are no expert in the marketplace, then you'll want to make sure you bring someone with some level of auto parts knowledge with you. There are many sketchy individuals out there looking to make money for junk, and that means they have no problem trying to convince someone to purchase items that won't work for their needs or that do not work. 

6. Learn How to Spot A Fake/Damaged Part 

With that said, make sure you and/or the person you are bringing with you know how to spot a fake and/or damaged part. Again, there are many fishy individuals out there looking to make a quick buck off anyone. 

When you are researching the old car parts you need for your repair or DIY project, make sure you take adequate time to educate yourself on how to spot fake parts, similar parts (that will and will not work for you), and how to eyeball an old car part for any damages. 

Need Cash? Consider Selling Your Old Car to a Junkyard

Visiting junkyards to buy old car parts can be a great way to save some money when you need something quick. However, it can sometimes be more work than it's worth. If you find that to be the case, then you may want to consider getting money for your junk car instead.

In most cases, you'll be able to get a quick quote for your junk car and receive cash in hand to use as you please. Worth considering if you are looking for some fast cash to put down on something new.