Brand new vehicle parts usually cost a fortune, and this is why many people opt to buy used automotive parts for sale instead. Although this is seen as a cost-saving measure in the short-term, does it also translate to savings in the long-term? Buying used car parts can be a tricky affair. Depending on certain factors, what you assumed was a cost-saving measure could end up costing you a lot more money. Do the short-term savings from buying used auto parts help you to save money in the long run?

What Part Are You Buying?

This is an important question to ask yourself when you're buying a used car part. There are certain car parts that are always going to undergo more wear. If these parts are not brand new, what you're buying could be approaching the end of its useful life. Therefore, buying such items used is rarely a good idea. Parts such as brake pads, batteries, door locks and handles, wheel bearings, and suspension arms are prone to wear. If you're buying used parts, you may want to stick to parts that undergo a limited amount of wear.

From Whom Are You Buying?

Just as important as the question of what you're buying is whom you're buying the used car part from. The used car part market is huge. The nature of the market also makes it the perfect place for unscrupulous characters to make a fortune from duping unsuspecting individuals.

When buying used car parts, you don't want to regret the decision a short while later, so look for a trustworthy deal rather than someone offering you the lowest price. The seller should be licensed and even be able to offer guarantees on certain parts. You should especially be careful when buying a used car part online.

What Condition Is the Used Part In?

Used parts are not all the same. Some used parts may have come from a relatively new car that was written off just a few weeks after being driven out of the dealership while others may have come from a car that was one the road for years or parked in one spot for months.

Dealers in used car parts will often grade their products so you can get an idea of the state of the item you're buying. If you want the cheapest item, you may be back looking for yet another replacement later.