10 Ways to Source Your Own Car Parts

If you are looking to source your own car parts, either because your vehicle is rare or simply in an effort to save some money, the following are ten top tips to buying parts which should help you to avoid costly mistakes. Similarly, if you are browsing used BMW for sale, or indeed other marques and you find a bargain requiring some attention, there are a number of key points that can make the difference between a superb deal and a costly white elephant.

1.    Set yourself a reasonable budget. By setting a budget you will be able to decide whether you can afford to buy a brand new part or a quality used part.

2.    Genuine or generic? Once you have set your budget, compare the prices for genuine manufacturer’s original parts with the prices for the generic replacements. Some generic parts are of a high standard and may enable you to buy a brand new part rather than looking for second hand original parts.

3.    Consider how you are going to get the part fitted to your car. Independent mechanics are more willing to undertake these jobs, but get a quote and factor it into your budget from the start.

4.    If you have a little technical knowledge and some tools there are plenty of books and guides in libraries and on the internet which will help you to undertake simple jobs. However, you should never undertake any work on suspension or brakes unless you are highly experienced or a qualified mechanic.

5.    Make sure you are looking for the right part. Modern cars have many variations and parts must be for your specific make, model and variation to ensure they fit properly. Some parts are interchangeable between models, so speak to an experienced parts broker or mechanic for advice.

6.    Once you know what part you are looking for and how much it will cost, you can start to compare prices. Whilst there are good suppliers on the high street, it is well worth comparing prices with online suppliers as there is often a substantial saving to be made.

7.    If your budget is really tight, it may be worth checking your local scrap yards to see if they are breaking a car of your make and model. Some scrapyards will expect you to remove the part from the car yourself, although most will have removed the part from the vehicle and will be selling it at a competitive price.

8.    To avoid sub-standard parts, check your seller’s credentials. Auction sites may allow you to source both second hand and new parts but do make sure they are genuine: the internet is awash with cheap counterfeit parts.

9.    Consider specialist forums or car clubs if you have a rare vehicle which is tricky to buy for. Owners clubs will often have classified sections where you might be able to source your part, or you may be able to ask in the forums for information on a particular manufacturer or supplier.

10.   Car clubs and forums often set up group buying deals which can be a great way to save money on your purchase. Be prepared to wait slightly longer for your part however, as the club will usually need to get several names on the list before the order can be placed.