When shopping for used auto parts online, you’ll save yourself time and money by assembling all the information you’ll need before you dive into the big, wide world of used car parts where most online dealers offer thousands of available parts for mechanical and collision repair of cars and trucks. From knowing exactly the part you need to finding a reputable online dealer, here are five tips for hassle-free shopping and getting you back on the road in record time.
One: Don’t guess, know the part you need
Unless you are a seasoned auto mechanic, it’s best to get a professional opinion of what is wrong with your car if you’re not absolutely sure. Noises under the hood can mean many things, including bad hoses, belts, or transmission parts. Once you’ve determined exactly the part you need, check the owner’s manual to get the unique part number for your year, make, and model of car. Used OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer) ensure that the part you are looking for was made at the appropriate manufacturer and will work with your specific make and model.
Two: Have your car’s information handy
Most online car part searches begin with asking for the year, make, and model of your car. Additionally, the VIN number is like providing your car’s fingerprint, making it quicker to identify the right part and reduce the risk of buying a part that won’t fit. The VIN number is a wealth of information in just 17 digits, including where your car was built, the manufacturer, year, make, and model, body style, unique features, engine size and type, and the car’s serial number.
If color matters, such as exterior paint or interior upholstery, steering wheel, or replacement panels, know the car manufacturer’s specified colors for accurate matching. It may take a bit longer to find your part, but it’s well worth the time spent when it matches perfectly upon installation. Exterior body parts can, of course, be painted to match your car or truck if you end up buying a different color fender, hood, or door assembly to make needed repairs.
Three: Only buy auto parts online from a reputable dealer
Say your perfect converter or alternator pops up in a Google search but when you click through to the seller’s website, you’re not impressed. Due diligence is important to vet the seller before you lay out hard-earned cash for any replacement auto part. Check out consumer-based ratings like Yelp, Google, and Facebook to be sure this seller is reliable as well as the Better Business Bureau, especially if it’s a sizable purchase like a used engine. Find and read their posted warranty information so you understand all the conditions and stipulations, so you know what you’re getting into.
Four: Learn all you can about the specific part you are considering purchasing
A reputable seller will have inventoried and catalogued all their used auto parts, complete with pictures of the part and possibly even the source vehicle. They may have multiples of the same part to choose from, such as 15 identical fuel pumps, so knowing a part’s history will ensure you get the best part for you. For comparison and value shopping, the following information should be available online for any part offered:
· Make, model and year of the salvaged vehicle
· Mileage
· Location of the part
· Description of the part
· Fitment (compatibility with other years/makes/models that use this exact part)
· Any alternative part number (new aftermarket part or compatible OE part)
· Source vehicle details
· Additional used parts available from this specific vehicle in case you need more than one part
· Price and shipping terms
· Warranty
Five: Take advantage of online customer service help
If you have any questions or can’t seem to find the part/s you need, email or chat with the company’s service team, automotive experts who are dedicated to helping you get the right part at the right price. In your email or chat request, provide as much detail as possible about your order or the item you are looking for. Include the vehicle’s VIN, the name of the part you are looking for, the part number, and any other relevant information, such as color if that applies.
Since most online used auto parts sellers have multiple warehouse locations or affiliations with other parts dealers and their inventories as well, chances are they can assist with expanding your search for hard-to-find parts. Asking for assistance can save you valuable search time and get your part on its way to you quickly.
LKQ Online uniquely stands behind its products and customers, offering a broad range of replacement systems, components, equipment, and parts to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles. With over 200 locations nationwide, industry-leading warranty, CAPA certification (Certified Automotive Parts Association), and a Promise of Protection indemnification program, retail consumers and business owners can rely on LKQ for guaranteed fit, high-quality auto parts, long-lasting performance, and fast shipping.
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