Buying used car parts is a great way to keep costs down but there are certain parts you should always buy new warns Suzanne Keane
Using 2nd hand car parts is not only kind to your pocket but can also be a good method of recycling and improving your eco-credentials! Surprisingly the newer your car is the better the value you can get on the second hand market – the parts will be newer and you can track down items that are usually only available from a main dealer (such as internal trim and seats).
When running a car on a tight budget second hand car part market is an important resource! However, despite how good a bargain it may seem there are certain things you should never buy 2nd hand.
- Brakes – Discs and pads should always be new and you should buy the best quality that you can afford!
- Air Filter – These aren’t an expensive part so unless it’s a re-usable filter that can be cleaned always buy new.
- Clutch – changing a clutch can be an expensive repair so anything you save on buying the clutch will be lost when it has to be replaced again a few months later!
- Bearings (of any kind) – again these are a part that wear over time so you shouldn’t replace them with something that’s already half worn
- Shocks – whatever about 2nd hand springs you should always invest in new shocks. These are not just important for comfort but also play an essential role in stopping your car properly when braking!
- Batteries – New batteries will come with a warranty and will sometimes work out cheaper than buying 2nd hand.
- Tyres – Part worn tyres may appear to be cheaper but when you consider the amount of actual thread mm you get for your money new tyres will always be a better bargain.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in your local scrapyard there are various websites with searchable listings or a contact form. Most reputable places will give some sort of warranty on larger items such as engines, gearboxes etc. and will arrange a courier service so you won’t have to worry about transport!
Suzanne Keane
