Nowadays, using a car means having to incur expenses for repairs. This, in turn, is associated with expenses for car parts, the price of which often exceeds the budget possibilities of vehicle owners. That is why used car parts are so popular, as they often have only minor signs of use and are in very good technical condition. However, some knowledge and experience are needed to invest in good parts that tempt with an attractive price and avoid fraud. How can you do this to buy consciously and without incurring unnecessary risk?
- Why can’t we ignore the development of the used car parts market?
- Where should you buy used car parts?
- Which used car parts are worth buying, and which ones are better avoided?
- Risk awareness—what threats to avoid when purchasing used car parts
- How can you rate the quality of used car parts?
- What is worth knowing about legal aspects in the context of selling used car parts?
Why can’t we ignore the development of the used car parts market?
The used car parts market is an inseparable segment of the entire market, in which the automotive industry plays a significant role. At a time when not everyone can afford a new car from a showroom, buying a second-hand vehicle is the most common way to obtain a car. This means constant turnover of passenger cars and delivery vehicles, and therefore import and export. We can observe a continuous increase in demand for such cars, and therefore for spare parts—both new and used.
The growing demand for used car parts is also related to the growing ecological awareness of customers. Customers pay attention to sustainable development, the purchase of used parts and economic aspects, i.e. the profitability of such a purchase.
Where should you buy used car parts?
Choosing a seller when buying used car parts is crucial to avoid manipulation, fraud and financial extortion. That is why it is good to have experience in buying such components, and also to be careful when choosing the source of used car parts.
One of the places that is gaining popularity and is becoming an increasingly popular place to buy such components are platforms specialising in this assortment. They focus on ensuring that their goods come from authorised sources. In addition, the customer can return the goods within a specified period or complain about it and expect a full refund. One of such platforms is Ovoko, which offers a very diverse range of products throughout the European Union. The customer can compare prices of individual components and make purchases without leaving home. Information about the product and photos are on the website, so you can see its technical condition. Sellers on the platform are verified.
You can also use other auction portals, online stores, automotive forums and social media groups, but verification and competitive pricing are less likely there.
Which used car parts are worth buying, and which ones are better avoided?
Buying used car parts is a very good and wise decision. However, it is important to remember that the demand is so high that there may be fraudsters among the sellers. It is therefore worth buying only from trusted sources. Which parts may prove to be the best investment?
The most popular used car parts to buy are body parts, such as the hood, doors, fenders, headlights, upholstery elements and car mirrors. These components are usually in the best technical condition, and buying used ones significantly reduces repair costs.
The same is true for engines, gearboxes, and starters. Compared to the prices of new parts, used ones are definitely more often bought, because new components could exceed the value of the vehicles themselves if they are older or vintage cars.
Various types of wishbones, shock absorbers and springs are also a good choice, especially if they do not show signs of excessive wear. Their replacement is cost-effective, and using such parts definitely pays off.
Greater caution is required when ordering used parts for the braking system. This applies to brake pads, brake master cylinders, etc. Their quality is important because driving safety depends on them. The same applies to seat belts, ABS, ESP controllers, airbags. You also need to be careful when buying car keys, electrical components, engine controllers, immobilizers, because it is not always possible to reuse them in another car. It is also not recommended to buy oil filters, air filters and fuel filters, because they are disposable components. In order for them to fulfil their role in the car, it is necessary to buy new ones.
Many countries have regulations governing which parts may not be reused due to environmental and road safety regulations.
Risk awareness—what threats to avoid when purchasing used car parts
One of the problems that buyers of used car parts encounter is the purchase of fake or non-original spare parts. Many of them resemble the originals, but it turns out that they are made of poor quality materials and raw materials, are not fully compatible, and therefore do not meet safety standards. Counterfeits are cheaper, but do not pass appropriate quality tests for safety.
Buying from an unreliable source also means no guarantee, so in the event of damage and breakage of the purchased parts, you cannot count on a refund and complaint or replacement of the parts with others. This happens in the case of attractively priced offers that do not come from authorised sellers. Sometimes the parts they sell may come from theft or illegal dismantling of cars.
Buying car parts from illegal sources, uncertified parts may involve legal consequences. If replacing such parts at your own risk is the cause of a car accident, high financial penalties may be imposed.
Knowing the risks and threats is very important because it increases buyers’ awareness and minimises them from making an unprofitable purchase.
How can you rate the quality of used car parts?
When buying used car parts, you should be vigilant and careful. Only then can you buy a technically good component and not overpay. Therefore, you should make sure that the part is safe, is not an illegal counterfeit or an incompatible element.
One of the first things you should do is check if the car part has a unique catalogue number. It is also important that the number matches the manufacturer’s documentation. You can also verify its originality using the vehicle’s VIN number.
The offer of used car parts must also include information about the technical condition. It is important that the offer includes many photos to make it easier to identify signs of wear, such as dents, corrosion, cracks, damage. Other important aspects include the cleanliness of the car part, its good maintenance, which may indicate its quality and proper use. Another essential element of the verification of used car parts is checking their completeness. It must include all the necessary assembly elements or information about what is missing.
Buying used car parts online can make identification difficult. However, when buying on trusted platforms, you can order such a part, verify its compliance and technical condition with an experienced mechanic, and in the event of irregularities, complain. This significantly reduces the risk of installing a damaged component or the inability to recover your money.
What is worth knowing about legal aspects in the context of selling used car parts?
The sale of used car parts is legal, as long as it complies with applicable legal regulations. First, such parts should be dismantled in authorised service centres to ensure that they are not damaged, are functional and original.
In the case of purchase from a company, the customer is covered by consumer protection, i.e. they can use the warranty or guarantee. However, it must be remembered that the seller is not responsible for defects that the customer was informed about on the day of purchase.
It is important to keep the purchase document, because it proves that the seller is conducting a registered business activity. This means an invoice or receipt.
The used car parts market offers numerous benefits and can be a very profitable solution. However, it is important to buy from trusted sources, act responsibly, be aware of the risks and regulations, as well as consumer rights. This will avoid costly mistakes and increase the safety of driving a functional and safe car after repair.
