Do you have an older one because it is working great but looks a bit dated? Give it an auto makeover without spending a lot of cash in the effort to buy good used auto parts, to make it even more comfortable and attractive like your neighbor’s new Hyundai.
You can shop online and hope for the best, but there’s nothing like browsing an organized wrecking yard and seeing for yourself a well-kept inventory good enough to put together your classic (or not-so-classic) ride. You’ll be surprised how much you can save by bypassing the dealership and going to an auto parts depot.
Take the reception service or do it yourself at the parts depot
Customers can decide for themselves whether they want to use the service of a demolition yard to find a part or browse the inventory themselves. If you’re in a rush or new to this, go ahead and check with the on-site staff. Tell them what you are looking for and they will know the right questions to ask you specific questions that you may not even know. They will bring you an inventory that matches your request for you to inspect.
Or you can just say hello and go straight to the patio to find new bucket seats for the front or a sleek bench style for the rear. Other popular pieces to look for that can enhance your trip include:
- Bumper protectors
- Door handles
- Floor mats
- Gear shift handles
- Hubcaps
- Mirrors
- Spoilers
- Frills
If you can see it, chances are you will find it in a demolition yard, in good shape, and at a price that will be considerably less expensive than a new part.
How to make those second-hand parts look like new
Don’t be discouraged if the parts you find are a bit dirty. It’s not that difficult to clean the parts yourself, just make sure you use the right cleaning product.
For example, if you find leather seats that could be perfect in your car, imagine how they would look clean. Leather can be cleaned with store-bought products or a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water. When it dries, apply sunscreen to prevent discoloration (advises carsdirect.com).
The headlights can be cleaned with cheap white toothpaste applied with a cloth and rinsed with water, says Krazy Coupon Lady. Car.tips.net says to clean the chrome with a less abrasive pad and a little glue; use steel wool or crumpled aluminum foil for larger areas.
Many auto parts stores and possibly even your salvage yard sell paint to match the parts.
Dealerships don’t always stock parts for older vehicles
Another reason to check out a salvage space is the fact that many car dealerships don’t stock older auto parts and some manufacturers stop making them after a few years.
This situation is not only myopic, but also a waste of money. According to IHS, the combined age of all light vehicles on the road in January 2014 was approximately 11.5 years and is expected to increase to nearly 12 years in 2019. You are not alone as a driver of an older vehicle. Chances are, you’ll even see some familiar faces poking through the headlights!
