If you are looking to purchase new or remanufactured car parts, here are some times tips to guide you to make informed decisions.

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  Research

This involves visiting websites that sell parts whether new or re-manufactured. A website like autoshack.com has a large database of car parts from around the world.

Get local market prices for the car part you want and compare with the price and shipping costs of the same part from overseas. Sometimes parts sourced abroad may take up to 30 days to be delivered – note the eta before making a purchase.

• Confirm your car part

Before you buy any car part from a dealership, it’s important to confirm the part number by calling the dealership. Failure to confirm your part will be your own fault in the delivery of the wrong part. Different engine and transmission combinations require unique and specific parts such as sensors, computers, alternators, modules, and starters.

• Haggle Politely

Although, most car part sellers will try to match the price of a different seller in the same area. Don’t hope for dealer to match the price of a 10,000-mile engine with a similar one that is at 100,000 miles.

Mention that you did your research on sites like autoshack.com when you haggle. Most of the car part sellers have the same information you do, and you don’t want to come across as if you are jerking them around.

• Avoid Craigslist

Craigslist is a good source of purchasing other items, but when it comes to purchasing parts, its advisable to use trusted online sites like autoshack.com and avoid disappointments. Items on Craigslist are sold as they are, without the option of an exchange or refund.

• Be on the lookout for coupons

Car part sellers may be expensive but most of them have promotional coupons and rebates from the manufacturer that reduces the total cost of the part. Let’s say you want to buy a car battery worth $150 and you have found a coupon code that promises you $50 off every $250 spent, you can add other car parts that you might need.

• Purchase unique parts in person

If you are unable to get a part you want from online, try visiting a junkyard that has an inventory of similar listed cars. This way you will be able to get the specific part you are looking for at a lower price, especially if the part is for an older or limited edition car model.

• Visit self-service junkyards

If you have time and can’t find the part you need from car part websites that have not listed them, visiting a self-service junkyard may yield better results. Be sure to bring with you the tools you will need to help you find the parts you need.

• Engage online forums

There are online forums you can engage with, where like-minded enthusiasts offer assistance in finding those elusive car parts. Most forums have members from across the country or world who concentrate on particular make and model of cars thus making it easy for you to source for that much-needed part.

• Visit the Dealership

This is the last option if you haven’t found the part you want. Most dealers have direct contact with manufacturers from whom they can order the part on your behalf – their cost, on the other hand, maybe expensive.