The Jeep Cherokee is a classic and has been around since 1974 and the Grand Cherokee since 1993. Finding replacement parts can be difficult and expensive, which is why getting junkyard parts is advantageous. There are yards dedicated to just Jeep, which is often the best place to find Cherokee parts. In this article, I will share where to find a yard, tips for finding parts, and tips for selling a Cherokee to a junkyard. I will also share my experience with Jeep Cherokee salvage yards near me.
Map of Jeep Cherokee Salvage Yards Near Me
For “Jeep Cherokee Salvage Yards Near Me” or “Jeep Cherokee Junkyards Near Me”, see the map below…
The Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have been popular vehicles for a long time. They are also manufactured in America. Given their age and manufacturing locale, it is no surprise that you can find lots of them at your local salvage yard. That is go news for us, the second hand parts scavenger!
Operations of Jeep Cherokee Salvage Yards
A Cherokee junkyard runs like any other local business. Their business model is like that of a thrift shop, but deal in used automotive parts. These places buy junked vehicles and then sell off the functioning parts. Some will sell parts online while others are self service pick and pull lots where you pay a small entrance fee and remove parts yourself and pay for what you take.
Junked Cherokee’s will come to the yard from various sources. This includes private owners, insurance companies, and auctions. When a vehicle comes from an insurance company it is the result of an accident. This is done so the insurance company can sell the vehicle and help offset paying out a claim.
How It Gets Broken Down at The Salvo
When a Cherokee comes into a salvage yard, it can’t just be just sent to the yard. The salvage needs to adhere to some environmental regulations and there is some prep work to ensure they get the most profit.
First, the vehicle will have its major fluids drained. This includes gas, oil, Freon, coolant, wiper fluid, etc. Fluids like wiper fluid get re-bottled and resold. Other fluids are recycled according to state law. This is an important practice because of the hazardous chemicals in the fluids. If the vehicle was to leak fluid in the yard it could get into the ground water and contaminate the local water supply.
After fluids are drained, many yards will pre pull the most valuable parts. This may include starters, alternators, transmissions, motors, and batteries. These parts are easier to sell and may be rebuilt and sold with a warranty.
At the Inddor Jeeo Warehouse in Colorado, they actually do lots of pre-stripping beyond the basics and sell parts from the warehouse.
Jeep Cherokee Junkyard Arrangement
In my experience at most yards, you will find a large group of Cherokee and Grand Cherokee together. They are often mixed and then there will be the different editions like like sport, YJ, TJ, JK, and JL, At a less organized yard you can just find them scattered around amongst other SUVs and Sport Compacts.
If you have an exclusive Jeep junkyard near you, then those are the best places to go. They tend to be the most organized and have the best selection of parts for Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. No matter what type of yard it is, my preference is to call ahead, before I waste time. The Jeep Cherokee yard near me will actually refer me to another yard if they don’t have the parts I need.
After a Cherokee is Stripped of Parts
After a vehicle has all its functioning parts, different yards do different things. Some yards leave the frame to rust. Other yards will crush the frame and send it off to sell for scrap metal. The practice of selling the remains from scrap makes more room in the yard and allows the junkyard to get the last bit of profit from the Jeep.
1990 Jeep Cherokee in Colorado junkyard. Photo by Murilee-Martin
Salvage Yards That Buy Jeep Cherokees
If you have a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee to junk, it’s helpful to know how it works. The junkyard is just a middle man and they are selling the used parts for a profit. It is their goal to get the vehicle for as cheap as possible. Your first offer is going to be for the scrap metal price. This is based on the weight of the vehicle. You can learn more about estimating the value here.
At a standard auto junkyard, you are going to be offered the scrap metal value. At a specialized Jeep salvage, you may get a slightly better offer, because they serve a niche customer base.
If your vehicle runs or recently ran, try and negotiate up from the first offer. You need to show them how much value and functioning parts the Jeep still has. In fact, if your Cherokee still runs I would try and sell it on your own first. That is the best way to get the most money. A junkyard should be your second choice and a scrap metal yard directly is your last choice.
If you do decide to junk it, consider the following:
- Clean out all your personal belongings.
- If the vehicle is made after 2008 clear all your PII data.
- Pull any valuable parts you can sell yourself online.
- Cancel the insurance, and registration, and return the plates (the junkyard will charge you to do it for you).
- Try and estimate the value of the vehicle yourself first
- Call around and get several offers before deciding whom to sell to.
- Consider how the vehicle will get to the salvage yard and if there is a cost associated.
Used Cherokee Parts at a Junk Yard
Discerning automotive enthusiasts and budget-conscious vehicle owners turn to local junkyards for quality used auto parts in every state such as El Paso, Virginia, in the United States. These salvage yards offer a treasure trove of meticulously inspected and certified used Cherokee parts, providing an affordable alternative for maintaining and repairing used vehicles. Embracing a commitment to sustainability, these establishments contribute to reducing automotive waste while offering a cost-effective solution for those seeking reliable components for their cars.
The Benefits of Used Cherokee Parts
Saving money is obviously the main reason you want used parts. You can find all types of parts at discounts of more than 60% off what you would pay in retail. Parts like engines for $350, doors for $75, and batteries for $15. You can even find limited edition pieces and other stuff you would pay extra for from Jeep.
Another advantage is that almost everything you find is OEM. You are getting manufacturer-installed and assembled pieces. This is better than aftermarket. Even more so if you aren’t sure how the piece attaches you can actually look and see.
Another benefit I like is the ability to get a warranty. Not all yards offer them, but some do. For a few bucks, you can get a 30-day exchange or credit if the part you purchased is no good.
For my best tips on pulling parts at a salvo, read this.
Disadvantages of Buying Used Grand Cherokee Parts
Quality is always the big question mark. You never know how much wear and tear is on these parts from a visual inspection. If you are looking for mechanical parts you should look for Jeep’s with side damage or rear damage. Always inspect a part before you pull it and again after you pull it.
For parts you shouldn’t pull, check here.
Jeep Cherokee Salvage Yards Near Me – Conclusion
Cherokee junkyards are great places for cheap replacement parts. They are also ideal for selling a junked vehicle if you have an exclusive Jeep salvage. In many instances for older Cherokee models a salvage yard may be the only option for finding parts. These are why Jeep resto’s and enthusiasts covet them so much. While not everyone will have a Jeep salvage near them, you can find plenty of Cherokees and Grand Cherokees at a standard auto salvage. This is what I have learned from the Jeep Cherokee salvage yards near me.
