If own own a Kia car or van and need discount parts a Kia junk yard is the ultimate spot. These places offer heavily discounted parts for your vehicle, you just need to pull them off of junked cars in the lot. Even if you don’t have a Kia salvage yard near you, any junk yard will have a fair share of Kia’s and be able to save you money. In the article below I will share how the Kia salvage yards near me work as well as some tips and tricks for junking.
Map of Kia Salvage Yards Near Me
For “Kia Junk Yards Near Me” or “Kia Salvage Yards Near Me”, see the map below…
If the Kia auto Salvos seem sparse, it may be because you don’t have one within driving distance. You can broaden your search or check your local junk yards. They will likely have some Kia’s on the lot. You can also look for yards that specialize in imported vehicles.
How Does a Kia Salvage Yard Operate
These places are run like any local business. Some people think that junk yards are state-run, but for the most part, they are mom and pop style businesses. Most yards do both buying and selling. They buy junk cars and then sell them for parts to make a profit.
How Does a Kia Junk Yard Get Vehicles
All junked auto yards get their vehicles from either a vehicle owner or an insurance agent. When they get a vehicle directly from an owner, it’s usually inoperable and the owner got cash for it. This is likely because it is not worth the cost of repairs or the owner tried to fix it and couldn’t. When a vehicle comes from an insurance agent, it’s because it was in a wreck. An agent will sell the car to an auto salvo to help offset the cost of paying out a claim.
How Kia Junkyards Process Their Vehicles
When a Kia first arrives on the lot, it must go into the garage first for some basic prep work. This is so the salvage yard can maximize the value of the vehicle.
Some yards will take out the engine and have sent away to be rebuilt and resold. Additionally, they may pull the battery out and recharge it to resell. You can usually get one of these batteries for less than $15.
All junkyards pretty much perform the following routines: Drain the oil and recycle it, siphon the gas out and resell it, and drain fluids like anti-freeze and wiper fluid and resell it.
How a Kia Junk Yard is Structured
For the most part, you will find lots laid out by model and year. If the yard is well managed the cars will be in clearly delineated rows and might even be labeled. If the yard isn’t well run then it may be an unorganized mess.
Often you will see the most popular models towards the entrance and the least towards the rear. This is to make it easier on the pickers. Below are some of the most common Kia models you will see at an automobile scrap yard.
- Sportage
- Sorento
- Optima
- Rio
- Soul
- Sedona
- Stiner
- Forte
- Nitro
- Cadenza
- Rondo
- Amanti
- Spectra
There are of course other models of Kia you may find at an auto salvo, these are just some of the most common. You might even see cars like the Optima Hybrid if one of the new models has been in an accident.
If it’s a specific Kia model you need, check to see if the lot near you has a searchable online database. Some places allow you to search by model and year, while others you can search by part inventory. If there is no online database, then give the auto salvo a quick call. You can ask really pointed questions like: “Do you have a rear fender for a 2017 Optima?” or “Do you have a manifold for a 2009 Forte?”
What Kind of Used Kia Parts Can You Find?
If the part is on a Kia, you can find it at some junk yard somewhere if you are willing to look for it. I have picked a wide array of parts like doors, mirrors, exhaust systems, carbs, pistons, wire harnesses, tires, batteries, rims, fenders, panels, dashboards, and much more. There are instances where I even pulled brand new parts off cars. This happens when a new vehicle gets wrecked and the owner tries to fix a car with new parts and junks the car anyway.
To get a heads up when new vehicles come in, some junkyards will text you alerts. This means you can beat everyone else to the new inventory. That’s one of the best tricks for being a pro picker.
What Happens After a Kia is Stripped Down to the Frame?
Once a vehicle has been stripped down to the frame, what remains gets sold off for scrap metal. This practice allows the yard to make room for new vehicles on the lot and get the last bit of cash out of the auto. A well-maintained salvo will replenish their lot and scrap old inventory every 4 to 6 months.
Buying Used Kia Parts at a Salvage Yard
Pros of Buying Used Kia Parts at a Salvage Yard
When you hit up an auto salvo you are there for heavily discounted parts. These places offer so much savings over after market parts and auto shops. You can find deals like an alternator for $18, a door for $60, and a battery for $12. I used to pick parts I didn’t even need and then sell them on Ebay for extra cash.
You can get a warranty for any part you feel is expensive. For about $10 to $15 at most yards, you can get a warranty. If the part doesn’t work you can bring it back within 30 days for an exchange. No yard I have ever visited gives cash back…exchange or credit only.
Another great perk is that you might find Kia-manufactured parts. Unlike going to an auto store, most of the parts you will find were made and assembled by Kia.
If you are curious about the tools I take to the auto salvo with me to pull parts, see my tool list here.
Cons of Buying Used Kia Parts Cheap
The quality of the part is always the biggest X factor at an auto salvo. You can inspect the part, test the part, and even use it, but you don’t really know what lifespan is left in it. This is why I advise considering a warranty for parts you deem to be pricey.
The way the yard is laid may also be a con. They may have all the used Kia parts you need, but finding them on the lot is an issue. If the yard is a mess you could spend all day in the hot sun and not find the parts you want. To avoid this, my best advice is to call ahead and see how the lot is laid out.
Tips For Selling Your Kia to an Auto-Salvo
Time to junk your Kia? Consider the tips below:
- Siphon your gas out for yourself
- Remove all your belongings from the vehicle
- Wipe your personal data (like address and numbers) if you have a nav system
- Cancel your insurance policy, state registration, and license plates
- Know the value of your Kia before you negotiate the price.
You may also want to consider selling parts off before you junk them. Here is a list of parts to pull and sell on your own.
If you are ready to junk your car, It’s also good to be familiar with some of the negotiating tactics junkyards use when they purchase vehicles. Some of them are kind of dirty. Read this article here to learn more.
Resources for Kia Vehicles
Kia Salvage Yards Near Me – Wrap-Up
You will not find cheaper parts for Kia anywhere than at an auto salvo. Even if it’s not a Kia auto salvo, you will save a ton of money. Just make sure you understand the pros and cons of getting used parts…this applies to any kind of vehicle.
If you are junking your Kia, then follow our advice to prep the car and understand junkyard negotiating tactics. This will help ensure you end up with the best price for the value of your vehicle. This is what I have learned from the Kia salvage yards near me.
FAQ: Kia Salvage Yards and Used Auto Parts
What types of salvage Kia vehicles are available?
Kia salvage yards typically have a variety of salvaged vehicles, including Kia sedans, SUVs, and trucks. You can find models such as the Kia Sportage, Sorento, Optima, and more.
Do Kia salvage yards sell used auto parts?
Yes, Kia salvage yards offer a wide range of used auto parts salvaged from decommissioned vehicles. These parts may include engines, transmissions, doors, bumpers, and more.
What types of Kia parts are commonly available?
Kia salvage yards provide a variety of parts, including replacement parts for engines, transmissions, body panels, electrical components, and more. Whether you need a specific Kia SUV part or a general auto part, salvage yards can be a cost-effective option.
Can I buy Kia parts online from salvage yards?
Yes, many Kia salvage yards have an online presence, allowing customers to browse and purchase Kia parts through their websites. You can search for specific parts, compare prices, and have them shipped to your location.
Are Kia transmissions available at salvage yards?
Yes, Kia salvage yards often have a stock of used transmissions from salvaged vehicles. It’s advisable to check the condition and mileage of the transmission before purchasing.
Can I find replacement parts for my Kia SUV at a salvage yard?
Absolutely! Salvage yards frequently stock parts for Kia SUV models like the Sportage and Sorento. This includes components for both interior and exterior repairs or replacement parts.
Are the used engines sold by Kia salvage yards reliable?
While the reliability of used engines may vary, reputable Kia salvage yards thoroughly inspect and test their parts. It’s recommended to inquire about warranty options and the testing procedures the salvage yard follows before making a purchase.
