If you are Nissan owner or mechanic the next place to get used parts cheap are at a Nissan Salvage Yard. The problem is there are not a lot of these specialized yards around, you could additionally look for JDM salvage yards, Import junk yards, or Japanese auto salvages. Below I will share with you how the Nissan salvage yards near me operate, how to find one located near you, advice on selling you Nissan to a junk yard, and some general pros and cons of buying used parts.
Map of Nissan Salvage Yards Near Me
For “Nissan Junk Yards Near Me” or “Nissan Salvage Yards Near Me”, see the map below…
If you don’t have too many results in your area, its likely because there are not a lot of Nissan auto salvages. You can try expanding your search for “Import junk yards near me” or “Japanese Auto Salvage Yards Near Me”. Any good car junk yard though should have a section for Nissan’s, so no matter what you can find used parts for your vehicle cheap.
How Does a Nissan Salvage Yard Operate
Nissan scrap yards are locally run. The Nissan salvage yards near me, do both buying and selling of Nissan cars and trucks. The cars they buy sometimes they sell straight off the lot, while others get scavenged and sold off as used parts.
How Do Nissan Autos Get in the Inventory
All auto scrap yards have different operating principals, but they generally all get their inventory through the same channels; the public and insurance companies. When an auto salvage get’s its cars from the public its because the owner deemed it inoperable, tried to repair it and couldn’t, or simply was looking to flip the car for cash without the hassle of dealing with a buyer. When yard gets its vehicles from an insurance company it is because the automobile was in an accident. The insurance company can offset some of the money they paid on a claim, by selling the wrecked car to an auto salvage.
How Nissan Junkyards Process Their Vehicles
When a Nissan comes in off the street, no matter its condition, it first needs to have some general maintenance done before it can go out in the lot.
First they will drain fluids like oil, gas, wiper fluid, and anti-freeze. The gasoline, anti-freeze, and wiper fluid, will get resold at heavy discounts, while the oil gets containerized and recycled according to the states laws.
Certain Nissan junkyards, might also pull out the battery and the motor. If they pull the battery they will test and recharge it for resale. If they pull the motor it will be sent to a 3rd party vendor, rebuilt, and resold with a warranty.
How a Nissan Junk Yard is Arranged
The Nissan salvage yards near me have the lot arranged by model and then year. If a junk yard is not organized in some logical way it can make finding what you need impossible. Organized yards are normally a sign of a well managed, business, while hap-hazard yards are often the opposite.
Most Nissan junk yards will have the most popular models and you may even be able to find some hard to find gems on the lot. Even a common auto salvage should have a section dedicated to Nissan. Here is a list of the most popular models you can find at a Nissan scrap yard…
- Maxima
- Altima
- Sentra
- Skyline
- Fronteir
- Pathfinder
- 370Z
- Murano
- Rogue
- Titan
- Versa
- NV Cargo
The Nissan salvage yards near me maintain an online database that allows you to get a glimpse into what models and years they have in stock. If you are seeking a specific OEM Nissan part, you can call in advance and see if its available. Its beneficial to save yourself some time and call ahead to ask questions like: “Do you have a side-view mirror for a mid 90’s Maxima”? or “Do you have an intake for a 2009 Altima”?
These lots also will carry salvage Infiniti parts, since these are also manufactured by Nissan.
What Kind of Used Nissan Parts Can You Find at a Junk Yard?
Nissan junk yards are the best place to find used Nissan parts cheap. You can find things like: seats, manifolds, full exhaust systems, water pumps, mirrors, doors, radiators, etc. At times you may even find brand new or barely used parts. Sometimes someone tries to fix their ride, by throwing parts at it. When the vehicle still doesn’t operate or work as intended, they junk the car for cash leaving the brand new parts on it.
What Happens After A Nissan Gets Stripped at the Junkyard?
Once a Nissan has been picked to the bone and has no more value to the salvage yard, they recycle what’s left for scrap metal. By doing this they make a few bucks on the scrap metal exchange, and they make room for more Nissan’s on the lot. A well managed car junk yard will recycle there cars roughly every six months. A poorly managed yard, leave the cars to rust.
Buying Used Nissan Parts at a Salvage Yard
Pros of Buying Used Nissan Parts at a Salvage Yard
There is no better way to save money on OEM Nissan parts, then a junkyard. You can get side view mirrors for under$15, an entire door for less than $60, and a car battery for about $12. You can’t beat junkyard prices not even on sites like Craigslist and Ebay. Actually one of the things I like to do is find great car parts at the auto salvage and then sell them online for a profit. There is a huge market for JDM parts f you know what to pick and sell.
If you are in the market for used OEM Nissan parts, as a rule of thumb, if the part is expensive, then purchase a warranty. A junk yard warranty will cost you anywhere between $10 and $15 per part. If you get the piece home and its not in working condition, you can bring it back to the scrap yard and exchange it. FYI most auto salvage yards do not offer cash back.
Another advantage of getting used auto parts from a junkyard is that you will find a lot of factory assembled OEM pieces. I find it gives me a little more confidence for the quality of the part and its use, when I know that some half ass uncertified mechanic hasn’t touched it.
For tips on pulling parts like a pro, read our best tips here
Cons of Buying Used Nissan Parts Cheap
Of course not all used parts you will find will be good. Its possible the used part you are buying has had thousands of miles put on it and it’s at the end of it’s life span. You could check the odometer to get an idea, but you don’t even know if that’s accurate. This is again why you should purchase a warranty for any expensive parts.
Additionally if you happen to go to a poorly managed car junk yard, you could spend all day walking around and never find what you need, This is why it is in your best interest to call ahead. Not only can you ask if they have specifically what you need, but can also get an idea of how the yard is laid out.
Tips For Selling Your Nissan to an Auto Salvage
Ready to junk your Nissan for cash? You should do the following before selling your vehicle to a salvage yard:
- Siphon all the gas out and save it to reuse yourself (why give away good gas)
- Take out all your personal stuff. Check the glove box, trunk, center console, and flaps on the back rests
- Cancel your insurance, registration, and plates (don’t have the auto salvage do it – they will charge you)
- Know the value of your Nissan before you negotiate a selling price
You may want to consider pre-pulling some parts and selling them on their own. Here are the parts you should consider.
When you sell your Nissan automobile to a junk yard you should know some of the underhanded negotiating tactics they use. To learn about more about these tactics and uncover the ins and outs of junk yard scams, read this article here.
Nissan Resources
Nissan Salvage Yards Near Me Conclusion
Junkyards and salvages are perfect for collectors, enthusiasts, and mechanics. You may not find many around or you may find combo yards like the Mazda Nissan Heaven in Texas. Even if you can’t find a yard that exclusively deals in Nissan, you will definitely find the brand well represented at almost any auto junk yard. No matter the type of yard, you will definitely have the opportunity to save tons of money on used Nissan parts.
Its worth mentioning again that you need to be aware of how junk yards work and some of the underhanded negotiating tactics they will use. Most yards though will run a fair and honest business and you won’t have any drama selling your vehicle. All in all that’s what I have learned from the Nissan salvage yards near me. Happy hunting…go save some money on used car parts!.