If you have used auto parts to sell, getting cash for them may have more options than you think. There will be different buyers for different car parts and the amount you get will vary depending on the quality and the buyer. In this article below I will discuss the best options and guide you on where to sell used auto parts. I will also share my experience with the place that buys used car parts near me.
Map of Who Buys Used Car Parts Near Me
For “Who Buys Used Car Parts Near Me” or “Where to Sell Used Car Parts Near Me”, see the map below…
The place that buys used car parts near me is my local auto junk yard. There are other options besides junkyards though and we will cover them here…
Selling used car parts is about understanding your audience. The better you see your buyer, the more money you can get. For example, you shouldn’t try and sell Ford parts to a JDM shop. Even if they are 1957 Ford Thunderbird original parts, a JDM shop doesn’t have much value for them and perhaps doesn’t know the value. Taking the right parts to the right buyer is key to getting the most money!
Who Buys Used Car Parts Near Me
Before we dive into your options let’s first address three of the most commonly sold car parts on the second-hand market. The three parts are tires, wheels, and car batteries. These used parts have plenty of online buyers and local options as well.
Here is where you can look for selling these specific car parts:
These products tend to have more options because for example a place that sells used car batteries will buy your old one.
Now let’s talk about all the other car parts. You have parts that are still functional and you want to sell them, where do you take them? What kind of parts can you sell?
Local Auto Salvage
Your local salvage yard is your best general option. These places buy junk cars and then sell off the functioning parts. They will buy used auto parts from you and then sell them. What you must understand though is that they are in the business of making money. If they are selling used alternators for $18, they are not giving you much money if you have an alternator to sell. You can reasonably expect $5 to $8 for your alternator so they can sell it for $18 and make a profit.
At your local junkyard, they are going to only buy used parts from you from popular models of vehicles that they know will sell. Since your average junkyard carries various makes and models, they have a huge market, but low demand for some specific parts. There also not going to purchase anything from you that is not in a quality enough condition for resale.
Find Salvages That Specialize in a Make and Model for Higher Profit
Let’s say you have a vehicle that has an enthusiastic group of followers. Like Mustangs, Corvettes, Jeeps, etc. There are yards that specialize in just these types of vehicles. So their consumers are very niche and often go to these places for restoration projects. You can sell your used car parts to a specialized salvage and often get more money since they have a very specific audience with a very specific need.
Depending on the part you have they may take something a little bit lower quality if it is a rare or hard-to-find part. This is the beauty of a yard that specializes they know their audience well and know exactly what people are looking for.
Specialized Used Car Part Buyers
There are some buyers who buy only specific parts. For example, there are used tire buyers, used rim buyers, and even used catalytic converter buyers. A specialized shop is often the best way to get the most value from your car parts since they know the market the best.
Who Buys Used Car Parts Near Me – Other Options
When it comes to local places salvage yards are your best secondary market buyers. It is a no-brainer. There are however three other options to consider, but you need to have the right parts. Same as a salvage yard they are going to offer you minimal amounts since they need to sell the parts for a profit.
Local Mechanic
Your local mechanic may buy used auto parts from you. If you have a popular model of vehicle parts like a Toyota Corolla your local mechanic may have interest. Many parts on these vehicles are interchangeable on various other models and years from the same manufacturer. This is true of a lot of brands like Toyota Nissan, Ford, Chevy, etc…
Custom Shop or Tuning Shop
Shops that custom build or tune cars often look for used parts. Finding a shop that specializes in your manufacturer is key to getting the most money. For example, a shop that tunes and customizes Subies would be a great option if you had used STI parts.
Pawn Shops
A pawn shop is my least favorite option because they don’t specialize in vehicles. That means the parts you have must be highly coveted and super rare. They aren’t going to be interested in an inline six from 90’s Skyline, even if you and I both know that should fetch a good price. They would be interested in the dashboard of 60’s DB5.
Where is the Easiest Place to Sell Used Car Parts
Ebay and Craigslist are your two best and easiest options. Obviously, you don’t need to leave your house, but the other advantage is you can reach a broader audience. Also, you are the seller and you can get the price you want for the used auto parts.
The trick to selling on these platforms is taking good pictures, setting a reasonable price, and selling parts people actually look for.
Aside from those venues, there are other opportunities to sell related automotive accessories. For example, there are places that buy used car batteries and places that buy used motor oil and filters.
Sell Used Car Parts That Buyers Actually Shop For
Electronics
For a used part to sell it has to be clean, functional, and priced reasonably. There also needs to be a market for it. Parts that commonly sell pretty easily are GPS, radios, subwoofers and amps, and speakers. Any electronics are generally good. You may even find specialized places that buy certain pieces like car radios if they are in good condition.
Mechanical Auto Parts
Mechanical vehicle parts can sell well on the secondary market. Think about what breaks or needs replacement on a car most often and that is the stuff that sells easiest. Tires, wheels, batteries, headlight inserts, tail light inserts, etc…Mirrors are also good, especially for older vehicle models.
Anything for classic cars can do really well also. The more popular the manufacturer or the collector base is the easier the mechanical parts are to sell.
Not All Used Car Parts are Sellable
Just like you shouldn’t buy certain auto parts from junkyards, some parts have no value on the secondary market. So you shouldn’t try and sell belts, hoses, brake pads, spark plugs, filters, etc. These parts are cheap brand new and people will not be interested in buying them used from you.
Buyers Only Want Used Car Parts That Work…
The place that buys used car parts near me will actually test and thoroughly inspect any part they buy. They will not take your word for it that it is functional. Even if you are selling a subwoofer, someone will hook it up to an amp and make sure that the speaker isn’t blown. If you are selling a side view mirror they are going to make sure it isn’t cracked and that the mirror moves properly inside the encasement.
The parts don’t need to be in perfect condition, but they must work. Everyone understands these are used parts, but if you try and sell someone parts that don’t work, you are going to embarrass yourself.
A Note About Liability When Selling Used Car Parts
When you sell used auto parts, you should make sure you sign a bill of sale and ask to waive any liability. If somewhere in the future a liability claim is made for a defective used auto part liability can sit with anyone in the distribution chain. This means from the manufacturer all the way down to who sold the parts used.
It does take a lot of proof to claim liability for a defective car part. They need to establish what caused the problem like design, manufacturing, or perhaps customizations made to it. That is part of determining who is at fault.
So to protect yourself you should aim to have some basic paperwork written up when selling used car parts. Probably not a big deal if you are selling a side-view mirror, but could be a big deal if you are selling a transmission.
The Advantages of Buying Used Car Parts
Buying used car parts can offer numerous advantages, especially for those looking to save money and make eco-conscious choices. When you’re dealing with a junk car or an old vehicle, it can be costly to replace parts with brand-new ones. This is where auto recyclers and sellers of used car parts come into play. A quick Google search for auto parts online will reveal a plethora of options, making it easy to locate the specific components you need for your vehicle.
One of the primary advantages of buying used car parts is the significant cost savings compared to purchasing new ones. Not only do you pay a fraction of the price, but you also reduce the environmental impact by recycling and reusing existing components, which is beneficial for junk cars and the planet. Moreover, selling auto parts from old cars can be a profitable venture for those looking to make some extra cash or offset their own vehicle maintenance costs.
Another advantage is that you can often find rare or hard-to-find parts through these sellers, saving you the hassle of searching endlessly for new replacements. While some concerns may arise about shipping costs, the overall benefits of purchasing used car parts, like lower prices and reduced waste, often outweigh these potential expenses.
Who Buys Used Car Parts Near Me – Wrap-Up
If you are looking to sell used car parts you have a few options. A salvage yard is great, but a specialized salvage is even better. The downside to these options is that you won’t get a high offer because they need to resell it for a profit.
The easiest option for selling used auto parts is of course Ebay and Craigslist. Just make sure you take good pictures and you are honest about the quality and condition. While not all used parts are sellable on the second-hand market, you can find a buyer for many parts and set your own price. This is what I have learned from the place that buys used car parts near me.
FAQ: Who Buys Used Car Parts Near Me?
Where can I sell my old car parts near me?
You can sell auto parts at various places, including auto salvage yards, scrap yards, online marketplaces, and through local classified ads. Finding a nearby buyer depends on your location and the specific parts you have.
What types of used car parts can I sell?
You can sell a wide range of used car parts, including engines, transmissions, tires, wheels, body panels, electrical components, and more. There is often demand for both common and rare parts.
Do I need to dismantle the car parts myself before selling them?
It’s not always necessary to dismantle the parts yourself, as some buyers may be interested in buying the whole car for dismantling. However, for specific high-value parts, you can dismantle them to potentially get a better price.
Are there online platforms where I can sell my old car parts?
Yes, there are many online marketplaces and platforms where you can list and sell your old car parts. Popular options include eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and specialized auto parts websites.
Can I sell car parts that are in poor condition or damaged?
Yes, you can still sell car parts in poor condition or damaged. Some buyers specialize in refurbishing or recycling such parts, while others may need specific components for repair or restoration projects.
