Should you install new or used car parts? The answer depends on a number of factors, including:
Click on each factor to learn more. You might also be interested in learning what reconditioned, rebuilt, OEM, and aftermarket parts mean.
If you are looking for a mechanic you can trust, contact Hansma.
New or Used Car Parts? Which Is Better?
1. The type of part you need
Choose new car parts if the part will wear out fast
The type of part that you need for your car should play a big part in your decision to get new or used car parts.
Types of parts that should be installed new:
If you are replacing a part that wears out quickly, especially those that are made with rubber, then purchasing new parts makes more sense. These types of parts include:
Windshield wipers
Suspension components
Rotors
In addition, parts that are vital to your safety such as airbags, are better to install new, just to be sure.
Types of parts that can be installed used:
Used car parts: Choose those with longer lifespans like transmissions
Parts that have a longer lifespan are better choices for used parts. These include:
Carburetors
Engines
Body parts (doors, fenders, hoods, etc.)
2. The age of your vehicle
If your vehicle is newer, then you should install new parts
The age of your vehicle will also play an important part in your decision whether or not to install new or used car parts.
Older Vehicles:
If your vehicle is older, then you may not want to spend the money on a new part that will last longer than your vehicle.
For example, if you think that your car will last you about another 5 years, then installing a new car part that is guaranteed to last you 10 years is probably not worth the extra investment.
In addition, you should consider the value of your car. It doesn't make sense to install a new car part that costs more than your car is actually worth.
Newer Vehicles:
If your vehicle is newer and you plan on having it for a long time then you probably should invest in new parts. You don't want to replace a part and then have to do the same repair again in a short period of time.
3. Your budget
An unexpected repair may not be in your budget so used parts could be your best choice
Your budget can also be a huge factor when it comes to deciding on new or used car parts. New parts can be very expensive. In fact, depending on the part, you may end up paying up to 50% more for a new part over a used one.
If the car repair is unexpected and you haven't budgeted for it, then used car parts may be the only thing you can afford.
4. The availability of the part
You may not be able to find used parts for newer or niche vehicles
If your vehicle is older, then you may not be able to get a new part for it and so your only choice is to go with a used part.
On the other hand, if your vehicle is newer or if it is a less common model, then there may not be any used parts available, so you will need to purchase new parts.
5. The type of warranty, if any, the part has
New car parts usually come with much better warranties that will protect you longer from any maintenance or repair costs. Even if your used part comes with a warranty, it won't be for as long or as comprehensive as a new part warranty.
remanufactured, rebuilt, OEM, and AfterMarket parts
Remanufactured parts usually have the same lifespan as new parts
Remanufactured:
A remanufactured part refers to a used part that has had all wearable components replaced whether they are broken or not, making them just as reliable as a brand new part. Remanufactured parts are made as close to new as possible. They should have the same lifespan as a new part and will often have a warranty that is just as long as a new part would have.
Remanufactured parts are less expensive to buy than OEM or After market parts, but they are more expensive than rebuilt parts.
Rebuilt:
Rebuilt parts refer to parts that have been cleaned, inspected, and had only worn or broken parts replaced. Any components that fit within the manufacturer's wear limits are reused. Rebuilt parts are less expensive than OEM, after market, and remanufactured parts, but they are more expensive than buying a used part that has had nothing done to it.
Rebuilt parts have only worn or broken components replaced
OEM:
OEM stands for an original equipment manufacturer. An OEM part is a part that was made by the manufacturer of your vehicle or by another company that has made it to the original manufacturer's exact specifications. These are genuine parts that will be supplied by the manufacturer in their own packaging.
OEM parts are the most expensive type of part that you can buy.
Aftermarket Parts:
Aftermarket parts refer to any parts that are made by any other company. These types of parts are often made to be very close to the original specifications. Aftermarket parts are less expensive than OEM parts, but they are more expensive than buying used parts because they are new.
YOU CAN TRUST HANSMA AUTOMOTIVE for all your car repairs
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region and you need vehicle repairs, Hansma Automotive can help. You can trust Hansma with all of your car repairs.
At Hansma Automotive, we believe that preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding expensive vehicle repairs, so contact us to avoid nasty surprises on the road!
Most repairs can be done in a few hours, and we have a shuttle service to keep you living your life even when your car is in the shop.
As a Tech-Net professional auto repair facility, Hansma Automotive is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional auto service repair at a reasonable cost.
We use quality CARQUEST auto parts, guaranteed coast to coast. We stand on sound business principles and uphold high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive repair experience friendly and successful.
By providing good, old-fashioned customer service over the years, Hansma Automotive has gained a loyal following in the community.
Many hundreds of area residents have come to depend on our team, rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep their family vehicles in peak running condition.
The success of our neighbourhood business has been built on a foundation of customer satisfaction. Indeed, satisfied clients are our best form of advertising. Our 'word-of-mouth referrals' continue to be our largest source of new customers.
"Great place, friendly staff and the only place I trust my car with now. I highly recommend this place. Trustworthy"
- Arash Tehrani
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