Should You Buy Car Parts From a Wrecker

Mercedes Parts Australia

Buying replacement parts for your car, especially for Mercedes Benz and BMWs, can be a pain. More often than not, the spare parts are hard to find and highly expensive.

Let’s face it: buying new parts for your car is inevitable. So, why make it so tough?

The best option is to buy parts from a wrecker. A car wrecker is someone who completely dismantles cars that cannot be driven on the road. They then sell their salvaged parts individually.

So, if you want to purchase Mercedes Benz parts, we recommend going to a specialized wrecker, as it will be cheaper than the brand-new parts. Although before doing so, make sure you've done your research and know what to expect during this process.

To help you out, we’ve listed the pros and cons of buying parts from a wrecker to help you make the best decision.

Pros:

  • Good price

Wreckers offer parts at a cheaper rate than those of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. So, if you own an old car with some of its parts broken, then you might find its replacement in a wrecking yard for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Believe it or not, you tend to save 40-50% off new prices without compromising on the quality. You can also judge its quality by the look and feel. 

  • Great source for rare parts

Generally, wreckers have a range of sources for cars. So, they could likely have the spare part that you’re looking for or help you find the part you need. The part that needs replacing can be hard to find, perhaps due to owning an older car or a less common model. Therefore, finding a brand new one can be difficult; however, wreckers can help you with that. 

  • Provide specific advice if needed

Car wreckers not only provide you with the parts that you need, but also offer you extensive knowledge on all things car-related. They can provide you with expert advice on the make and model of your car. They can even help tell you what other parts are interchangeable with yours. So, if you need any specific advice for Mercedes Benz spare parts or any other car you own, then you can always reach out to the wreckers. 

  • Environmentally friendly approach

The used part you’re purchasing is already manufactured, of course. Furthermore, a wrecker recycles the part, reducing its environmental footprint. By purchasing a part from a wrecker, you’re being sustainable and reducing unnecessary waste.

Cons:

  • The hidden history of parts

When buying parts from a wrecker, a small amount of risk is involved. Most wreckers record the kilometers of a car when its parts were dismantled. However, some do not bother to keep track of such information. For some mechanical parts, it's good to know the history to prevent risk involved.

  • Some don’t offer warranties 

The majority of wreckers will provide you with a warranty for the parts, but some won’t. However, this warranty generally will only be for a few months as it is not brand new. This is not the case with OEM parts, which generally have warranty protection for one year.

  • Some mechanics don’t fit used parts

Several mechanics refuse to fit the used parts due to liability, warranty and insurance concerns. Many mechanics may only fit the part if you’re purchasing the part from their recommended wrecker.

On the whole, buying parts from a wrecker is a great way to save some money. All you need to do is find a reputed wrecker and make sure you have a mechanic who is happy to do the job.

Also read here to know where to look for spare car parts?