Owning a car is never cheap, but you do not always have to pay top dollar for every part or accessory. Some items perform just as well when bought secondhand and can save you hundreds or even thousands compared to buying new from the dealer. Smart shoppers and seasoned mechanics know exactly which parts are safe to reuse and where the biggest savings are found. Here are 11 things you should always consider buying secondhand for your car, with real world price comparisons to show the savings.
Wheels and Rims
Factory wheels and aftermarket rims are notorious for dealer markups. A brand new set of OEM wheels for a BMW 3 Series can cost over 2,000 dollars, while aftermarket sets can climb even higher. A secondhand set in good condition from a recycler or online marketplace often sells for 400 to 700 dollars. As long as you check for cracks, bends, or welding repairs, used wheels are one of the smartest secondhand purchases.
Tires with Low Miles
Brand new tires can cost a fortune, especially on larger SUVs or performance cars. A set of Michelin tires for a Ford Explorer might run 1,000 dollars new, but you can often find lightly used sets for 400 to 600 dollars. Dealers and tire shops sometimes remove nearly new tires from trade ins, and these are perfectly safe if they have plenty of tread left and no visible damage. Always check the DOT date to make sure they are not too old.
Floor Mats
Floor mats from the dealer are shockingly expensive. A set of factory mats for a Toyota Camry can cost 150 dollars or more, while premium carpet or all weather mats for a luxury SUV can top 250 dollars. Salvage yards and online listings often have clean used sets for as little as 30 to 50 dollars. Even if they are lightly stained, a good cleaning can make them look nearly new.
Roof Racks and Carriers
Roof racks, bike mounts, and cargo carriers are built from metal and durable plastics, which makes them perfect for buying used. A new Thule or Yakima cargo box can cost over 700 dollars. The same model secondhand is often available for 200 to 300 dollars. Since these accessories are designed to handle years of outdoor use, a secondhand rack or carrier will perform just as well once inspected for cracks or broken mounts.
Seats and Interior Trim
Replacing seats or interior panels through the dealer is prohibitively expensive. A leather seat replacement for a Cadillac Escalade can cost more than 1,500 dollars per seat. At a salvage yard, you might find a complete set of leather seats for 300 to 500 dollars. Trim panels, dashboards, and center consoles are also excellent secondhand buys. Salvage yards are full of clean interiors from cars that were written off due to exterior damage, giving you OEM quality for a fraction of the price.
Mirrors
Side and rear view mirrors are common casualties of tight parking spaces and accidents. A heated, power folding mirror on a modern SUV can cost 600 dollars new from the dealer. At a salvage yard, the same mirror might go for 100 to 150 dollars, often already painted in the right color for your car. Used mirrors save both money and the hassle of repainting.
Spare Tires and Jacks
Compact spares, jacks, and tool kits are frequently unused when cars end up in salvage yards. Buying new from the dealer can cost 250 dollars or more, while secondhand spares often sell for 50 to 75 dollars. As long as the spare tire is not too old and shows no cracks, this is an easy way to prepare for emergencies without spending big.
Radios and Infotainment Units
Factory radios and infotainment screens are some of the most expensive electronics in modern cars. A new replacement radio in a Honda Accord can cost 800 dollars, while an infotainment screen in a Mercedes Benz can top 2,000. Salvage yards and online sellers often have these units for 150 to 500 dollars. They are plug and play in most cases, saving you a fortune over dealer pricing.
Headlights and Taillights
Modern headlight assemblies with LED or HID technology can cost well over 1,000 dollars each. A set of taillights for a Dodge Charger or Ford F150 can run 600 to 800 dollars new. Secondhand, these parts are often available for one third of the price. As long as the lens is clear and the housing is intact with no cracks or moisture intrusion, a used headlight or taillight will function just as well.
Body Panels
Bodywork repairs are among the costliest fixes after an accident. A new fender or bumper from the dealer may cost 700 to 1,200 dollars before paint. At a salvage yard, you can find straight panels in usable condition for 100 to 300 dollars. If you are lucky, you might even find a part in the same color, saving you from repainting altogether. Used body panels are a favorite trick of body shops to cut repair costs.
Steering Wheels
A leather wrapped steering wheel can wear down over time, with peeling leather or faded trim. Replacing it new can cost 500 dollars or more, especially on higher end vehicles with heating or electronic controls. Salvage yards often have clean steering wheels for 100 to 200 dollars. Some enthusiasts even upgrade their wheels to sportier versions from higher trim levels by shopping secondhand.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
