Locating auto parts is almost like following a corporate flow chart. Start with the place where you would most like to get the part. If it's not available, explore other options. Aside from vehicle dealers and auto parts shops, you may also be able to find car parts in junkyards, online or advertised locally. Before you start shopping, make sure you know exactly what you're looking for.
Instructions
1. Gather as much information as possible about your car to make sure you get the right parts. This includes the make, model and year of production, any special trim packages, optional features that may have been added or installed, and the engine size.
2. Start with the dealer, if possible. This will give you a price point to compare with other sources for vehicle parts. Often the dealer will be one of the more expensive options, but some consider it worth the extra money to have OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or factory-standard parts, as opposed to generic parts that might be very slightly off specification.
3. Call auto-parts stores in your area and inquire whether they have the parts. If they do have the parts, ask how much they are. If they don't have the parts, ask how much it would cost you to order them and how long it would take for them to arrive. Make sure that any shipping costs and special order fees are included in the quote, and ask--or compare for yourself--if you might get a better deal by ordering the part from the same company online.
4. Contact junkyards and used part dealers. These will usually be listed in a subhead of the Automotive section of the local yellow pages. Try to find the parts locally if possible but, if you urgently need the part and are willing to pay shipping costs, extend your search to the next nearest towns if necessary.
5. Check the classified ads in your local newspaper and also online classifieds like Craigslist.org. You're looking for inexpensive cars of your make and model that might be worth purchasing for parts; some vehicles will be specifically labeled as being parted out--either they don't run any longer or they were badly damaged in a wreck--in which case you might be able to purchase just the part you need instead of the vehicle itself. Others may simply be for sale so cheaply that using them for parts is a cost-effective option.
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