Used or new parts? Poll

[crash93ssei]

When you need parts for your car, do you bargain hunt and take the risk with used parts or do you prefer new parts with a warranty and greater cost?

I almost always go used over new. When it comes to parts like starters, alternators, CV axles and wheel bearings, most of the time I don't even bother looking at new prices, I either use what I have on hand from parts cars, call harofreak, or hit up the local salvage yards. While I have had used parts fail, I have actually had really good luck with used parts and have overall saved a considerable amount of money over the years. This applies to all vehicles I have ever owned, not just the Bonnevilles.

I have also put on used brakes if they are good. I know some would recommend not doing so, but the way I see it the brakes I already have are used so what's the difference if they are in good condition.

[2003 SSEi]

used all the way.

Most of my mods came from the U-pull it yards. my belief is that a OEM part even used is miles ahead of a new Aftermarket part.

Plus for me, entering shows, the OEM part has the fit and look. Sometimes aftermarket does not look the same

[repinS]

I don't mind used, and definitely prefer it to low-end new or reman parts. If I buy new, I end up spending a little extra to get something higher quality that will last a long time. The bargain basement new parts simply do not last.

I think a lot of people go new if they are not doing the work themselves. Can't cheap out on new parts if you go this route either.

[MattStrike]

I usually get things used, or I try to rebuild what I have.

But some parts I just buy new, like struts, brakes, brake lines and fuel lines, fuel tank and sending unit (because rust...), seals/gaskets/bearings, rebuild kits, etc.

[harofreak00]

I don't buy either, I just go down in the basement and grab what I need.

[J Wikoff]

It depends. Brakes, always new. Does it spin and/or have wear surfaces? New. Electrical (non-sensor)? Used if it's working. Sensors, depending on cost or how it senses. Not afraid of a used MAF. O2 sensors gotta be new. Superchargers, USED.

[94SilverSSEi]

Depends what it is. Brakes, struts, suspension parts, lines and fluids are always brand new. But having a supply of spare parts is always nice. I can't even count how many times I've swapped spares.

I also compare costs with discount at advance vs salvage yard. (We don't have a u-pull-it, anywhere close). So usually new price is comparable to junkyard so I just go new.

[ga93sle]

I used to only use new parts, but since I've started working at the salvage yard, I'm starting to make the transition to used and I've been pretty happy so far.

[BonnieBoy08]

I don't buy either, I just go down in the basement and grab what I need.

must be nice! We don't all have that luxury

[crash93ssei]

I don't buy either, I just go down in the basement and grab what I need.

must be nice! We don't all have that luxury

90% of the time I do

[00Beast]

I agree, it depends. On the Bonne, it got plenty of used. G8 doesn't have that luxury. It also depends on how long I plan on keeping said part or vehicle. I'd only use used things like brake rotors, hubs, calipers, pulleys, etc if I was doing it to get a vehicle back on the road to sell it soon. Otherwise it's worth it to me to get a quality new part that will last a long time and not have to do it again.

I'll get used tires if I can inspect them and check the dates on them. Any maintenance or wear parts it's new. I'd never re-use old spark plug wires, plugs, O2 sensors, air filters (unless it was a reusable of a known brand), etc. They have a definite life, therefore I want to use a new part that will give me that lifespan again, instead of replacing it 3 more times just because it was "cheap".

[Zeik75]

Depends on what it is. I have learned that the cheapest of used parts aren't worth it. I have went through a couple sensors because i bought cheap ones so now I just go pull some used ones and have had better luck. Parts like struts, bearings, and seal/gaskets i buy new or try to clean and reuse depending on the condition. Body parts are way cheaper from yards same with interior trim or switches.

I've had enough new parts fail really early at this point that i always try to rebuild or or get used oem parts. And i agree with 2003SSEi that oem parts look better. Some aftermarkets just look "cheesy"

[GotBonneBWitMe]

Depends. Ive used used brakes from the JY but they were BARELY used. Cause sometimes people may have accidents that total their car soon after they put on new parts; it can happen at any time. Used tires, rotors, and if I can see a new caliper then that too. Interior parts of course, cause in many cases it just needs to be cleaned. Struts/ Shocks I like them new so I don't go used there. I don't even like to use used sensors, I like those new as well. Lights, bumpers, and pieces like that I don't mind used as well either.

Basically, most engine parts I buy new for that extra insurance. Much of the rest of the car I will go used parts depending on the condition.

[390Merc]

I just got 3 alternators from the Indianapolis pull-a-part yard this week. One appears to be a fairly fresh reman. unit. I ran it a couple days just to test it.
Got a stack of ignition modules this year too after my original failed on one coil.
Some stuff I've bought new, like a lifetime warranty fuel pump. Bought a new harmonic balancer (ATP brand) last night and installed it.

[macksdaddy77]

glad this is on here because im considering buying a used MAF from zzp as junkyards dont have ssei's around here.

[00Beast]

Don't buy a MAF from ZZP. Get one from harofreak00...

[Saturn Simon]

Depends what it is for me too. Again, brakes, suspension parts etc I would always buy new.

A lot of parts I would buy used, but mainly body, interior, and electrical parts.

Some things are not worth buying used, but sometimes a used part is preferable to an aftermarket 'pattern' part of inferior quality to the original.

Alternators and starter motors are commonly bought on an exchange basis over here. A specialist will sell you a reconditioned part in exchange for your old one. I usually opt to have my own starter or alternator reconditioned. I would take it off, take it round to the engineer to re-condition, and then collect it when he is done - often the next day.

[human]

I chose "used" but like several others, I think the poll is flawed by not having a choice for "both" because I think that would reflect most people's reality, mine included