Avoid Auto Repair Fraud
Reliably rebuilt...or not. You can find bargain priced starters if you decide to purchase one that has been rebuilt. True, the quality may be suspect, but the price cannot be beat...except at a junk yard. Remember: you get what you pay for!
Before anything else, make sure of the model and make of your car. Some models may require special parts and the part that you may find may not work with it just causing you to waste your time and money. If you're not the one who's restoring your vintage car, make sure that you bring it to a specialized auto repair shop to ensure that the work done will be satisfactory. These specialty shops have the proper knowledge and skills in vintage car restoration.
This is one of the most ridiculous but common scams I've heard off. Basically the dealer offers to window etch your VIN number in the window of your car for you, at a price ranging from $300 to $1000. Some people have tried to talk down the price, and they often succeed, but the dealer still makes a few hundreds off you. The easiest way to solve this problem? Just purchase a do it yourself window etching kit at any decent auto parts store. It only costs $20.
Dealer diamonds. One great thing about automobile dealers is that if you need a part they will have it on hand. If not, dealer parts departments will gladly order what you want straight from the manufacturer. Just like purchasing a diamond you will pay a pretty price for a dealer ordered starter. Ouch!
Make sure to replace your worn car parts before they start to show serious damage. This day and age, you can get after market parts. These are car parts manufactured with the intent of replacing worn down parts in your current car. After market parts can be pretty cheap, so you can save money. The problem with after market parts is that they will void your car's warranty when they are put in. Make sure to buy the right parts so you are sure that they will fit in your current vehicle. Having to return parts is a hassle and costs time and money.
The real problem comes from bad fits in repair jobs. The very minor differences can become critical, if they affect power or steering systems. From a purely mechanical perspective, a difference of a millimeter in parts can make the difference between working properly or working very badly. Those problems can literally be killers. If the parts are also in dubious or so-so condition, it means more problems.
Another option that you have is to buy reconditioned parts from an authorized - or private - service center. Even though, these are lkq part, they are almost as good as new ones. Have you ever wondered what happens to your vehicles' old parts when you order a replacement? Those parts are restored by the stores and they sell them for peanuts to people who don't want to spend on brand new parts. Not to mention that sometimes these parts carry a warranty with them. This is what makes it the next best thing after buying new parts, if not better than that.
I work in a parts store and we have the ability, for some cars not all, to show how to repair or replace that particular part. You just ask the counter person if that store has the ability to print such instructions out for you when you purchase a particular part.
There are often many junk yards in any town that will offer "you pull it" service. This means you can get a better price on 2nd hand car parts if you bring your own tools and remove the part yourself. You will also have a better chance to inspect and decide whether or not the part is in good enough condition for your use.
