subject: Selecting Reconditioned Car Parts [print this page] There are many things to consider when shopping for car parts. For example, if your starter is making strange noises, it may be time to replace it. Can you do the job yourself? Where do you go for the right part? What choices will you be facing as you look for a starter replacement? Here are some points to think about. Making The Right Decision
You may face several decisions while looking for the right part. You can search for a starter at a parts store website. Put in information asked for, and you will see starters that fit your car. It may pull up a list of several that will fit. Which one do you buy? Some are re-manufactured and some are new. Some have a short warranty and others have a lifetime warranty. How do you make the right decision? Re-Manufactured
Many parts that you can buy will be rebuilt. This is not the same as a used part from a salvage yard. When you buy a re-manufactured or rebuilt part there is an extra fee. It is called a core charge. For example, the starter might be fifty dollars. The core charge might be fifteen dollars. The initial cost will be sixty-five dollars. When you bring your old part in, the store refunds you the core charge. As long as the starter is not severely damaged, you will get the money back. Where Does My Used Part Go?
Some places will ask that you save a box or container that the part was in. They will use that to send the part back to be rebuilt. New parts will be added to it, and it will be made workable again. Parts Which Are Brand New
A new starter is one that has never been on a car before. It is all brand new. They will usually be more expensive than re-manufactured parts.
Does The Warranty Matter?
How long do you plan to keep your present vehicle? That can determine your warranty decisions. Consider a longer warranty if you have no plans to replace your car. If you will not be keeping it long, any warranty will probably do. A LLT warranty will be your best choice in many cases. It is a limited lifetime warranty. Usually you just bring it back if it fails, at any time. You will be given a suitable replacement part. You may pay more for a lifetime warranty, but you will probably get a better part. With any warranty, always read it to be certain. Summary
The decision to buy new or re-manufactured car parts can be determined by the warranty. Also take into consideration how long you plan to keep your car. Always read parts warranties to be certain of your rights.
