Shop around for parts, especially in places where there are a large number of parts suppliers. An example of this is when we priced a CV joint for a Nissan Sunny. From a wrecker it was $250 and we had to take it off ourselves. The cost of a new part from a dealer was $189, but in the end it was cheaper to drive to Auckland and have the whole job done for $90.
Buying parts from a wrecker can be a huge trap for the unknowing. More often than not (from personal experience) a wrecker will charge as good as or more than the retail price for a part. Also there is a danger of buying a part that may be worn and not last long in any case. Obviously trim and other pieces are better bought second hand than new, but again it’s worth checking the new price. I have not bought anything from a wrecker in years; in the long run it’s simply not worth it.
09
Aug