I’m going to tell you one of the “best kept secrets” of how to find discount auto parts, but let’s get the relatively obvious ones out in the open first. You can spend your time surfing the internet, and googling “discount auto parts”. This is a great way to get auto parts at an incredible rate. Easily, you can save fifty to seventy-five percent off of over the counter dealership costs. Craigslist.org is an excellent source for just about anything you can imagine. The site is easy to navigate, and easy to sign up for. Of course, buyer beware. If it’s possible to make sure your part works prior to the purchase at an auction site, or even an individual seller, do it. Trying to get your money back will be next to impossible. Do a search for the specific part you are looking for. Again, buyer beware, but you can get some great deals! Junk yards can also be an excellent source. Most of the time you will need to have some knowledge of the part you are looking for, but they also usually have someone there who will help you find what you need and remove it from the vehicle they have that has your part. Many of the junk yards will also accept returns. They may make it “store credit” instead of an actual refund, but you will probably not be out entirely. The best kept secret of all, though, in my opinion, are abandoned vehicle auctions. You can call your local towing companies and ask them when they will be having their auctions. Many have a mailing list telling you what is coming up for sale. They don’t have to advertise in the paper what type of vehicles are going to auction, so if you’re not already on a mailing list, give them a call. One of the downsides to abandoned vehicle sales is that if they don’t have keys, you wont be able to start the vehicle. They do, however, allow for you to view the vehicles before the auction starts. You can easily see if they have the part you need! Some of the vehicles were abandoned to begin with, so the company wont know if they run or not, but many of them were arrests or accidents, and have running motor parts or good interior parts. Remember though, there are no guarantees with auto auctions. At an auction, you will need to purchase the entire vehicle. They do not part them out. You may not have the room for a “spare parts car” where you live. But, consider this. You buy the car for all of the parts you need, then, take it to a junk yard to dispose of the rest of it. Sometimes, they will even pay you for the vehicle, which could cancel out the entire cost for the parts you are looking for. Abandoned vehicle auctions are one of the best kept secrets around. You can get parts you need, or a running vehicle for a fraction of their value. I would highly encourage you to look into this before you check into the more obvious choices we know about. It could turn out to be a pleasant experience that also serves the need you have. Happy auctioning! Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil