Buying Used Car Parts from a Breaker: A Practical Guide

A breakers yard is often the cheapest way to fix a car: a used original part is commonly a fraction of the price of a new one, and is often better quality than a cheap pattern part. A little preparation makes it go smoothly.

Have this ready before you call

• Your registration number. Yards use it to look up the exact model, engine code and trim.
• The VIN (on the V5C and usually at the base of the windscreen) for parts that vary within a model.
• The part number stamped on the old part, if you can see it. This is the surest way to an exact match.
• Colour code for body panels, bumpers and mirrors, usually on a plate in the door shut or under the bonnet.

Pulled for you, or pick your own?

Most UK yards remove the part for you and have it ready to collect or post. A few run “pick your own” areas where you bring tools and take the part off yourself for a lower price. Ask before you go.

Ask about warranty

Many breakers give 30 to 90 days on mechanical parts such as engines, gearboxes and turbos, and some offer paid extended cover. Electrical parts are often sold as tested rather than guaranteed. Ask what’s covered, whether it covers labour, and get it on the receipt.

Your rights

When you buy from a business, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to used goods too. A part must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality, judged against its age and price. If a part is faulty, you have a short-term right to reject it within 30 days. Private sellers aren’t covered in the same way, which is one reason to buy from an established yard.

Buy these new instead

Some parts are best bought new, or only from a source you trust completely:

• Brake discs, pads and hoses, which wear and are cheap new.
• Timing belts and water pumps, because you can’t easily tell how worn a used one is.
• Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. These are safety parts. If you do buy used, have them fitted and checked by a professional.
• Tyres, unless you can check the date code, tread depth and condition yourself.

Find the part

Start with specialist breakers for your make, who often hold more stock for one family of cars, then widen to general yards near you. Many yards post parts nationwide, so the nearest yard isn’t always the only option.