How to Find Cost-Effective Replacement Parts for Your Import Car
If you own an imported car, you may enjoy the novelty and the high build standards associated with some of the European brands. However, you may struggle to find a dealership that caters for that particular make and model and as a consequence may be having some difficulty in sourcing some crucial spare parts. Have you considered going to a wrecker's yard, at all? You may think that these places are intimidating and that you really need to be a qualified mechanic in order to take full advantage of them, but that's not the case. What do you need to know about this type of facility, so you can consider this option for your upcoming repair job?
Full Service or DIY?
There are a number of wrecker's yards in all major cities across Australia and they essentially come in two different categories. You can either decide to go in, roll your sleeves up and pick your parts, or you can find facilities that are full service. In your case, it might be best to choose the latter, as you will be able to request particular items and get them delivered for your collection upon payment, rather than having to crawl underneath the vehicle to get it yourself.
Narrowing It Down
The first thing to do is to call ahead to see exactly what brands they specialise in. Some will focus on import Europeans and Japanese and you may well be able to find what you're looking for here.
Exploration
Once you get to the lot, you can certainly explore the facility yourself and many of the better ones have their yard divided according to the point of origin or vehicle manufacturer. They may well require you to sign a release of liability form when you enter, but then you will be able to look for your particular make and model of car.
Pricing
Most facilities will price individual components across the board, so if you have a more expensive model you could make considerable savings, versus new. You will need to inspect any options that are found for you, however as remember that these parts are not guaranteed as new or in pristine condition. If the part you're looking for is mechanical, then you might be advised to take a friendly technician with you, as well.
Eye to the Future
Finally, while you are there you might want to look into your crystal ball and predict what you might need in the future. If bargains are available, then it's worth your while creating a stockpile of parts that you're likely to need.
Picking up the Phone
Get in touch with your full-service wrecker's yard to see if they have the Volvo auto parts you're looking for.