How to find cheap parts
(New page: A lot of people ask me how I get such cheap parts. Firstly, I'm poor, so I research parts for three days sometimes before I find the best one at the lowest price. Lack of funds causes yo...) |
|||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
== Know your quality brands, know your junk == | == Know your quality brands, know your junk == | ||
| − | In addition to knowing which type of part you need, its wise to know what brands will offer the most bang for the buck. Many times there is no need to spend the extra money on the factory original part. In fact, many factory original parts are pretty pathetic pieces that were supplied to the auto maker by the lowest bidder. For instance, you might find that Gates belts and hoses are cheaper and better than the original ones that came on your vehicle. Other times you might find that the economy replacement part is really junk and should be left on the shelf. Knowing which ones work best is key to maximizing the quality of the parts you get for your money. One of the best ways to find out which ones work best is to ask the parts dealer... and when I say parts dealer, I don't mean a retail parts-store employee trying to get a bonus for upselling a premium part. Ask at your wholesaler. Which parts have fewer returns for defects? Chances are they've handled every brand that comes through the door and they can attest to their quality first-hand. Asking on forums will get you widely varying results. On one forum, perhaps someone made a compelling argument for one brand because it worked for him/her, but the truth is somewhat obscured by the opinions of forum members and an inaccurate grasp of their experience. Does this person have 10 years experience in a shop that specializes in your vehicle, or is it a shade-tree mechanic who just changed their own brakes last week and wants to chime in? | + | In addition to knowing which type of part you need, its wise to know what brands will offer the most bang for the buck. Many times there is no need to spend the extra money on the factory original part. In fact, many factory original parts are pretty pathetic pieces that were supplied to the auto maker by the lowest bidder. For instance, you might find that Gates belts and hoses are cheaper and better than the original ones that came on your vehicle. Other times you might find that the economy replacement part is really junk and should be left on the shelf. Knowing which ones work best is key to maximizing the quality of the parts you get for your money. One of the best ways to find out which ones work best is to ask the parts dealer... and when I say parts dealer, I don't mean a retail parts-store employee trying to get a bonus for upselling a premium part. Ask at your wholesaler. (see next section) Which parts have fewer returns for defects? Chances are they've handled every brand that comes through the door and they can attest to their quality first-hand. Asking on forums will get you widely varying results. On one forum, perhaps someone made a compelling argument for one brand because it worked for him/her, but the truth is somewhat obscured by the opinions of forum members and an inaccurate grasp of their experience. Does this person have 10 years experience in a shop that specializes in your vehicle, or is it a shade-tree mechanic who just changed their own brakes last week and wants to chime in? |
Your Privacy Choices