New parts can cost a fortune. When your car breaks down or needs a quick fix, you could be paying a premium for a part that doesn’t improve its performance or make it any more enjoyable to drive.
But there is good news: You don’t always need new parts. Thanks to a growing number of reliable platforms and tools, it’s easier than ever to find used parts online—and save big without sacrificing quality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying OEM used auto parts online, including how to search inventory, what to look out for, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why Buy Used Auto Parts Online?
If you’ve never considered looking for used parts online, it may be time to start. Buying used auto parts makes sense for a lot of reasons:
- Lower price than new parts
- OEM fit and finish—often straight from the original car or truck
- Eco-friendly: using recycled auto parts keeps materials out of landfills
- Easier access to hard-to-find components for older models
And thanks to modern websites and listing platforms, searching inventory across the country takes minutes. Instead of hours digging through a local junkyard, you can find your used part almost instantly online.
How to Find OEM Used Auto Parts Online
Step 1: Know What You’re Looking For
Start by identifying the exact auto part you need. This will take some diagnosing, but once you find it, do your best to find a part number if possible—it’ll make your search faster and your purchase smoother. You’ll also want to know:
- Your vehicle’s year, make, and model
- Trim level and engine size
- Whether you need left or right (especially for headlights, mirrors, and body parts)
If you’re unsure, your local mechanic or parts company can assist with finding the part, but may not have access to a used option.
Step 2: Find a Reliable Seller
For stock parts, you have options—from independent sellers to nationwide salvage yard networks and online auto platforms. But, not every option is equally as safe and reliable. Stick with sellers who:
- Clearly list their inventory
- Provide warranty info
- Include detailed car part photos
- Offer verified fitment tools for your vehicle
If you’re shopping for a rare OEM used auto part, you might not have as many options. It might be necessary to search listings on forums and be open to shopping from sellers in different locations across the country. Rare parts are hard to keep in stock and often demand high prices.
Step 3: Search Smart
In the sea of used parts available online, do your best to narrow your search. Use filters on the website to search by:
- Make/model
- Zip code or location
- Specific auto part
- OEM or aftermarket
Pay attention to search results that include fitment details and warranty options. Some tools even allow you to pull matching used auto parts online from junkyards near you or get them shipped.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Before completing your purchase, ask:
- Is this an OEM or aftermarket part? OEM means the original manufacturer produced it, while aftermarket means it could come from any source.
- What’s the condition? Is it like-new, tested, or refurbished?
- Is there a return policy? What if it doesn’t fit or they send the wrong part?
- How long will shipping take to my location? With used auto parts, the wait could be quite a while.
- Has the part been tested or inspected? Can you ask for specific pictures?
Being thorough here ensures you get the right part the first time.
Step 5: Understand Pricing
While you can find great prices, remember that used auto parts still vary based on condition, rarity, and vehicle compatibility. Here’s what typically affects price:
- Premium parts (engines, transmissions) may cost more but offer huge savings over new assemblies from the factory.
- Age and mileage of the car it came from are a factor. Newer parts with fewer miles are worth more than older parts that are closer to their end of usefulness.
- Rarity is also a factor. If a part is essentially for a restoration or to keep a vehicle running, and there aren’t many of them around anymore, the price will be higher.
Always compare a few sources before locking in a deal.
Step 6: Consider Warranty & Return Policies
Not all auto parts come with a warranty—but it’s a big plus when they do. Many used sellers who offer refurbishment services now include short-term guarantees, especially for higher-value parts. Check if the seller will accept returns in case the part doesn’t fit or arrives damaged.
Pro Tip: Use the Right Tools and Resources
Modern platforms often offer VIN-based lookup tools, compatibility checkers, and resource libraries to help you buy with confidence. Some local sellers also offer installation services or local pull and pay options, where you grab the part yourself from a salvage yard. They list the vehicle online, and you find the part when you arrive on site.
Buying Used Doesn’t Mean Settling
Finding used parts online isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about being smart. With a little research and the right source, you can get high-quality used auto parts that match your vehicle, save money, and keep your car running longer.
At Vivid Racing, we carry tons of used parts that still have plenty of life left. We inspect them to make sure they’re in good condition and then list them in our online shop inventory. We carry many parts you might not be able to find anywhere else online, at a price that you can afford (even if you drive a rare old car). Start your next search for used auto parts on VividRacing.com.
