Used car parts ???

theboydiddy

What is your opinion on used parts ?
Reason why I ask, it is because I purchased my Z brand new and I feel like I should purchase brand new parts for it as well. It is only right. (I think)
But then again, I have friends telling me used parts are good. They're just used but can pull the same performance, or make your car look just as good. Then I have another group of friends who not only agree with me, but believes buying used parts it is just asking for trouble. You may save so money compared to a brand new part. But soon enough you'll have to either replace those used parts or have to fix them which after all prices would be the same as if I had purchased brand new parts to begin with. - I also like the "break in" part.
But what's everyone's thoughts on used parts ?

Chuck33079

Depends on the parts. I'd buy a used exhaust or intake if it's in good condition. Pipes are pipes. I'd never buy used brake components. Springs and sway bars don't wear out, so I'd be ok buying used. Shocks or coilovers do wear out, so I'd buy new.

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theDreamer

Depends on the part. Some will be fine for years with no issues every while others might need to be rebuilt or replaced.
Buying used brake parts can save some cash but will wear out sooner than new. While an exhaust can last as long as the car.

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red2010z

Depends on what you buy used.

I buy used all the time, my rule of thumb is if it will make my car crash ill buy new IE engine parts. But Rims, Springs, Lights, Handles, Radio is sometimes cheaper to get used.

Just make sure you buy from someone you can trust. I always use PayPal and never send as a gift cause then it makes it that much harder to get your money back if you get screwed.

Just my .02 cents.

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falconfixer

I read the OP's post and replaced "parts" with "pu$$y"...reads much funnier.

fonzo179

I'm a "consistently upgrading" kinda guy, and I like that "fresh out the box" feeling, so I buy everything brand new. Its just a personal preference.

forza370z

It all depends. Some used parts are in good condition will save you money big time. Like OEM body parts(you most likely gonna repaint it anyways), Shift Knobs, Headlight housings, sprins, OEM/Nismo rims and exhaust, even tires I would look for used ones.

enkei2k

I've rarely buy used.

I'm the type to buy stuff from other people that buy new, never used it and sell it.

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theboydiddy

Most of the time (from what I have been looking) you don't really save much. People always try to make their money back to what they spent when first bought it.
Example- I saw 2 coilovers for sales. One with 3K miles the other with about 15K i believe. Can't quite remember the brand names now but I remember checking the retail prices and it was only $200 difference on them with 0 miles on them. I have a friend that bought used coils and after a month of used they broke on him (he said.) Rims as long as they looking good I see no problem. Tires and others ? Not so sure. I just have the feeling that those are used parts. Someone beat on them as I'd like to when I have mine. Therefore they may not perform well as I'd like to. People buy because it may save $200 or more, but soon enough will need to service it.
I don't know. That's the feeling I have. Perhaps I'm wrong but that's why I asked you guys viewpoint in to begin with.

theboydiddy

Dude I know the feeling. As I mentioned I love the "break in" season.
The smell of brand new tires being used
The smell and sound of brand new exhaust. Maybe I'm weird. But I enjoy knowing my stuff are new and opening up the boxes super excited

MarkGideon

Sometimes, you don't always have a choice. Depending on what I may need, there may just not be any new parts for my 65 Chevy pickup, so I have to settle for reman or used.

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SouthArk370Z

As others have said, it depends on what parts you are talking about. For parts that wear and/or receive a lot of stress and/or are critical for safe operation, your worries are justified. For those parts that don't really wear (eg, body and interior panels, tower braces, intake, exhaust, &c) there's nothing wrong with used/remanufactured/refurbished.

You're not wrong but I think you may be trying to carry it a bit too far. If you want new parts and can afford them, go for it. If you are on a budget, don't be afraid of "pre-owned" parts, keeping in mind the exceptions above. Of course you need to verify that they are in good condition before buying and don't over pay just because the seller has some sentimental attachment or unreasonable expectations.

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kenchan

if the part looks to be in new condition i dont mind using used parts.

most often i just buy new because i dont want to deal with problems...like missing pieces, or finding a surprise scratch.

olddudesrule

First response hit the nail on the head. No sense in elaborating, he wrote what needed to be wrote.....

theboydiddy

You're right. I like what you said and how you put it. And I must agree 100%. It's just that as I mentioned most of the times you saving $200 or even less. And what's $200 in $1500 (that's just how I look at it sometimes) also I rather spend that extra $200 than later on have to fix stuff and spend the same amount or even more. Although I concur with what you said. . . I'm gonna shoot for my first used car parts.
Ps- thanks a lot for the input.