Used car parts in Brisbane: how to find the right part the first time

Something on your car has broken and a new part from the dealer costs more than you want to spend. Maybe it is a side mirror that met a letterbox, a tail light that cracked, or an alternator that finally gave up. A used part from a wrecking yard is often the sensible answer.

The catch is getting the right one. Cars that look identical can use different parts depending on the year, the trim level or even the month they were built. This guide covers how to ask for a part so you get it right the first time.

Why people buy used parts

A used part from a wrecked car is usually the original part the manufacturer fitted. That means it was made for your model, it fits the way the old one did and it often lines up better than a cheap aftermarket copy. For older cars, a wrecking yard can also be one of the few places a part is still available at all.

There is a practical side too. Reusing a good part keeps it out of landfill and gets more life out of a car that has already been built.

The details that matter most

Before you ring around or fill in an enquiry, gather these:

1. 1Make, model and year. The starting point for every part.
2. 2VIN or rego. The vehicle identification number is the most reliable way to identify your exact car. You will find it on the compliance or build plate, often in the engine bay or door jamb, and on your registration papers.
3. 3The part you need. Be as specific as you can. "Front left headlight" beats "light".
4. 4Which side. In Australia, left is the passenger side and right is the driver side.
5. 5Colour, for panels, doors, bumpers, mirrors and trim.
6. 6Engine and transmission, for anything mechanical. Many models came with more than one engine, and parts are not always shared.

Match the part number if you can

If you still have the broken part, turn it over and look for a stamped or printed number. Sensors, modules, lights and many mechanical parts carry one. Quoting that number, or sending a clear photo of it, takes most of the guesswork out of the search.

No number? A few photos of the old part from different angles still help, especially of the plugs and mounting points. Those are where look-alike parts usually differ.

Common mix-ups to avoid

• Facelift models. Many cars got a mid-life update with new lights, bumpers or grilles. A part from before the update may not fit a car from after it.
• Trim levels. Higher spec models can have different mirrors, headlights or electrical parts, such as heated, folding or LED versions.
• Body styles. A sedan, hatch and wagon of the same model can use different tail lights, doors and panels.
• Manual vs automatic. Gearbox-related parts, and sometimes pedal boxes and consoles, differ between the two.

Questions to ask before you buy

It is fair to ask questions about any used part. A good yard will be straight with you:

• What condition is it in? Any cracks, scratches or missing clips?
• Has it been taken off the car yet, or will it be removed for you?
• Can you send a photo before I come in?
• What happens if it turns out not to fit?

Getting the answers before you drive over saves everyone a wasted trip.

How to ask EMR for a part

Our yard is at 48 Sherbrooke Rd, Willawong. The easiest way to ask about a part is our parts enquiry form. Pop in the details above and we will check what we have. If you would rather talk it through, call 0451 160 233.

You can read more on our used car parts page, and common questions are answered on the FAQs page.

Got the opposite problem, a whole car you no longer need? Wrecked cars are where used parts come from. See what your scrap car is worth or our cash for cars page.