Used Auto Parts Give Second Life to Older Vehicles

Filed in archive Information About , Nostalgia on January 18, 2010

We North Americans have been living in what could be called "the disposable society." We've been encouraged to buy durable goods, use them for a relatively brief period, then throw them away. The most blatant examples being the disposal camera and lighter, both of which have a lifespan of a few days before being tossed into the trash bin. Most disposables result in wasted raw materials and environmental hazards, although recycling has cut some of that waste and consumers are now beginning to react against such goods.

Which brings me to the automobile. Manufacturers have turned it into the ultimate disposable by convincing us that when a car is no longer in style (an artificial definition forced on us by annual model changes) we should sell in favor of a new one. Now a "used" vehicle, the car (or truck) gets passed on to other buyers until eventually it ends up in the crusher. But it doesn't have to be that way. While accident damage or lack of maintenance may doom some automobiles, there are many others that could be given a new life. And I'm not talking about the expensive restoration of classics here; rather affordable, everyday cars that need only the replacement of some mechanical pieces along with cosmetic improvements.

In fact, doing so can be rewarding in several ways. For one, it allows for personalisation; with a few changes or upgrades the car looks different from similar models. For another, there's the satisfaction of saving a perfectly good automobile and adding years to its life. It can even be a social magnet, attracting admirers and perhaps leading to a car club membership. Ah, but is renewing an auto economical? Yes, definitely. Especially if you go online for the parts you'll need. Low cost used auto parts are remarkably inexpensive compared to new ones and if purchased from a quality reseller are good for many more years of driving.

If you're handy, you can do the work yourself; that's part of the fun. If not, the local service garage is still obligated to use your choice of parts and do only the repairs that are actually needed. For example, they may try selling you a manufacturer's rebuilt engine when the existing engine can be renewed for less money (and modified for performance if you wish). So before spending all that cash on a new model, consider keeping the one you have. Or, you could buy a used car with the intention of upgrading. Either way you'll have done yourself and the environment a big favor.

[Photo Credit: dragtimes.com]