From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/automotive/s-560092-222045
With so many industries in the United States taking hits in earnings,
there is one that is actually thriving and helping individuals save
money at the same time. The auto recycling industry isn’t shrinking,
its growing and there are several key factors driving this boom in
business. The most important one involves saving the average consumer
a substantial amount of money on vehicle repairs.
Anytime there is a down turn in an economy, people generally seek out
ways to save money on every front possible. Since vehicle repairs are
usually a necessity not a luxury, it is only logical to assume that if
there is a way to cut the cost of that necessity, people will utilize
it. Choosing to repair a vehicle with quality used parts is a definite
way to save money. Up until recently, choosing the option of used
parts over new ones was not necessarily the first choice for most.
However, with so many losing jobs, this option is now the first one
chosen because of the huge savings to be had. Parts bought from
automotive recyclers can be up to 75% less than the cost of buying the
part new from the dealership. That is a tremendous savings that
shouldn’t be left on the table.
The cost of repairing an automobile usually can be broken down into
two parts: the cost of the part and the cost of the labor to install
the part. Mechanics generally charge a certain amount per hour to
repair a vehicle. This time usually includes the removal of the part,
any work necessary to prep the vehicle for the new part and the
installation of the new part. While there’s not much that can be
done about the cost of the labor, it is possible to do something about
the cost of the part needed to effect the repair. By choosing to use a
quality used part, the cost of the repair can be cut signicantly.
For example, I recently needed to replace the dual mass flywheel in my
2004 Volkswagen Beetle. The mechanic gave me an estimate of $1500.00.
To break this down, the labor for the repair was going to be around
$800.00 because it is a long intricate process to remove and replace
this particular part. There’s not much to be done about that
process. However, I did a little research and found that to buy the
part new from the dealership would cost $700.00. That’s a little
less than half the cost of the total repair. I got online and did a
little looking. In about 10 minutes I was able to locate the part
myself at an auto recycler that was located about 100 miles away. The
price for this part including shipping was $300.00. That is a savings
of $400.00!
My mechanic did not have a problem with installing a used part.
Choosing this option saved me a substantial amount of money. I even
got a warranty on the part from the auto recycler. Needless to say
auto recyclers can be a valuable resource when it comes to auto
repairs.
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Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at Florida Junk Yards. He
writes about Florida junk
yards and other industry specific topics.