How to find cheap parts
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==Be realistic there, speed racer== | ==Be realistic there, speed racer== | ||
One of the first tricks to saving money on parts is only buying what you need. One of the most commonly messed-up parts choice is brake components. For example, people buy race-type brake pads and the cross-drilled rotors in order to get that last 2% more braking power for their SUV that is driven back and forth to work in rush hour traffic. Race-type brake composition can actually dramatically reduce your braking force since they are designed to only operate in a very high temperature range. Its a big mismatch. Buy parts that suit your actual driving style. Many times, buying upgraded parts will only be a benefit if you are doing ''upgraded'' driving. Other common money pits are engine oil, gasoline additives, wheels and tires, alternator amperage, and air filters. Sometimes you need the upgrade, sometimes you don't. | One of the first tricks to saving money on parts is only buying what you need. One of the most commonly messed-up parts choice is brake components. For example, people buy race-type brake pads and the cross-drilled rotors in order to get that last 2% more braking power for their SUV that is driven back and forth to work in rush hour traffic. Race-type brake composition can actually dramatically reduce your braking force since they are designed to only operate in a very high temperature range. Its a big mismatch. Buy parts that suit your actual driving style. Many times, buying upgraded parts will only be a benefit if you are doing ''upgraded'' driving. Other common money pits are engine oil, gasoline additives, wheels and tires, alternator amperage, and air filters. Sometimes you need the upgrade, sometimes you don't. | ||
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The beauty of it is that the wholesaler will sell directly to you without even so much as a blink of an eye. If you don't have a retailer's license, they probably won't deliver to you, and of course you have to pay tax, but who cares? Since most of these wholesale houses supply multiple retailers with parts, they also typically carry more brands in one location. They also keep a lot of stock. Did you ever go to a retail auto parts store and they tell you they can order the part and it will be in tomorrow? Chances are that the part is sitting on the wholesaler's shelf and can be delivered later. Skip the middle man and go straight to the wholesaler. You get your parts faster and cheaper. | The beauty of it is that the wholesaler will sell directly to you without even so much as a blink of an eye. If you don't have a retailer's license, they probably won't deliver to you, and of course you have to pay tax, but who cares? Since most of these wholesale houses supply multiple retailers with parts, they also typically carry more brands in one location. They also keep a lot of stock. Did you ever go to a retail auto parts store and they tell you they can order the part and it will be in tomorrow? Chances are that the part is sitting on the wholesaler's shelf and can be delivered later. Skip the middle man and go straight to the wholesaler. You get your parts faster and cheaper. | ||
| − | These wholesalers become especially appreciated when it comes to expensive foreign makes. Mercedes and BMW are well-known for their high parts prices, but you can purchase $300 Mercedes parts for $75, and $60 BMW parts for $7, often in boxes that say "Mercedes" and "BMW", not | + | These wholesalers become especially appreciated when it comes to expensive foreign makes. Mercedes and BMW are well-known for their high parts prices, but you can purchase $300 Mercedes parts for $75, and $60 BMW parts for $7, often in boxes that say "Mercedes" and "BMW", not off-brand replacements - factory original parts. There is no need to pay retail prices at chain parts stores, and certainly no reason to pay parts counter prices. |
The added benefit for you is not only saving money, but the people who work at these wholesalers are in constant contact with hundreds of shops that do everything from exhaust, brakes, custom fabrication, restorations, paint and body. They spend 10 hours a day doing nothing but gaining experience with almost every facet of automotive repair and customization. As a rule they know their parts. | The added benefit for you is not only saving money, but the people who work at these wholesalers are in constant contact with hundreds of shops that do everything from exhaust, brakes, custom fabrication, restorations, paint and body. They spend 10 hours a day doing nothing but gaining experience with almost every facet of automotive repair and customization. As a rule they know their parts. | ||
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