Is It Worth Getting a Parts Car?

One of the biggest questions when starting a new project car is, “Where on Earth am I going to get all the parts I need?”

The short answer: a parts car from AutoBidMaster. With a large selection of vehicles available through online auctions, you’re likely to find something that can provide the components you need.

A parts car can be a practical way to source multiple components for a project, especially when you have the space, tools, and time to make the most of it. But is it worth it?

There are a few things to consider before buying a parts car:
– The space
– The equipment
– The cost/benefit

Read on for a more detailed answer.

The space

This is really the first thing to consider. If you have a garage with enough space for an entire car, or at least a carport or yard where you can store a vehicle, a parts car can give you convenient access to the components you need for your project.

If you plan to part out the car after getting what you need, you can also weigh the potential value of the remaining parts against the cost of storing the vehicle. Depending on what you need and what you can sell, this could help you recoup some of your investment.

The equipment

If you already have the tools necessary to take a car apart, you’re in a good position to make the most of a parts car. If you don’t, factor the cost of the necessary tools into your budget.

This initial investment can make more sense if you’re planning to work on additional projects or parts cars in the future. However, if you only need one part for your existing vehicle, buying that part individually may be the more practical option.

The cost/benefit

This is arguably the most important point: can a parts car provide enough value to make the purchase worthwhile? If you’re restoring an older car and expect to need a variety of parts over time, have the space to dedicate to a three-thousand-pound hunk of metal, and have the tools and knowledge to take it apart properly, a parts car could be a practical option.

If you need a single engine part and otherwise don’t need anything from the vehicle, it might make more sense to spend the money on the individual part rather than the entire vehicle. When comparing the options, factor in the purchase price, auction fees, transportation, time, and labor, as well as the potential value of the parts you can use or sell.

So, it all really depends on what you need.

If the engine is completely shot, the car may sell for less, making it an interesting option if you need other components from the vehicle. If you have a car with a running engine but need parts, such as suspension or interior components, a parts car may give you access to several compatible components at once.

Looking for an entirely new engine for your car? It may make more sense to look specifically for a vehicle with a suitable engine rather than buying a heavily damaged parts car. Since the engine is often one of the most valuable components, its condition should be an important part of your decision.

Another benefit of buying a parts car is access to OEM parts, provided the previous owner didn’t replace them. If you’re getting a parts car through an online auction like AutoBidMaster, it’s always worth having a professional inspect the vehicle and getting a ClearVIN VIN Check Report.

By using a VIN decoder, you can uncover important details about a vehicle, such as its reported accident history or major repairs.

Let’s look at a possible example of a parts car: 2019 Honda Civic Sport

This car was listed as Run & Drive verified when it arrived at the Copart yard. However, as an online broker, AutoBidMaster cannot independently confirm the vehicle’s condition. The best way to verify the condition of an auction vehicle is to arrange a third-party inspection before bidding. It’s also important to understand that Run & Drive verification does not mean a vehicle is safe to drive or capable of operating normally at higher speeds. It generally indicates that the vehicle was able to move forward and backward under its own power at the time of the auction’s inspection.

With that out of the way, we can see from the photos that the front of the car has sustained significant damage. That being said, the engine may still be usable if it is in good mechanical condition and receives adequate power from the battery.

While the front subframe and bumper appear to be heavily damaged, the photos of the engine bay show that many of the Civic’s mechanical components appear to be intact. The interior also appears to be in relatively good condition: the airbags have deployed, but the rest of the interior appears largely intact.

The rear end of the car appears to be largely undamaged.

Looking closely at the photos, the front wheels do not appear significantly misaligned. However, the condition of the axle and front suspension cannot be confirmed from photos alone.

So, is this 2019 Honda Civic worth it?

Overall, it’s hard to say what condition the engine is really in without a physical, in-person inspection. On the other hand, if you have a compatible Civic that was rear-ended and the back half of your car was damaged, this vehicle could be worth considering as a source of replacement parts, especially from the rear. Factor in auction fees and shipping, and you’ll get a better picture of the overall cost and benefit of a car in this condition.

Depending on what you need and how much of the work you’re able to perform yourself, you may be able to recoup part of your overall expenses from the parts left after taking the car apart. On September 15, 2020, this 2019 Honda Civic had a Buy It Now price of $4,900 and just over 20,000 miles on it.

We’ve got whole cars, parts cars, and everything in between

Whether you’re looking for your next ride or a vehicle for your next project, AutoBidMaster can help you find what you need.

Register today to browse a constantly updated selection of vehicles available through online auctions.

Have questions about registration, bidding, or shipping? Call us at +1 (503) 298-4300 or email us at support@AutoBidMaster.com.