Totaled cars deemed a total loss by their insurance companies aren’t entirely unsuitable. Many salvage cars can be fixed and returned to the road. Even cars that cannot be restored can still be useful. They can serve as donor vehicles for similar makes and models. This is particularly worthwhile when finding salvage parts for out-of-production and rare models.
In this blog, let’s look at some auto parts you can easily salvage from a totaled car.
Body Parts
Body parts usually get damaged first in an accident. However, the damage often stays on one side of the car. A damaged vehicle may have serious damage at the front and be declared a total loss. However, it can still be used to salvage parts like doors, boot lids, and side panels.
You can easily find high-quality car parts for restoration. This is true for cars that are damaged on one side but mostly fine on the other.
Engine & Transmission
Next on the list is the engine and transmission. In most salvage cars, damage is usually limited to the body. It often affects parts that are easily damaged, like plastic and similar materials. Flooded vehicles may have water in the engine. However, other totaled cars can still be used.
Salvageable parts include used car engines and other items from auto auctions. Except for flooded vehicles, which may have water in the engine, other totaled cars can be used. Salvageable parts include used car engines and other items from auto auctions.
Also Read: Salvage Cars Available For Sale Under Bid Price $2,000 or Less
Seats & Mats
Despite being given the salvage title, many totaled cars have salvageable high-quality interiors, especially seats and floor mats. Even when the seats have been damaged, they can often be suitable for car restoration. Salvaging seats is particularly worthwhile if you are looking for high-end replacement seats for a rare model, so remember these useful salvage yard parts.
Suspension System
When a car is involved in a mishap, in many cases, the suspension system remains unhurt. So, while a vehicle may seem wrecked on the surface, it can have perfectly functional suspension systems that seldom come cheap. A suspension system, therefore, is another high-value component that you can quickly salvage from totaled cars, adding to your list of salvaged car parts to remember.
Electronics & Accessories
Many totaled cars have salvageable electronics and accessories that can be reused. Infotainment systems, GPS units, speakers, dashboard controls – these are often auto auction parts that are left intact after an accident. Even if the car’s mechanical components or exterior are heavily damaged, often these electronic components are fully functional.
Also, parts like mirrors with built-in sensors, light assemblies, and rearview cameras may remain entirely useable.
These components can be especially valuable for anyone restoring or upgrading a car, as buying them new can be expensive.
The Last Word
In addition to those mentioned above, you can salvage various other parts from the totaled car, depending on the damage they have sustained and the duration they have been sitting at a salvage yard. If you wish to buy a totaled vehicle for used car parts or your next restoration project, you have come to the right place.
Register with us today to start bidding in our online auto auctions featuring totaled cars for sale.
If you have any questions about our online car auctions, call +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Time), or email at hello@autobidmaster.com.
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