There is one last way to get big discounts on auto parts. Did you know that eight million cars are processed by the U.S. Salvage Industry every year! This provides you with an opportunity to buy perfectly good used parts at 50% or more below retail prices. If you have a good local auto wrecker, he will have a satellite system to locate parts all over the country for you in minutes. It is a great place to pick up just about any part, but the most popular are alternators, pumps, engines, transmissions, rims, body panels, etc. Many auto wreckers offer warranties on their parts.

For example, the engine in a Jetta Turbo Diesel was on its way out. I went to a wrecking yard and bought a 1990 Turbo Diesel engine with 15,000 miles on it for $900; less money than it would have cost me for an engine overhaul, much less an entire new engine. It may be an option you want to consider. Hint: all auto wreckers will wheel and deal heavily if you stand your ground.