Purchaser’s guide

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 26

Purchaser’s guide

Buying recycled automotive parts can be made easier for purchasers if some simple guidelines are followed: Deal with a licensed automotive dismantler, preferably a member of a professional association such as Canterbury Amalgamated Dismantlers or the Motor Trade Association.

Before purchasing any part, be sure you can quote accurately the year, make and model of your motor vehicle. If possible, take the old part with you for comparison to make sure you get the specific part required. If the part is a substantial one, ask for a history and ascertain that it has been cleaned and tested.

Obtain a receipt for the purchase, as you would for any other product. Ask if electrical parts have been bench tested and

if they carry any form of warranty.

When buying an engine or gearbox be certain of the engine size and model number of your car.

Have a qualified mechanic diagnose your specific automotive problem. This will ensure that you get the right part for the job and avoid recurring problems. If the specific item you ask for is not available, enquire whether there are interchangeable parts for your make and model of vehicle, and whether the company has a radio telephone link with other dismantlers in the area who may have the correct part.

Automotive dismantlers can be found in the Yellow Pages directory of the telephone book, listed under that title and cross-refer-enced from Car Wreckers.