New or used: when each one makes sense

Used parts are often half the price of new ones. For some parts that is a fair trade. For others it only moves the cost to your next repair, or to your safety.

Fine to buy used

• Body parts: doors, bonnets, wings, bumpers.
• Glass and mirrors, if there are no chips.
• Headlights and tail lights.
• Wheels, if they are not bent or cracked.
• Interior parts and trim.

Buy these new

• Brake pads, discs and hoses.
• Timing belts and chains.
• Filters, spark plugs, oil.
• Tyres older than five years, whatever the tread looks like.

Engines and gearboxes

A used engine or gearbox can be worth it, but only with a warranty, even a short one. Ask the shop how many kilometres it has done and whether you can return it if it doesn't run right.