How to buy an engine / transmission / airbag

Right now the market for selling cars part by part, the so-called "wrecking yard" business, is growing fast in Russia. What does this business actually involve? Inexpensive used cars are bought abroad, many of them after serious accidents, and then brought into Russia — not to be registered with the police, but to sell the intact, working assemblies and units.

Is it worth buying parts from a wrecking yard? Situations vary, and in some cases a wrecking yard is nearly the only available way to restore a car after an accident or carry out a major repair. This is mainly because new parts can end up costing more than the car itself is worth. This is especially true for body panels, engines and transmissions.

Experience shows that in many cases buying an engine or gearbox from a wrecking yard is a better deal (financially) than rebuilding those units. What matters most here is picking a reliable supplier and thoroughly inspecting the units you buy. After all, these parts usually come without any warranty, so such a purchase is always something of a gamble. Even a warranty on an engine or automatic transmission overhaul doesn't guarantee the engine or transmission will come out "as good as new" — especially with cheap repairs done in garage-style conditions.

So whether to repair your own engine or gearbox, or buy one pulled from an identical car, is entirely your call, and nobody can tell you with certainty which is better.