Car Parts- Online -vs- Wrecking Yard

[Bullkllr]

My son sorta ran into the back of a pickup truck. He is needing a few new parts- hood, grill, bumper cover, radiator, etc. - 2005 Mazda 6

Looking for ideas on where to get parts (he's not really a car guy- yet )

I've dealt with wrecking yards a bunch over the years, but I'm not sure there would be a ton of locally available parts for that car. Never got parts online- but that seems like its pretty big these days. Anyone had good results on line?

Appreciate any ideas.

[bearpaw]

I've ordered parts online and I've ordered new aftermarket parts from wrecking yards and had them shipped. Both ways worked for me, good luck.

[cougarbart]

Rockauto.com! if i see your name i will put a smiley face on the box!

[Badhabit]

I've used these guys for small parts but they have the full meal deal stuff too.

http://www.car-part.com/

[JLS]

I've ordered online from Spalding's in Spokane.  Also used RockAuto for new parts.

I almost always look for used first, unless it's a job that Jackelope should be doing instead and I don't want to redo it down the road.

[Buckmark]

For wrecking yard parts try LKQ in graham or Gundies in B-ham
I would go the used avenue first for body parts, better fit on OEM parts...
The cheapy replacment non OEM body parts dont always fit very well...

[Bullkllr]

Appreciate the replies. Thanks.

BuckMark-

There's a Gundies in Graham probably 2 minutes from me.

[jackelope]

They've got an online search/quote deal on their website that works well too.

[rainshadow1]

A couple good yards on Meridian. Several others in the area. If I lived there I wouldn't even hesitate to call then go.

Sometimes it's good to put your hands on a part, but sometimes the money is better online. I rebuilt cars for 10 years, over 300 vehicles.

I did as much new aftermarket as I did used, sometimes the fit isn't perfect. Then again I got a volume discount from a chev dealer and bought almost an entire suburban body, found their replacement parts as quirky as aftermarket in some cases!

Call and ask, then drive over with your toolbox. Good luck!

[Kittman]

Here is an online place to look for the collision stuff:

http://www.theautopartsshop.com/auto+car-usa+parts+year/mazda+6+bumper-cover+2005.html

[Bullkllr]

Thanks again for the replies you guys.

My kid is anxious to get going on the project. He's working and taking classes at Pierce CC and it's been pretty hard to get our schedules to meet. Going to hit the yards this weekend. Anything we can't find local we'll order.

[BigGoonTuna]

these days if i need something i can't get a store, i usually look online.  most of the good junkyards in the area have gone away over the years, and the ones that haven't seem to think everything is gold plated and won't let you wander around without an escort.

[hunterrcc]

Rockauto.com, jcwhinney.com, amazon.com, autoanything.com.  If you make an account and then look at a few things and add to your cart but don't buy just let them sit for a week or two I usually get coupons for 15% or 20% off those items it seems.  I have a few email discounts I am not using but most of them include free shipping it takes a week but save a lot of money.  When you search amazon search with the part number only so you know you are getting the right parts.  For example for a used head light for a dodge charger OEM they wanted $150 plus tax and shipping at 2 different wrecking yards.  I got it at amazon.com $64.00 free shipping but it was brand new part!!! So careful and look around online.  And was checking the Graham wrecking yards! I live in Puyallup area. 

My son sorta ran into the back of a pickup truck. He is needing a few new parts- hood, grill, bumper cover, radiator, etc. - 2005 Mazda 6

Looking for ideas on where to get parts (he's not really a car guy- yet )

I've dealt with wrecking yards a bunch over the years, but I'm not sure there would be a ton of locally available parts for that car. Never got parts online- but that seems like its pretty big these days. Anyone had good results on line?

Appreciate any ideas.

[Bullkllr]

these days if i need something i can't get a store, i usually look online.  most of the good junkyards in the area have gone away over the years, and the ones that haven't seem to think everything is gold plated and won't let you wander around without an escort.

 
Use to go in with cash and tools and some places would about give parts away.

Gundies has the headlight assembly for $253 (slightly less than a hood...?). Lots on line for less than 1/2. Kind of hard to argue with that.

[Bullkllr]

The Mazda is officially operational and back on the road!

Ended up getting most of the parts at Rollins in Spanaway- they got a decent donor car in the day before and had by far the best local prices: radiator support, fan assembly, radiator/ac condenser, headlight assembly,  inner bumper/impact absorber, hood, air cleaner cover.

Got an aftermarket grill and bumper cover. Got the air bag and seat belt pretensioner on line. Had to go to Mazda dealer for new hood hinges.

I'm glad it's over (all except the painting). Here's to hoping my kid can keep it in one piece for awhile!