Auto Parts: Need Help Finding A Used ECU Part?, nissan altima, brain box

Question
QUESTION: I need some help trying to find a used ECU part for a 98 Nissan Altima. My mechanic says he is having a hard time finding one in Alabama. But I am trying to see are used ECU parts hard to find, how much it will cost, or is there a website I can go to?

ANSWER:      When you say used ECU part I assume that you mean you need an new ECU.  I take a very dim view of used ECU's, especially for Japanese cars.  You can buy a remanufactured ECU, flashed to match your VIN's software, from A1 Cardone™ in Philadelphia.  If they don't have one in stock you can send them your old one and they'll turn it around in a couple of days.  Since they are a wholesale-only manufacturer you will have to deal with them through one of your local parts stores.  Oh, and you will need the OEM part number from the old one, there are three different ones that year.

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QUESTION: Thanks so much for the feedback. I have another question, since he said he needs a Brain Computer, is that the same thing as an ECU, or is that something else?

Answer
    Most untrained mechanics will refer to the ECU as a "brain box," or something similar.  Are you sure you want this guy to work on your car?  Does he have the right diagnostic gear to even determine that the ECU is bad?  A second opinion might be in order.