Car parts can be expensive. Sometimes new replacement parts cost so much that people opt to buy used parts instead. Selling used car parts can put money in your pocket while saving money for someone else. Before taking an old car to the junkyard, it is a good idea to sell as many working parts as you can to maximize the amount of money you get from the vehicle.
Place an advertisement in your local trade publication to announce what parts you have available. Most communities have a "Thrifty Nickel" or similar publication, where you can place free advertisements about items for sale. Because it costs you nothing to carry the ad, you have nothing to lose by listing your parts in the publication.
Place a classified ad in your local newspaper to let the public know that you have parts for sale. Because a newspaper advertisement will cost money, you should target it to the day that has the highest circulation. This is typically the weekend edition. (See Resources below the link to The Paperboy, which will allow you to identify all newspapers in your area.
List your car parts on Craigslist. Craigslist allows you to post classified ads online and free. Craigslist also allows you to attach photos to your listing, so you can show a perspective buyer that your car parts are clean and in good condition.
Join the Just Parts website (see Resources below). Just Parts is an online marketplace that matches buyers and sellers of auto parts and even entire junk cars. Being a member of this site can help match you with a buyer anywhere in the country that is looking for the exact car part that you have. Breaking down the geographic barriers gives you access to a new audience of potential buyers and makes it much easier to sell your car parts.
Call local junkyards to ask about their policy on selling working car parts. Junkyards typically buy entire cars and leave it up to individuals to remove the parts they need. Some, however, will buy individual parts as long as they are in good working condition.
