Junkyard cars provide a wealth of cheap auto parts if you want to take the time to look. And you can get more stuff for the bucks you spend. Getting local wrecking yards into tip top shape is the real goal.

Auto wrecking yards are businesses that buy cars and process them for the scrap metal. Auto wrecking yards also go by a few other names. Some refer to themselves as auto salvage yards, junk yards, auto wreckers, or auto recycling facilities. Some wrecking yards also sell used auto parts; many yards have their own tow trucks and do their own towing.

There are a number of websites today that feature a list of auto salvage suppliers who can hook you up with the used car parts you need. The process is simple and you can find what you are looking for from the comfort of your own home. Searching for options online can save you the trouble of running from one salvage yard to another or making unnecessary calls to salvage yards you know nothing about.

Make an appointment -- If a salvage yard makes an acceptable offer for your vehicle, then make an appointment to drop it off. If it isn't drivable, the yard may send out a tow truck to take it away. A car that has to be towed will be worth less as it will cost the salvage yard more money to obtain your vehicle. If your car is not drivable, but can be pulled to a salvage yard, then consider doing the job yourself.

Because of this increase in quality from lower priced auto parts suppliers, it is now less important to pay extra money for a name brand car part. The lower priced parts are increasing in quality, so paying the extra money to have a part stamped with a high quality European label isn't necessary now. The difference in quality between a made in Europe auto part and a made in Asia car part has never been lower.

Lastly, if you are either a mechanic or someone in that league of under-the-hood skills you can always try the auto yard. Because these cars are sometimes used for unsanctioned racing you can usually find imports at the junkyard. "Pick a part" type auto parts businesses tend to work with salvage and insurance companies to get choice wrecks, and while you probably wouldn't go there to get an RX-7 door panel, they are perfect spots to find interior RX-7 parts and engine parts. used auto parts that come from "pick a part" yards are usually pretty cheap because you are doing the finding and removing of the part all by yourself. Again, this is recommended only if you really know what you're doing. A mechanic who works with cars every day can spot a useful part from a throw away, can you?

Staff insurance adjusters are normally not experts on determining vehicle value and may not even have an adjuster's license (ask them for their license number).