2008 Kia Optima
Posted by Darlene Sullivan at Monday, November 16th, 2020 - 02:14:36 AM in Car Parts
The truth is, as long as the motor spares that are fitted are in good condition and suitable for the job (i.e. they are right car parts for the right car model), most garages and mechanics will not object if you want to provide the parts yourself. They still get their markup on the labour. Next time you are facing an MOT repair job, find out what the parts are and ask if you can source your own. Yes, it might slow the job down a bit (and if you need an urgent repair, you'll probably have to go with what the garage provides) but if you do have the time, go for it!
Well, guess what. Chefs and mechanics don't think the same way! No doubt, were you to take your own fish into the restaurant to ask for a cheaper meal you would quickly be shown the door. However, this is not the case when you need car parts.
The problem with cheap car parts has been increased even more due to the fact that there are very few regulatory agencies (private or government) that can test the used car parts before they are installed in a car as replacement. However, there are ways to obtain cheap auto parts that won't break your bank balance, and yet be as reliable as new car parts. Many used car parts may seem cheaper on paper, but frequent repairs, lower mileage and missed car-days due to the car being in repair shop add up to quite a bit in the long run. As such, one must make the effort to avoid these parts. The alternative is using discount stores, both online and offline that provide new auto parts at discounted prices.
Some manufacturers are worse that others, some may bring our several versions of the same car each year to help with its marketing program. Luckily others only change parts with full research and good reason to do so, of course there is the argument that they may get left behind with new technology.
The bottom line is that if you are tying to do your own crash repair and if you have the time, the knowledge and the know how, the car parts you need are at your disposal. Even if your car is older and even if your car is somewhat obscure, the parts can be found, and if you are determined, you'll find them.
Gallery of 2008 Kia Optima
