Finding car parts that are no longer produced can be a pain in the butt. Have you ever missed a repair deadline because you couldn’t find a part? That’s no fun. That means ticked off customers and lost sales. The good news is there are good ways to get these parts.
It can seem impossible to find these parts, but with the right resources and strategies, you can get them.
Stick around, and I’ll show you how to find the parts you need, even if they’re rare.
Where can I find discontinued car parts online?
Your best bet to find these parts is to check out some of the online platforms. RockAuto is one of my favorite sites. eBay is another good resource. You can also find specialized auto forums where people sell parts. Look online first. These sites often sell parts that dealerships or the manufacturers no longer supply. If you need a more professional source, then check out B2B sites like Alibaba. There are still suppliers out there who have old stock on discontinued items. It’s a jungle out there, but the parts are there if you do the right search.
Are parts hard to find on discontinued cars?
Yes. Is it impossible? No. As soon as a car model gets discontinued, the parts start to dry up. The manufacturers quit making them. So you have a dwindling supply of parts. The longer you wait, the harder it is to find them. This is especially true for older models where the demand for parts is low. However, with some diligent searching on some reputable platforms or even contacting some salvage yards, you still have a pretty good chance of finding what you need.
Why are car parts so hard to get now?
One of the big factors right now is the global supply chain disruption. Shipping delays, and raw material shortages have all impacted the availability of parts. It’s not just discontinued parts; everything from front bumpers to engine components is getting harder to find. Increased demand, combined with fewer suppliers, makes parts scarce and more expensive. But, don’t worry. You can find parts from international suppliers (China, Vietnam, etc.) for a good price.
Why do car manufacturers discontinue parts?
Car companies are in business to make money. They quit making parts because it’s no longer profitable for them to make them. As the models get older, the demand for parts goes down. They move on to the newer models where the money is. It’s all about the money. But the aftermarket industry, like RockAuto, continues to make those parts.
Summary
Finding parts that are no longer produced requires some patience, but you can do it with the right resources. Mrcarhunter also provides some resources for you to find car parts especially for Chinese cars like BYD, Lixiang, Zeekr, Xiaomi and etc.
