Are you faced with a very expensive auto repair due to the cost of a new part? While some repairs do work best with a brand-new part, there are others that may be just fine with a used part. Here are a few of those parts that you should consider a used alternative for. 

Transmission and Engines

Two of the most expensive parts of your vehicle are the transmission and engine. If these parts need replacement, know that you can often find used versions of them as a cost-effective replacement option. It may take a bit of work to find the right part that is in good condition and has low mileage on it, but you'll end up saving a ton of money by shopping around for a used part. 

Starters and Alternators 

Two parts that are incredibly durable are starters and alternators since they don't wear down quickly. However, you don't need to pick a part blindly and hope for the best. It's possible to test either of these two parts to make sure that they will be reliable once they are installed in your car. Give them a shot if you don't have the money in your budget for a new part.

Tires and Wheels

Two commonly found used parts are tires and wheels since they are incredibly interchangeable. Used tires and wheels can be great for that spare tire that you need to temporarily get you back on the road, though it's also possible to find a set of used tires that have a decent amount of tread on them. Used tires are a great idea if you need new tires but plan to sell your car in the near future.

Auto Body Parts

Get into an accident and end up causing damage to the vehicle's body? Used body parts are a viable option to repair things like the fender, hood, doors, mirrors, and other parts that would be expensive and brand new. If you are the type of driver that gets into an accident more often than you like to admit, a used car can help save you some money if you think that it may be damaged again.

Suspension Parts

A vehicle's suspension has many components that come together, such as the shocks, struts, and control arm. These parts typically have a very long lifespan, so it's possible to replace one of these components and not worry about the others breaking soon. Sometimes suspension parts break unexpectedly due to a particular bump, not necessarily because of wear and tear. 

Keep these tips in mind when looking for used car parts from a local supplier.