We’ve all been there. The car makes a funny noise, a warning light flashes on the dash, or a minor parking mishap leaves its mark. You take it to the mechanic, brace yourself, and then the phone call comes with the quote. The number for the repair is eye-watering, not because of the labour, but because of the shocking cost of a single, brand-new part from the manufacturer.
It’s a moment that can make you question whether it’s even worth fixing the car you rely on every day. But before you drain your savings or consider giving up on your trusty vehicle, we want to let you in on a secret that smart Perth drivers have known for years.
A car wrecker’s yard isn’t a sad graveyard for vehicles. It’s a thriving, organised, and treasure-filled marketplace. Welcome to WA Auto Parts, your leading used auto parts buyer, seller, and wrecker in Perth. With over 15 years of experience, we know that within every end-of-life vehicle lies a goldmine of genuine, perfectly functional parts waiting for a second chance. This guide will count down the top 10 most valuable and sought-after parts you can find right here, helping you save a fortune on your next repair or project.
The Top 10 Countdown:
1. Engines & Transmissions
Why they’re a top find: This is the absolute king of bargains. The engine and transmission are the heart and soul of your vehicle, and they are, without a doubt, the most complex and expensive components to replace. A catastrophic engine failure or a dying gearbox can often lead to a repair bill that exceeds the car’s value, forcing owners to scrap an otherwise perfectly good car.
This is where we come in. Sourcing a high-quality, tested, low-kilometre used engine or gearbox from our yard can literally save you thousands of dollars. It’s the difference between a simple, affordable repair and having to buy a new car. We meticulously check and log the history of our donor vehicles, so you can get a reliable powerplant for your car at a fraction of the new cost.
- Pro-Tip: When you call us at (08) 9358 1392, ask our experienced team about the history of the donor car. We can often provide details on the kilometres and condition, helping you buy with complete confidence.
2. Body Panels (Doors, Bonnets, Fenders, Bumpers)
Why they’re a top find: From a runaway shopping trolley at a local Perth shopping centre to a minor prang on the freeway, cosmetic damage is a fact of life. The problem is, fixing it can be incredibly expensive, not because of the panel itself, but because of the cost of painting and blending it to match your car.
This is the wrecker’s ultimate hack. We have rows upon rows of vehicles, and the chances are high that we have the exact door, bonnet, fender, or bumper you need, in the exact same factory colour code. Finding a matching panel means you can potentially just bolt it on, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, on panel beating and spray-painting costs.
- Pro-Tip: Locate your car’s paint code before you call. It’s usually on a small metal plate in the engine bay or on the door jamb. This code allows us to find a perfect colour match for you instantly.
3. Alternators & Starter Motors
Why they’re a top find: If you’ve ever turned the key and heard that dreaded ‘click-click-click’ or had your car slowly die at the traffic lights, you’re likely familiar with a faulty starter motor or alternator. These essential electrical components are common failure points, especially on cars that have a few years on them. A brand-new unit from the dealer can be surprisingly pricey.
At WA Auto Parts, we test and certify the alternators and starter motors from the vehicles we process. An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part from our yard does the exact same job as a new one, often with more durability than a cheap, brand-new aftermarket part, all for a fraction of the price.
- Pro-Tip: It’s always best to have your mechanic remove the old unit first so you can match the part numbers exactly. This guarantees a perfect fit and function for your specific model, whether it’s a Japanese, European, Australian, Korean, or American vehicle.
4. Headlight and Taillight Assemblies
Why they’re a top find: A cracked headlight or taillight isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a safety defect that won’t pass a roadworthy inspection. In the past, this was a cheap fix. But modern cars, with their complex LED daytime running lights, adaptive HID, and integrated indicators, have turned these assemblies into highly sophisticated and expensive electronic units. A single new headlight assembly can now run into the thousands. Finding a complete, undamaged unit at our yard is one of the biggest cost-savers in modern car repair.
- Pro-Tip: Before purchasing, carefully inspect the lens for any deep scratches, internal fogging, or yellowing from the sun. Also, ensure all the mounting tabs on the back are intact.
5. Wheels & Rims
Why they’re a top find: We’ve all misjudged a curb. That gut-wrenching scraping sound often leaves you with a badly gashed alloy wheel. The problem is, you can’t just buy one new rim from a dealer; you often have to buy a whole set. Car wreckers are the perfect solution. We can sell you a single, matching factory rim to make your set whole again. Furthermore, if you’re looking to upgrade your basic steel wheels to a stylish set of factory alloys from a higher-spec model, we are the most affordable place to do it.
- Pro-Tip: Take a clear photo of your wheel before you call us. This helps us quickly identify the style and find an exact match from our extensive inventory.
6. Wing Mirrors (Side Mirrors)
Why they’re a top find: Side mirrors hang out in the line of fire. They’re the first victims of tight car parks, narrow garage doors, and passing cyclists. What used to be a simple piece of glass is now often a heated, electric-folding, indicator-blinking unit that can cost a fortune to replace. This is a classic wrecker bargain. You can get the exact replacement you need for a tiny percentage of the dealer’s price.
- Pro-Tip: Be specific about your car’s features. Let us know if your mirror is electric, heated, or has a built-in indicator so we can match you with the correct one. And don’t forget to specify whether it’s the driver or passenger side!
7. Radiators and Cooling Fans
Why they’re a top find: Perth’s summer heat can be brutal on a car’s cooling system. A leaking or clogged radiator can quickly lead to overheating, which can cause catastrophic and terminal engine damage. An OEM radiator from a donor vehicle is often built to a higher standard than a cheap, new aftermarket unit and will fit perfectly without any modifications. It’s an affordable and reliable way to protect your engine’s health.
- Pro-Tip: When you inspect a used radiator, look for any green or orange residue which could indicate a past leak. Also, check that the fine cooling fins are mostly straight and not heavily corroded.
8. Seats and Interior Components
Why they’re a top find: Is your driver’s seat torn and worn out from years of use? Do you have stubborn stains you just can’t get rid of? This is your chance for a major comfort upgrade for a minimal cost. At WA Auto Parts, you can often find a full set of seats from a newer or higher-spec model in pristine condition. It’s the perfect opportunity to replace tired cloth seats with a factory leather interior. We also have dashboards, door cards, centre consoles, and gear knobs to make your car’s interior feel brand new again.
- Pro-Tip: If you’re upgrading seats, check that the floor mounting points (seat rails) and the electrical connectors for things like airbags and electric adjustments are compatible with your model.
9. Window Glass and Motors
Why they’re a top find: A smashed side window is an immediate security risk. Getting a replacement from a wrecker is fast, easy, and incredibly cost-effective. We can provide you with the exact factory-tinted glass to match your other windows. Furthermore, if your electric window has stopped working, it’s usually due to a faulty motor or regulator mechanism inside the door—both of which are simple and cheap parts to source from us.
- Pro-Tip: For side window glass, it’s often easiest to purchase the entire door from the donor car. This protects the glass during transport and gives you spare parts like the lock mechanism and speaker.
10. ECUs and Electronic Modules
Why they’re a top find: This one is for the more technically savvy DIYer or professional mechanic. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the car’s computer brain, and other modules control everything from the airbags to the transmission. When they fail, it can be a diagnostic nightmare and astronomically expensive to fix. Sourcing a used module with an identical part number from a wrecker can solve the problem for a tiny fraction of the cost of a new unit.
- Pro-Tip: This is critical: the part numbers on the old and new modules must match exactly. In many cases, the replacement ECU may need to be reprogrammed by an automotive locksmith or specialist to work with your car’s unique security keys.
Conclusion: Your First Stop for Car Parts
Repairing and maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to break the bank. By looking beyond brand-new parts and tapping into the incredible resource of a professional car wrecker, you open up a world of savings. You get access to genuine OEM parts that fit perfectly, all while supporting a massive recycling industry that is great for the environment.
Before you commit to an expensive repair, make WA Auto Parts your first call. With our huge inventory covering almost every make and model on Perth roads and our over 15 years of experience, we are here to help you find the exact part you need at a price that makes sense.
Ready to find your bargain? Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today at (08) 9358 1392 and let our experience save you a fortune!