Buying used car parts safely: a UK guide

Your rights depend on who you buy from

• From a business (a breaker, garage or parts seller): under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the part must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. Allowing for its age and use, a used part can still be faulty. You have 30 days to reject a faulty part for a refund.
• Bought online or by phone from a business: you can usually also cancel within 14 days of delivery for any reason (the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013).
• From a private seller: the part must be as described and theirs to sell, but there's no promise about quality. Ask questions before you pay.

Many breakers also give their own warranty, often 30 to 90 days on engines and gearboxes. Ask what it covers and whether fitting by a garage is required.

Before you pay

• Match the part number with your old part (how to find the right part).
• Ask for photos of the actual part, not a stock picture, including any labels and damage.
• For engines and gearboxes, ask for the mileage of the car it came from and whether they've heard it running.
• Ask about returns and warranty, and get it in writing (a message on the site counts).

Paying safely

• Collecting in person and paying on the spot is safest.
• If you're paying before delivery, a card or PayPal Goods and Services gives you a way to get your money back. A bank transfer to a personal account doesn't.
• Be wary of a price far below everyone else's, or a seller who wants to move the chat off the site straight away.

How Vehicle Part Finder helps

Every seller here has verified with a card in their name, and limited companies can show a Registered company tick from Companies House. You message sellers on the site, so your phone number and email stay private. We never charge buyers. Search for a part or read how it works.