The BEST and CHEAPEST Places to Find Auto Parts – Especially When Rebuilding a Salvage Car

Taking on a salvage car rebuild is not for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re a passionate DIYer, a young professional looking for a budget-friendly car project, a trade specialist, or even an architect with a flair for engineering challenges, restoring a salvage vehicle is a rewarding pursuit. But as anyone who’s tackled this process knows, the real challenge lies in sourcing reliable auto parts — without draining your wallet.

This guide highlights the best and cheapest places to find quality auto parts in the UK, particularly for those dealing with insurance write-offs, auction salvages, or neglected classics begging for a second life.

1. Online Auto Part Marketplaces

The internet has revolutionised the way we shop — and that includes hunting down car parts. There are multiple platforms specialising in new and used parts at a fraction of traditional retailer prices. Whether you need a wing mirror for a 2014 Ford Fiesta or an entire engine for your Nissan Qashqai, online marketplaces are the ideal starting point.

eBay UK remains a giant in this space. It offers everything from OEM parts to aftermarket accessories. The diversity of sellers means you can often score great deals on bulk packages or rare components. Always check ratings and return policies before purchasing.

Gumtree is another treasure trove for DIY car repairers. Individuals clearing out garages often sell parts dirt cheap or even for free — especially if you’re willing to collect locally.

Specialist platforms like 1st Choice Spares and BreakerLink connect you with UK breakers yards’ inventories. All you have to do is input your registration plate or car details, and they’ll fetch matching parts, frequently offering multiple prices so you can pick your price point.

2. Auto Breakers Yards

Salvage yards, also known as breakers yards or scrap yards, are goldmines for anyone rebuilding a car on a budget. These establishments dismantle old, wrecked, or MOT-failed vehicles, salvaging parts which are still in good condition. Many UK breakers now list their available stock online, but visiting in person can be even more fruitful.

Walking a yard allows you to check parts directly for wear & tear, and often haggle on price — something nearly impossible online. It also lets you spot compatible parts from different models or production years.

Some of the most well-known UK breaker yards include:

• Charles Trent Ltd (Dorset) – Offers online ordering and local pick-up
• MotorHog (Thorne & across UK) – One of the largest salvage dealers with a vast range
• Silverlake Automotive (Hampshire) – Known for late-model cars and competitive pricing

Safety tip: always bring the proper tools, gloves, and footwear if you plan to extract parts yourself. And make sure the part you’re pulling is not safety-critical unless you’re confident in its condition — think brake calipers or airbag systems.

3. Specialist Facebook Groups & Online Forums

Believe it or not, Facebook has evolved beyond memes and holiday snaps. It’s now a place for niche product exchanges — including car part swapping and sales. Search for groups related to your specific make or model (e.g., “Vauxhall Corsa UK Parts” or “BMW E46 Spares UK”), and you’ll find thousands of like-minded members trading parts, advice, and even full schematics.

Forums like PistonHeads or Retro Rides often have classified sections and can be excellent sources of used parts. Their communities also offer experienced advice on which parts models interchange, how to refurbish certain components, and where to find rare bits.

Many of these enthusiasts are fellow builders or professionals with spares left over from other projects. That means prices are usually below retail, and there’s the added benefit of receiving advice or help with installation.

4. Car Boot Sales & Local Classifieds

Car boot sales might sound like an old-fashioned solution, but they can be surprisingly useful for finding trim pieces, tools, manuals, or accessories. While you’re less likely to find mechanical parts like turbos or engine components, these events are brilliant for cheaper aesthetic fixes or even full panels in the right area.

Check local listings on Friday Ad or Preloved UK – both offer searchable classifieds for automotive spares. You might find alloy sets, stereo heads, seats, or light clusters from recent part-outs.

Pro Tip: Focus on classified platforms during winter and spring; DIYers clearing garages tend to list unused parts as projects wrap up and spring cleaning starts.

5. Auto Parts Retail Chains and Online Discounters

If you prefer new parts with warranties but still want to save money, UK-based retail chains like Euro Car Parts, GSF Car Parts, and Halfords Trade offer a reliable alternative. Euro Car Parts, in particular, regularly runs discount codes — often up to 50% off — on everything from brake pads to sensors to alternators.

It’s worth signing up for trade accounts even if you’re a hobbyist. Halfords, for example, grants a trade card to anyone able to provide proof of relevant work experience or education — unlocking better pricing tiers.

Also, check out Wholesalers like Autodoc and CarParts4Less — giant European retailers shipping all over the UK. Their pricing is often significantly better for bulk orders if you’re doing a multi-car rebuild or need multiple parts for one car.

Here's a comparison of popular UK-based auto part suppliers:

Final Thoughts: Smart Sourcing = Bigger Savings

Rebuilding a salvage car is not just about wrench-turning — it's also about resourcefulness. Knowing where to look, how to buy, and when to wait for the right part can mean the difference between a costly headache and an affordable passion project.

Whether you’re restoring a write-off on your driveway, outfitting a small fleet, or simply trying to keep your hobby car roadworthy, the UK has a wealth of low-cost options to get every part you need — without sacrificing quality or safety.

Be patient, do your research, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty — that’s half the fun.