When it comes to repairing your vehicle, costs can spiral quickly if you buy brand-new parts from dealerships. The good news? Many used car parts offer the same quality and performance at a fraction of the price.

Here are the top 5 used car parts that deliver the biggest savings without compromising on reliability.

1️⃣ Alternators

The alternator keeps your battery charged and powers your car’s electrical systems. A new alternator can cost anywhere from £250–£600, but a tested used OEM alternator often sells for £60–£150.

*That’s a saving of up to 75%.

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Reference: According to Autobutler UK, alternator replacement averages £300–£500. (autobutler.co.uk)

2️⃣ Engines

Replacing a full engine can be eye-wateringly expensive. A new engine can cost £4,000–£7,000, not including labour. A quality used engine sourced from a breaker yard may be as low as £800–£1,500 — and often still has years of life left.

*That’s thousands saved for the same OEM part.

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Reference: What Car? reports new engines as one of the most expensive car repairs. (whatcar.com)

3️⃣ Gearboxes / Transmissions

Next to engines, gearboxes are one of the most costly parts to replace. New ones can easily top £2,500–£4,000. A used gearbox, however, often sells for £400–£900 with a return policy.

*That’s a saving of over 70%.

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Reference: The AA lists gearboxes as one of the top breakdown issues due to cost and complexity. (theaa.com)

4️⃣ Headlights

Modern headlights (especially xenon and LED) can cost £600–£1,200 each brand new. Buying them used cuts costs dramatically, with prices around £100–£250.

*Many come from accident write-offs where headlights remain in perfect working condition.

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Reference: Auto Express reports soaring headlight replacement costs due to advanced tech. (autoexpress.co.uk)

5️⃣ Alloy Wheels & Tyres

A single brand-new alloy wheel can cost £200–£600 — and a set quickly adds up. Buying used OEM alloys saves up to 50%, often with tyres included.

*Great for replacing a cracked rim or upgrading your style without breaking the bank.

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Reference: Kwik Fit notes alloy damage is a common — and costly — repair for UK drivers. (kwik-fit.com)

Other Worthwhile Used Parts:

Beyond the top five, several other parts can also save drivers money:

Wing Mirrors: Often intact in scrapped cars.

Radiators: Can be salvaged in great working condition.

Locks: Switches and solenoids can be reused.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re on a budget, going used is not just a smart financial decision — it’s also eco-friendly. Many used parts are OEM quality, tested, and ready to go.

By choosing carefully, you can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds without sacrificing safety or performance.

Browse thousands of quality-checked used parts now at DRS Car Parts