Purchasing second hand parts from wreckers in NZ

[mattmannz]

I have bought from a number of people over the last couple of years, mostly commercial wreckers I have found via Trademe and have generally had pretty good experiences. Thought I would share some of them some other people can benefit.

I try Pick A Part in Wellington first as they have the best prices of anyone but they often only have one or two Isuzu's that are picked thru pretty quickly.

There are a number of Trademe sellers advertising cheap Isuzu parts but I have found that it really pays to shop around as prices can vary wildly, as can service.

Best guy I have dealt overall with has been Gavin from Country Automotive down south, usually has what I need and his parts are in good condition and priced well. He can be a little slow to communicate via email but always comes through.

I have also bought a bit of stuff from Isuzu Parts Specialists in Auckland, they always have stuff in stock and are quick to deal with however their prices are at the high end. My last two purchases haven't been very good ones though and I had to return my last purchase to get a refund. The description of an excellent condition drag link was far from the truth with one balljoint thread damaged and one boot torn. It was suggested that I could use a thread file to repair the thread and purchase a replacement boot as well to resolve the issues. After a bit of discussion I got a refund but had to return the product and had to wait for the money to be returned.

If anyone else has good experiences to share then post them up, also others to avoid or use as a last resort would be good as well.

Cheers
Matt.

[slightlydodgy]

Please be very cautious what you post in this thread as it could open a whole can of worms. Good service should be commented on but don't use it to get back at people for bad deals

[geeves]

Anything you get second hand should be thougherly checked before installing. I bought a radiator from a place already mentioned in this thread. It arrived nice shiney and newly painted. The bolt holes didnt line up so redrilled to fit no drama but was instantly hit with overheating issues. It was only after taking it out the third time that I noticed that the new paint was over mud and lots of it 2 hours hosing back and forth to clear it.

[muzila]

I use Gavin @ Country Autos alot for parts. I comfirm he is a good dealer. Usually has the parts and I have always found him fair priced and always willing to help.

We have a Pick A Part here in ChCh now, been open for a few months. Never been there myself but have heard decent things about them.

Blackwells (Holden dealers (For now )) here in ChCh are not too bad at finding new parts. As long as you draw a detailed diagram or take the part in. Price is as expected from a dealer though... Take ya bank manager with ya.....

[isuzurob]

I just buy whole trucks when i need a part much easier can drive the part home normally, also holden dealers are good, i get genuine parts for cost

[geeves]

the big thing about picapart is that they are a scrap dealer not car wrecker. This means cheap prices no guarantee and dismantle yourself. Good for figuring out how things go together. Ive gone there a couple of times to take something apart just so I know how. No intention of buying something. Not so impressed with there H&S policy as of 5 years ago. It might of changed now but I had a little mishap in there getting some sidesteps off a pajero (cut just right reversed and welded back up they fit the bighorn perfectly) Dropped a scocket plus ratchet right on my eye socket. Taught everyone within earshot plus a few not in earshot a few new words climbed out wiped up all the blood with my tshirt put it back on finished getting that bar plus the second one packed up dragged the bars to the counter wearing a tshirt completely soaked in blood and asked if I could fill out there accident register. Reply "Oh no we dont have a register for customers"
Another trick I found out from a friend who is a landrover enthusiast was how they deregister cars. I dont know how this could happen with all the checks in the rego system but it did. He buys a car from there as a wreck finds it easy to repair and rego still live fixes and has a wof done and changes ownership to himself. Drives it for 6 months. Goes for next wof. "Cant wof this as its deregistered" They had deregistered the wagon after he had changed ownership.
Even so they are good for cheap parts

[mattmannz]

slightlydodgy wrote:Please be very cautious what you post in this thread as it could open a whole can of worms. Good service should be commented on but don't use it to get back at people for bad deals

I am certainly not using it to get back at anyone, just posting an honest non emotive account of my dealings. People in NZ are often too ready to accept bad service and all that does is allow people to continue providing bad service. I always give people the opportunity to put things right and certainly accept that sometimes things just happen but this isn't the case here.

Matt.

[slightlydodgy]

It was a general comment with my moderators' cap on -not aimed at anyone particularly I do agree that a lot of kiwis do tend to put up with bad service when we shouldn't and if we find someone who offers good service we should spread the word.

[electrifying]

Have to say that i used Gavin down in Christchurch for many of my 4x4 parts when i used to live there. Fantastic to deal with.

Now moved up to Palmerston North and having a bit of a hard time finding parts for the old UBS55 2.8 Bighorn...
Anyone know of a good place around the Manawatu for parts?

[geeves]

Ive just dealt with someone up your way that is worth a look
Trademe name skuta3 and email ask.4isuzuparts@xtra.co.nz
Hes not a commercial wrecker but has a large number of bighorns etc for his business and has acquired a few too many parts. Based in Marton.
Try and convince him to join clubisuzu if you buy from him. Tell him the referral was from here.