November 9, 2023

Some of My Car Junkyard Tales

Heading to a car junkyard can be surprisingly good for finding auto parts without spending too much. Like the time I needed a new headlight for my 2002 Mazda Miata and actually found one that fit perfectly in my local yard.

On another occasion, while fixing up an old Toyota Corolla from '97, I was searching high and low for some interior trim. Not only did I snag those bits but also picked up a few other odds and ends that came in handy later on.

And it's not just about cars from way back when—recent models like Chevy Malibus or Dodge Chargers are well represented too. You'd be amazed at what you might find if you're willing to do a bit of digging around.


  • Nice leather seats out of a Lexus ES300 could really make another car look sharp inside
  • Airbags from Hyundais often show up thanks to recalls making them swap out older ones more often
  • Finding exact-match sun visors or small trim pieces is possible—I got lucky with some Ford Taurus parts once
  • If tires are on your list, there’s usually plenty laying around next to cars they’re pulling apart
  • I’ve even come across Nissan Altima knobs that controlled heating and AC systems

Sometimes selling your own beat-up ride can be smarter than trying to fix it yet again. That happened with my old Chevrolet S10 truck—the salvage yard made me an offer based on its condition and mileage which saved me loads of trouble compared with trying sell it myself online or through ads.

Remember when talking price at these places, being armed with knowledge about how much your vehicle’s worth helps—a salvage yard couple different quotes will give you the upper hand during negotiations. Whether you’re looking for spare parts cheaply or thinking "maybe this clunker's ready for scrap," every trip feels like uncovering opportunities waiting right beneath all that dust!

Meet Alex Turner, the grease-monkey wordsmith with a knack for turning car tales into compelling yarns, and a soft spot for junk car nostalgia. When Alex isn't writing or elbow-deep in engine work, you'll find them at local auto salvage yards, hunting down the next rusty treasure.