Question about buying a parts car vs. just hunting junkyards

Last weekend I found a guy selling a whole 90s Civic hatch for $400. It was wrecked in the rear but had a clean engine and trans. My buddy says grab it for parts, but my other friend says I'm just gonna fill my yard with junk and I'm better off hitting Pick-N-Pull every month for $50. I'm leaning toward the parts car because I know exactly what I'm getting. Has anyone here gone the parts car route and ended up regretting it or saving money in the long run?

2 comments

2 Comments

taylorcarr11d ago

$400 for a whole 90s Civic hatch with a clean engine and trans? Dude, that's a steal. I'd be all over that. You're basically getting a spare engine and trans for less than what you'd pay for just one at a scrapyard. Yeah, it'll take up some space in your yard, but I've done that twice and never regretted it. Only thing I'd check is if the title is clean so you can register it if you ever change your mind.

the_james11d ago

Yeah but have you checked to see if the frame is rusted out yet? I learned that one the hard way with a $500 MR2 that looked perfect until I saw the floor pans were basically gone.