When it comes to salvaging automobiles, the enthusiast community is often left wondering why seemingly good cars end up in salvage yards instead of getting a second chance on the road. Whether it’s a rare or classic car or other cherished vehicle, it leaves car enthusiasts pondering the reasons behind such choices.

At Tom’s Foreign Auto Parts, we understand the emotional attachment enthusiasts have to their beloved vehicles. Our commitment is not just to salvage cars but to salvage their legacy in the automotive world, especially those hard-to-find or unique classics.

Why Are Good Cars Parted Out?

One of the primary reasons the cars in our inventory end up in our salvage yard is due to their history and condition. Over 90% of the vehicles we acquire come from insurance auctions, where insurance companies have deemed them totaled. In essence, if the cost of repairs exceeds the car’s value, the insurance company labels it as not worth fixing. For example, if a car is worth $7,500 but needs $5,500 in repairs, the economics don’t make sense for the insurance company to proceed with repairs.

Apart from insurance auctions, we also purchase vehicles from the general public. Often, these cars are ones that the owners can’t justify investing more money into. At this point, the owners have a choice: sell to another private owner, trade it in, or sell it to a recycling yard like ours.

Salvage for a Cause

However, all hope is not lost for these seemingly abandoned vehicles. Unlike a junkyard that sells cars for scrap metal, every car we part out is for a purpose. A car like a Mitsubishi Eclipse may seem destined for the crusher, but it’s providing crucial parts to keep other Eclipses on the road. That Nissan Maxima you love so much might have been taken apart, but its components are being repurposed to preserve other Maximas. By parting out these older cars, we contribute to the community of enthusiasts who strive to keep these classics alive.

Tom’s Understands The Importance of OEM Parts

In our pursuit to preserve and salvage, we emphasize the significance of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. OEM parts are crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of a vehicle. By choosing OEM parts from salvage vehicles, you’re saving money and contributing to the sustainability of the automotive industry. These authentic parts ensure a seamless fit and optimal performance for your beloved vehicle. Restoring a classic with OEM parts preserves its authenticity and enhances its value.

At Tom’s Foreign Auto Parts, we recognize the value of genuine OEM parts and work to provide them to our customers at a fraction of the cost. Since 1985, we’ve helped our customers save up to 75% with perfectly good used OEM parts and provide a six-month no-hassle money-back guarantee.