Rebuilt, Remanufactured & Used Car Parts Explained

Auto repairs usually come at the worst time andundergone an exhaustive review that checks every
always carry a cost that we'd rather avoid. Whencomponent. This can include the pistons, actuator band,
major parts in your vehicle need to be replaced, thatthe entire planetary gearset and clutch plates.
cost can be significant. For example, if your car'sEverything is restored and tested.
transmission fails, it can cost $1,500 or more for a newBecause remanufactured parts are held to O.E.M.
one. The repair shop to which you've taken your carstandards, they will often come with a comparatively
will give you three options: a rebuilt transmission, along warranty. That being said, they are usually more
remanufactured unit, or a used transmission. In thisexpensive than rebuilt parts.
article, we'll help you understand what each of theseUsed Car Parts
terms involves.Used car parts are the least costly of the three
What Does Rebuilt Mean?options. They also require the most caution when
Major car parts like transmissions are usuallypurchasing them. The reason is due to the fact that
comprised of several smaller parts. If your transmissionfew used auto parts come with a warranty that
fails, it may be due to the failing of one or more of theextends past a year. If the part fails after a year has
smaller parts while other components are workingpassed, you'll have no recourse. However, savvy car
properly. For example, the pistons and actuator bandowners can find remarkable deals in used parts. By
may need to be replaced, but the other parts are fine.asking the right questions and knowing what to look
A rebuilt transmission would involve replacing only thefor, they can often pay as little as 50% of what an
pistons and actuator band. Rebuilt parts are usuallyequivalent new or remanufactured part would cost.
less costly than remanufactured parts.The decision of which type of part - rebuilt,
What Does Remanufactured Mean?remanufactured, or used - to invest in will depend
When the O.E.M. (Original Equipment Manufacturer)largely on your budget and how long you intend to
releases a car part, it is expected to meet certainkeep your vehicle. After all, if you plan to sell your car
standards of quality and performance tolerance. Overin six months, a rebuilt transmission is probably a better
time, the quality and performance of parts degrade.investment than one that is remanufactured. Choosing
When a part is remanufactured, it is completelyappropriately means knowing your goals, your plans
overhauled in order to ensure that it once again meetsfor the vehicle and how much you can afford to
the O.E.M. standards. Continuing our example fromspend.
above, a remanufactured transmission will have