[e90yyc]

I was at a local auto recycler this weekend and pulled a number of items for my 328xi, prior to discussing pricing.

Expecting they'd be reasonable, I jokingly said to the owner that we should have discussed prices before I pulled all the stuff off. He assured me the prices were "junkyard prices" and that I shouldn't worry.


Some of the choice cuts:

• Used sunroof seal, B condition, wanted $40. Ended up giving him $5 for it
• Two eBay special flat black made-in-Taiwan kidney grilles. $45 EACH. I laughed and explained to him what I can get them for new... He was willing to haggle but I ended up passing.
• Steering wheel, non-sport, no airbag, B condition (some scuffing on leather and small crack on back from airbag spring release), wanted $100. I settled for $50 as I felt it was fair, but I should have gone lower...
• Hood, good shape but rock chipped (donor car had ~120,000 miles). Wanted $500 firm (~$350 USD). Hard pass on that. I felt $500 wasn't unfair per se, but I didn't absolutely need to replace my hood, so it wasn't worth it to me

As you can see, we were in alternate universes on most of what I had pulled. Maybe I'm cheap, or maybe I'm of the belief that you don't get to charge A-grade, tested and guaranteed used parts prices at a pick-n-pull yard... I pity the fool who pays what this guy first asks for.

I'm headed back today to get an upper rad hose (damaged nipple that leads to overflow when doing some work requiring removal of electric fan). The price for a new one from dealer with good discount is about $95 CAD. I was planning to offer the guy $15. Is this fair?

What does junkyard pricing mean to you? What would you reasonably expect to pay as a percentage of new-part cost at a junkyard, assuming the part is usable and in great shape?

I realize there are no hard fast rules here, I'm just looking for general thoughts/experience. TIA

[BravoJohny33]

Those prices are garbage. The junk yard I go to has flat rate prices for everything regardless of car brand. I paid 5 dollars for a BMW auto dimming mirror. If I am pulling the part myself I expect to pay much lower than used ebay prices.

A BMW hood if you pull it yourself is 50 bucks at my junk yard.

[Emilime75]

Look up the Pull-A-Part chain, here in the US. They list prices for just about every part, which is fixed, regardless of brand/model car, and/or condition. This is what I expect to pay for junkyard parts.

As an example, a hood costs $42.50 US. A couple of BS fees +tax bring it to about 55-60 dollars. That's for just the hood, if you want the hinges and latch with it, you're looking at about $120. $500 for a used hood is ridiculous.

[BravoJohny33]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Look up the Pull-A-Part chain, here in the US. They list prices for just about every part, which is fixed, regardless of brand/model car, and/or condition. This is what I expect to pay for junkyard parts.

As an example, a hood costs $42.50 US. A couple of BS fees +tax bring it to about 55-60 dollars. That's for just the hood, if you want the hinges and latch with it, you're looking at about $120. $500 for a used hood is ridiculous.

Yeah I remember years ago when I first tried my hand at junk yards I ran into a junk yard that would charge these prices. They were not really junk yards but more of a used parts marketplace. They wanted 500 dollars for a hood as well.

[e90yyc]

Thanks for your input guys.

We do have some yards here in town (Pick-N-Pull) that I think are also in the States and they do list flat-rate pricing. It's basically in line with what's been posted here ($50 for hood).

I don't mind paying a bit extra for top-notch used parts, but I need to see the value. Removing the part myself and gambling as to whether it works isn't really much of a selling point for me. (This is in reference to the ridiculous prices charged by the place I mention in my original post, NOT normal pick-n-pull yards)

I just f*cking hate greasy, shiesty people.

Here's an actual photo of me when buddy started telling me prices:

[Jagaer]

Not sure why the prices are a mystery to begin with.

The Kenny-U-Pull chain posts a very detailed list of prices (including core charges for a few parts).

Example: http://www.kennyupull.com/en/price-list/Montreal

Sun Roof Sun Roof Assy. Complete No Motor / Ensemble complet de toit ouvrant sans moteur $21.96
Grill Plastic (Bare) - Car or SUV / Calandre en plastique (Nue) - Voiture or VUS $20.00
Steering Wheel / Volant de direction $13.92
Hood / Capot $50.01 (Core Charge $3.00)

[BravoJohny33]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

Thanks for your input guys.

We do have some yards here in town (Pick-N-Pull) that I think are also in the States and they do list flat-rate pricing. It's basically in line with what's been posted here ($50 for hood).

I don't mind paying a bit extra for top-notch used parts, but I need to see the value. Removing the part myself and gambling as to whether it works isn't really much of a selling point for me.

I just f*cking hate greasy, shiesty people.

Here's an actual photo of me when buddy started telling me prices:

If the hood opens or closes it works. Nothing to gamble on. Also, for other parts they do have a return policy and you can pay like 10 bucks for an extended warranty.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by BravoJohny33

If the hood opens or closes it works. Nothing to gamble on. Also, for other parts they do have a return policy and you can pay like 10 bucks for an extended warranty.

My comment about parts working was in reference to other items, not a hood or similar.

I was also commenting on the grease-a-torium whose prices I quoted in my initial post, not the yards that are transparent and standard in their pricing...

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by Jagaer

Not sure why the prices are a mystery to begin with.

The Kenny-U-Pull chain posts a very detailed list of prices (including core charges for a few parts).

Example: http://www.kennyupull.com/en/price-list/Montreal

Sun Roof Sun Roof Assy. Complete No Motor / Ensemble complet de toit ouvrant sans moteur $21.96
Grill Plastic (Bare) - Car or SUV / Calandre en plastique (Nue) - Voiture or VUS $20.00
Steering Wheel / Volant de direction $13.92
Hood / Capot $50.01 (Core Charge $3.00)

Yes, this is how it should be. Obviously I regretted assuming the prices at the place I went to would be reasonable, and won't be making that mistake again.

This is not directed at you, but I feel like some of the other replies are not entirely understanding, so I want to clarify:

Believe me, I asked for a price sheet up front. But when I was told they didn't have one, and that prices would be very good, I went against my better judgement and proceeded to remove the parts I needed. This was a small operation that seemed to specialize in German cars.

Whether or not I'll return will come down to what price is agreed upon prior to me putting my shoes on to leave the house.

[rick100]

500 for a hood that u had to pulled out yourself LOL..

I would ve piss off if I had to go through the work of removing it for him ... Better for find out prices before you start removing big items...

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by rick100

500 for a hood that u had to pulled out yourself LOL..

I would ve piss off if I had to go through the work of removing it for him ... Better for find out prices before you start removing big items...

Yup... lesson learned there haha

[mecheng77]

Which yard is this?

[BimmerNugget]

Uh...$350 USD for a used hood is a rip off. You can get a brand new hood (non certified) for pre lci E90s on Rockauto for $120. Of course shipping will be about another $100.

I bet local auto body parts distributors will sell a brand new hood for about $150 and you won't have to pay for shipping.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

Which yard is this?

Barez Auto Recycling Ltd. here in Calgary.

The absolute only good thing I can say is that the guy working there (who owns the place) was nice. But as a former salesperson, I felt pretty strongly that it was just part of the ruse to build obligation with clients.

[adam_c]

What color was the interior? I'm looking for some pieces

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by adam_c

What color was the interior? I'm looking for some pieces

They had maybe 3 or 4 E90’s there. All sedan. All black leatherette.

[adam_c]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

They had maybe 3 or 4 E90’s there. All sedan. All black leatherette.

Thanks

I have tan/biege interior, blah
Although I wonder how much they would sell the shift knob for

[autoart]

look here : http://car-part.com most all prices listed

[ccfj1]

Its a bit cheaper here in the uk, tbh, although it can be hit and miss with who serves you...

Last time i was in i got a load of small parts and spotted amk4 nav computer (from a mini cooper) and the whole lot was like £20 ($30).

I doubt that a bonnet would be more then £60-£80tbh.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by adam_c

Thanks

I have tan/biege interior, blah
Although I wonder how much they would sell the shift knob for

$500.