People hold strong feelings about cars. They may love a certain car because it holds important memories. The cars in our lives often link us to childhood moments, times with family and experiences with friends. Our cars are often companions as we journey through life, helping create lasting memories along the way. That’s a big reason many people want to keep older cars running. But that begs a question: How easy is it to find replacement parts for older cars they don’t manufacture anymore?
Enthusiasts of older cars often fall into one of two categories. Some people may already own a car that they want to preserve, and others may be considering purchasing a car that they have always admired. For the second group, it may be to replace a model of car from an earlier time in life, or it may be to get that car they always dreamed about but never owned.
Cars no longer manufactured
The list of cars that have slipped into automotive history is long. The list includes entire automotive divisions and specific models. Legendary makes of the past include Oldsmobile, Saturn, Pontiac, Mercury, Saab, Plymouth and AMC. Iconic discontinued models from current automotive manufacturers include the Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo and Caprice, Ford Taurus, Fusion and Thunderbird, as well as Dodge Dart, Intrepid and Stratus – just to name a few.
Finding replacement parts for discontinued car models
There are several options for finding replacement parts for older cars. You can visit salvage yards or search used parts sites online. You can also check with OEM dealers to see if they still have parts in stock. A third option is to purchase new parts from automotive aftermarket suppliers. These parts offer the benefit of being new while often priced less than what an OEM dealer would charge.
What types of replacement parts can you expect to find for discontinued makes and models of cars? With so many parts suppliers in the market, you can find virtually anything, including essentials like starters and alternators. Aftermarket dealers make sure the parts are made to fit original specifications. Better yet, you can order parts online and have them delivered to your address. This convenience saves you from traveling far distances to visit salvage yards and used car parts dealers.
Aftermarket replacement parts for older cars
With the availability of new automotive aftermarket parts, it’s possible to keep older cars, even the makes and models no longer manufactured, fully operational. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to keep an older car running for sentimental reasons. Plus, it’s a good option for people who like older cars as affordable transportation.
