Reviving a Toyota RAV4: From Salvage Yard Finds to Functional SUV

Used car parts have become a valuable commodity nowadays, especially with governments and manufacturers urging car owners to opt more environmentally friendly alternatives. As a result, there has been a rise in the demand for used car parts and we have matched that by increasing supply. Not only do we have used components for all the vehicles running on NZ roads, including the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Demio, or Nissan Tiida, but we have high-quality parts at affordable prices.

The icing on the cake is that all our parts extraction is done by a team of professionals. All the parts are tested, classified, and then added to our stockpile. So that whenever someone calls us asking for a new part, we can immediately find it for you. In other words, you don’t have to waste money on new parts for your RAV4 or buy a salvage vehicle through an auction, when you can get all Toyota RAV4 parts at National Car Parts.

Goldmines in the salvage yard: Essential Used Parts for Your RAV4

It would not be amiss to say that junkyards are goldmines for car owners, since you can find almost any component for your vehicle at a fraction of the price. So, junkyards should be the first place you should look when you want used parts for your RAV4.

Here are a few components that are commonly replaced on a RAV4:

Exterior Body Parts

It’s not uncommon for dents and scratches to appear on your Toyota RAV4, especially on its doors, fenders and bonnet. These blemishes negatively affect your vehicle’s aesthetic, which is why you should do something about them as soon as possible. Luckily, you can find good-quality used exterior body parts at junkyards. Often times you can even get colour matching parts at a fraction of the price of a new one.

Lighting Components

Headlights and taillights can sustain damage in accidents, but the more common culprit are the pebbles and small rocks that can damage the housing, while you drive on the road. So, what can you do? You can most certainly get a pair of used ones from a salvage yard and if you are lucky, you can even get lights from a different trim level to upgrade the overall aesthetic of your vehicle.

Interior Parts

Whether you are looking for carpets, mats, lights, dashboard components or consoles, you can get them all at an auto wrecker. We have used interior parts for your RAV4 in extremely good condition, which you can buy to upgrade the look of your vehicle’s interior.

Mechanical Parts

If you are on the lookout for mechanical parts for your RAV4, you are not the only one. No matter how reliable this vehicle is, it can develop mechanical faults when used for a long time. But, worry not, as we have all kinds of belts, spark plugs, throttle bodies, gears, injectors and more.

Finding the Right Parts

It is often difficult for a first timer to identify car parts and then find its replacement. We know that it is an uphill task for most people, which is why we have mechanics and professionals to help. Ifyou

bring a part and ask for its exact replacement we will be able to help. However, it is always useful to have the information of three things: the make, model and year of your vehicle.

Those of you have this information can easily find replacement parts that fit. But if you are willing to go the extra mile, there is one other thing you can do to ensure you get the right part every time. We are talking about part numbers. You see, every component is given a unique part number by the manufacturer. It is printed on the component itself, so you don’t have to worry too much to find it. Once you have that number, you can call any salvage yard from the comfort of your home and have the exact replacement part delivered at home.

Before You Buy

You must keep in mind that salvage yards often grade used parts according to their condition. So, it is best to ask them about this grade before you spend any money. The grades range from A to D, with A being awarded to the highest-quality part and D to low-quality parts. This allows you to make a mental image in your mind, and then decide whether you want to buy the part or search further.

Secondly, it’s important that you inspect the part before buying. After all, it is possible that the team extracting the part has missed catching rust or damage. Perhaps, when you inspect the component, you can catch it and report it to the yard. So, always be vigilant and avoid paying for damaged goods.

Advantages of Using Quality Used Parts

Some people don’t believe this but there are several advantages of using quality used parts in your RAV4:

Cost Saving

Used parts are affordable and most of the times they cost half the price of a new one.

Environmentally Friendly

Reusing car parts significantly reduces wastage and pollution.

Easy To Find Rare Parts

Sometimes it’s impossible to find parts for some old RAV4s or rare vehicles because they are discontinued. But at salvage yards, the chances of finding such parts is quite high since we regularly extract parts from old vehicles.

Considerations and Safety Tips

• If you have an old RAV4, it is possible that some of its parts aren’t available at a junkyard. This is not common but it can happen, so you must also be prepared for the possibility if not finding your desired part.
• Keep in mind that some parts are best bought new, such as airbags and brakes. Reusing parts like these can lead to a potential disaster, which must be avoided at all costs.
• If you are working on replacing parts on your RAV4 by yourself, ensure that you have all the right tools and that you are following the proper safety procedures and protocols.
• Whenever you have doubt, try consulting a professional. It doesn’t cost anything but it can save you a lot of time and effort.