Yes, we have all heard that in Western countries this is a whole industry, that there are programs for recycling parts at the factories of the automakers themselves (for example, Volkswagen buys worn-out units through its dealers). But how is it all in Ukraine? Are the prices really that low? Which brands are worth restoring parts for? How reliable is it? And are all parts subject to restoration?
To answer these popular questions, we conducted a market research.
Indeed, the price difference is objectively tied to the car brand. The explanation here is quite simple: the manufacturer's marketing policy. For example, liberal Koreans or dumping Chinese sell their parts with minimal markups, so it is easier to buy an original from a dealer here. But when you find out the price of a brake caliper for a thoroughbred Audi Q7 or, say, a suspension arm for a prestigious Lexus GX470, you will have a desire to understand your options. And these are actually stamped or cast simple all-metal products. But a European (American) worker does not get his 12 euros (dollars) per hour for nothing. Therefore, complex mechanisms such as brake cylinders, starters and generators, turbines and power steering pumps of English, German, American and Japanese production are sold by official representatives at not the most affordable prices. Italian and French products occupy an intermediate position here. As for complete units, such as internal combustion engines or automatic transmissions, for this money it is quite possible to buy a small car on the move.
Where do they save on restoration?
Since there are a great many parts for all makes and models of cars and the format of this article does not allow collecting all data for all models, we selectively collected prices for different cars in a summary table. We tried to cover models of all price ranges from affordable Chevrolet Aveo to top-end Porsche Cayenne, and also show the most demanded parts on the market from all car systems. So, let's compare prices in 5 categories: original part, cheap and expensive replacement, used from disassembly and restored product.
• Red color shows where restoration is not advisable: a restored part is more expensive than a reliable analogue.
• Green color marks where the relative price difference gives an advantage of restored parts of 75% or more.
It is noteworthy that the price of restored parts and mechanisms is almost always lower than the price of quality analogues and rarely exceeds the threshold of 50% of the cost of a new original. At the same time, experienced workshop specialists can offer the market a restored part (with performance characteristics of a new one and a warranty) at a price comparable to a used part.
The conclusion suggests itself: you can buy a worn-out unit at a disassembly for pennies, invest effort and money in it and get a guaranteed working part cheaper than a branded replacement, and sometimes even cheaper than an unreliable ersatz (see, for example, a turbine or throttle valve). This strategy is increasingly used by car repair shops and service stations.
It should be noted that for a number of engine parts (crankshaft and camshaft, gearbox or differentials in assembly) analogues are not produced at all. Here restoration becomes the only alternative to used from disassembly.
On the other hand, there are a number of inexpensive parts whose restoration is not advisable: for struts and arms, even a quality replacement will cost less than repair (indicated in red in the table).
To understand which parts are most profitable to restore, of course, you need to compare parts for one model. We will illustrate with an example of prices for parts for BMW X5, E53 3.0D (1999-2006)
As we can see, savings on restored parts range from 28 (engine mount) to 82% (differential, master brake cylinder). And the entire BMW X5 (not counting body elements) can be equipped with used parts for 4,113 dollars, with restored ones for 10,335 and with new ones for 35,502. How is this achieved?
After talking with employees of companies specializing in restoration, we found out this simple secret:
• Firstly, our auto mechanics work for much lower wages than their colleagues in the EU and the USA, while they are in no way inferior to them in qualifications.
• Secondly, savings are achieved through the so-called "gentle" approach - as a rule, body parts that are not subject to wear remain, and friction pairs, bearings and seals, gears are replaced with new parts. If wear is insignificant, the "native" part is left, thereby reducing the cost of the service. At the same time, original repair kits are used, and the mechanism being restored is carefully diagnosed and inspected for defects.
• Thirdly, car services engaged in restoration receive wholesale discounts when ordering repair kits, thus reducing the cost of restoration.
• Fourthly, local repair organizations develop specialization and, as a result, mass production (for example, only steering racks).
How reliable are restored parts?
This is the second most popular question after the price question. Indeed, warranty obligations are an important factor when choosing a repair method. Obviously, restored parts are more reliable than used from disassembly – that is what the overpayment is for. Warranty periods for restoration are comparable to warranties on analogues. As a rule, this is from 3 (brake calipers and discs, starters and generators, steering rack) or 6 (arms, transmission parts, fuel injection pump, turbines) months and up to 12 months for complex units, such as an engine or its components. Often a warranty is offered by agreement.
As everywhere, everything here depends on the contractor, the qualifications of its employees, the quality of components and equipment. We advise you to contact only specialists with a proven reputation.
Andriy Ivanenko
