eBay launches certified used parts scheme

David Ross, Editor
Thu, 04 May 2023

eBay has launched a Certified Recycled program, which sells recycled vehicle parts from 81 certified sellers.

The online marketplace says that UK motorists saved £99 million in 2022 by opting for recycled parts and accessories instead of brand new replacements.

A survey carried out by eBay shows that Certified Recycled parts can be up to 70% cheaper compared to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

All parts are vetted and warranted, with body parts featuring a 12-month warranty while mechanical parts come with three months of protection. They are only supplied from end-of-life vehicles from approved sellers.

They are sold by businesses that have been checked and certified by the Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA) and are subject to an annual audit of their processes and policies.

This means that any part listed has been sourced from and can be traced to an end-of-life vehicle, and has been accurately identified, recorded, tested and graded.

eBay says the the savings resulted from the millions of used parts sold across eBay last year, including almost one million exterior parts and accessories, over 400,000 lighting parts and over 130,000 engine-related parts.

According to eBay research, 16.1% of motorists often buy recycled parts to save money, while 14% choose used items to reduce their carbon emissions.

Some car owners prefer to buy parts themselves, while others prefer to buy recycled parts from a professional service centre, highlighting the important role that garages and workshops can play in changing buyer behavior.

Dr. Tony Tong, Head of Automotive at eBay UK, said, "With parts delays, rising costs and more focus than ever on making the right choices to reduce our carbon footprint, these parts have the potential to help save money, time and the environment. We’re making it as easy as possible for people to find these parts and to understand the potential benefits they bring, in the hope that motorists will increasingly choose Certified Recycled parts as alternatives to buying brand new items."

Ask HJ

Should I repair my current car or buy something newer?

I have a 2008 Peugeot 407 SW. I bought it for towing and it proved to be an excellent tow car. I no longer tow but although old, I still love it. I know how it works (not mechanically) as it doesn't have all the electronic new fangled things which I am wary of as I think more could go wrong. I find it comfortable to drive too. As you may have realised by now, I'm an aged female! My problem is, I have been told that the dual mass fly wheel is worn and needs replacing with clutch. I know it's going to be expensive ...possibly more that the value of the car, for which I've had various valuations ranging from £750 to £1800. So my question is, is it worth having it done or should I just, reluctantly, go for a newer car?

What you decide to do next depends on two things: how much money you have to spend and what kind of condition your Peugeot is currently in. Other than the flywheel issue, if it is in good condition and is regularly serviced, there is no reason why it cannot continue to give you many more years of loyal service. Clutches, and flywheels to a lesser extent, are considered consumable parts, so eventually they will wear out. The cost of replacing both will likely cost close to £1000 or more, but once done they should last for at least another 100,000 miles. However, if you have money available to replace the car completely, you have the option of selling up and buying something younger. You could even replace it with another Peugeot 407 as it suits your needs well.

Answered by David Ross

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