Although some car repairs require brand new parts, most engine work can be done using parts from old cars that are kept on auto salvage lots. Mechanics use salvage parts often to keep costs down, but anyone can buy parts if they know what they need in advance.Recent and Older CarsAuto salvage lots usually stock cars that vary widely in age. Brand new cars that have been cosmetically damaged in wrecks can make excellent salvage vehicles. Older cars are taken to the salvage yard when they are no longer marketable. If your car is at least a year old, there is a good chance that you will be able to find replacement parts from an auto salvage yard. These salvaged parts can be hundreds of dollars less than the new parts you would buy through a dealer, and most of them are in perfectly good condition.Cosmetic Salvage MaterialsEngine parts are not the only things that are good to purchase through an auto salvage lot. Cosmetic materials are also available. If your dashboard is cracked or your seats are in bad shape, you might be able to find a replacement in a salvage yard. Cars are salvaged for many different reasons. If the car was taken to the lot because of engine trouble, the rest of the car should be perfectly fine. Sometimes salvage yards are the only places to find parts like brake light covers, headlights, or other features that are unique to each make and model of a vehicle.Full Service or Do-it-YourselfNot all auto salvage lots expect you to pull the parts yourself. There are plenty of salvages that will take your parts order and pull the part so that it is waiting for you at the counter. You will have to pay a little more to have them do the work for you, but it is worth it if you are not mechanically inclined. Anyone who has any skill with car engines or bodies shouldn't have any trouble picking the parts they need and pulling them on their own. You will need to provide your own tools if you plan to do the salvage recovery yourself.