The World Wide Web is a great resource whenever you're just shopping around looking for auto parts. It can allow for valuable information as well as pricing guidelines on almost every auto part ever made. There will obviously be some very hard to find parts that the internet will not be able to help you with, but for most common parts it is an invaluable resource.
Note how I said shopping but not buying. I would use and abuse the internet to find out as much competitive information on the paticular part you are looking for. Then before buying the research for the best deal. And don't forget to include the shipping cost into your budget.
Make notes on the part or parts you are looking for and see what the best prices you are able to find . Remember, if you can get the same part locally for less than what you are finding on the net (don't forget to include the tax) then you might want to consider buying locally.
This is true for both new and used parts, but I would highly recommend only buying used auto parts online if it is your only recourse. Used parts can be very difficult to determine quality even with the product in hand, much less through someones web page who is trying to sell it to you.
While you may not be interested in buying used car parts online, again the internet can provide you with valuable information to find the part you need. Instead of having to call many different junk yards looking for your part, you can use the internet to track it down and get pricing. Hopefully you can find a junk yard locally that will be able to help you out. If not perhaps you can find one fairly nearby that you could drive to.
Either way if you do decide to purchase automobile parts online I would only recommend going with new ones. Used parts are risky as is and there is no reason to make it any riskier. Good luck with your purchase and hopefully this has helped you out.
