‘Tis the question – especially considering everyone is “running lean” financially these days, why would anyone buy new car parts if cheaper, remanfactured, used parts are available. Well, there isn’t an easy answer. My recommendation – it depends on the car part you are replacing.

If it is a gearbox or rack and pinion, which in most cases are remanufactured anyway, you don’t really have a choice. It would be wise to consider the history of the rebuilder and the level of workmanship. A good way to gauge the quality is to look at the company’s warranty policy.

Other suspension parts, such as wheel hubs, struts, shocks, brakes, rotors, etc. you always want new. Last thing you want is a “spray and pray” part and be stuck with hundreds of dollars in labor plus the cost of the reman./used part.

Apply the same philosophy to your car’s air conditioning system. Rule of thumb: you always want to buy new, with a great warranty, unless a new compressor is not available anywhere and remanufactured is your only choice.

Same goes for turbochargers and superchargers – buy new. However, I have noticed the quality of rebuilt forced induction parts is improving. Do your research. When in doubt, check the warranty.

At the end of the day, if its mechanical, buy new, otherwise don’t bother. Car radios, car navigation units, and other interior parts might be important to you but they won’t keep your car from functioning. In other words, if it doesn’t affect the drivablity of your car, shoot for used/reman. The ultimate scenario you must avoid is your car out of commission, sitting at the shop because you “ran lean” on the wrong part.