Online car breakers are changing how the Netherlands buys car parts

It happens to all of us from time to time. You take your trusty car in for a routine check-up and before you know it, you’re handed a hefty quote for a repair. A new alternator, headlamp or gearbox—whatever it is—you immediately see it’s going to be expensive. In the past, you had little choice but to agree to a costly repair or spend hours ringing around different breakers’ yards. Nowadays, however, there’s a solution that’s not only easier but also kinder to your wallet: shopping online at car breakers.

From dusty warehouses to online shops

Breakers’ yards used to be dusty sites on the edge of town, where you’d need a good dose of luck to find the exact part matching your car’s make and model. Those days are gone. Thanks to the internet, car breakers are now connected through online platforms, giving consumers direct access to a huge range of second-hand parts. Websites like Autoparts24.nl—one of the largest in Europe—make it easy for car owners to find the part they need without ever having to leave their comfortable chair.

This online approach means consumers can find what they’re looking for much faster and more easily. With just a few clicks, you have access to thousands of used parts from a range of breakers in the Netherlands and even abroad. Not only does this increase your chances of finding exactly what you need, it also ramps up competition so prices remain low.

Why used parts are so affordable

New car parts are usually expensive. Dealers and garages often supply original parts at high prices because they are freshly manufactured. Second-hand parts are naturally much cheaper because they come from cars that have been written off for various reasons. The car itself might be declared a total loss after a collision, but many parts will still be completely intact and usable.

These usable parts are removed, checked, and then listed online at prices that are considerably lower than at the dealership. Think of things like mirrors, bumpers, doors, and even complex parts like gearboxes and engines. For consumers, this offers a real chance to save money without sacrificing quality.

Bringing your own parts to the garage

An important consequence of the arrival of online car breakers is that consumers are now more likely to bring their own parts to the garage. This might have been unusual in the past, but these days few garages are surprised by it. In fact, many mechanics will even advise you to look online before you agree to buying a new part.

Here’s a real-life example: suppose your car needs a new starter motor. At the dealer, this could easily set you back 400 to 600 euros. Online, you can often find the same starter motor second-hand for a fraction of that price, say around 100 euros. Take this part to your garage, pay just the fitting costs, and your saving could quickly run into hundreds of euros.

Of course, it’s important to be sure you’re buying the right part. That’s why online platforms offer detailed search systems where you can simply enter the make, model, year and the part you need. This makes it easy to find a suitable part, even without any technical knowledge.

How garages benefit

Garages, too, benefit from the quick availability and competitive prices of used parts. This is especially true for independent garages who enjoy helping their customers save money and see this development as a real breakthrough. When they see a repair might otherwise become prohibitively expensive, they are increasingly advising their customers to look for an alternative online themselves.

What’s more, garages themselves also regularly buy parts from online breakers. Especially for repairs on older cars or less common makes, this can mean a huge cost saving—ultimately great news for the customer. It means that even older cars can be repaired at a reasonable price, allowing consumers to enjoy their current vehicle for longer.

Why online car breakers have become so popular

The popularity of online car breakers is, for the most part, down to the ease of use and reliability these platforms now offer. Consumers no longer need to worry about quality, as many parts are tested beforehand or even come with a warranty. So you’re not just buying any old part; you have the reassurance that it meets your expectations.

Online platforms also make things easy. Finding parts is far less stressful for consumers. In the past, a broken part could mean your car would be off the road for days, waiting for an expensive repair or a lengthy hunt for a replacement. Now you can often find and order the part within a day, so repairs can be carried out quickly.

Real-world examples

Take, for instance, the situation where someone is told at their MOT test that their headlamp unit needs replacing. At the garage, this could cost as much as 400 euros. After a quick online search, they find the exact same unit for sale through an online breaker for just 80 euros. Within two days, the part is at the garage ready to be fitted.

Or consider a car owner with a damaged rear bumper after a minor prang in the car park. A new bumper from the dealer might cost a thousand euros or more. But through an online car breaker, a good second-hand bumper can easily be found for about two hundred euros—a saving of eight hundred euros, which could go towards something much more enjoyable.

How it works in practice

The process is simple. On platforms like Autoparts24.nl, you first enter your registration or the make, model, and year of your car. Then you select the part you want from a clear menu. Within seconds you see a list of available parts, complete with clear photos, the condition of the part, price and delivery information.

Then you place your order easily on the website and within a few days the part will be at your home or your garage. The convenience and clarity mean more and more people are choosing this method over traditional options.

The future of buying car parts

The combination of car breakers and online platforms has changed the way we buy car parts forever. The benefits are clear: lower prices, more choice and better availability for everyone. As more car owners discover this option, its use will only continue to rise.

Online breakers aren’t just a passing trend; they are a lasting change in the automotive industry. Thanks to platforms like Autoparts24.nl, everyone now has access to a global stock of affordable parts, making motoring not only cheaper but also more accessible for all Dutch drivers.

So, the next time you’re faced with an expensive repair quote from your garage, why not first check if you can find the part online at a car breaker? There’s a good chance your wallet will thank you!