A Comprehensive Glossary of Slang Used in the Used Automobile Parts Market
In auto repair shops and salvage yards, old parts are never called "used." Experts use these coded terms for transactions:
Content
I. Officially Defined Categories
• Salvaged Parts
Parts completely removed from scrapped vehicles, retaining original oil residue and wear marks.
Applicable parts: Automobile doors/bumpers/rearview mirrors (usable if there is no visible deformation)
• Off-Line Parts
Defective products rejected by the manufacturer's quality control (e.g., poorly sealed headlights, scratched interior panels)
Bargain hunting tip: Be cautious when buying electronic parts; metal parts are worth checking out.
• Disassembled Parts
Parts salvaged from accident vehicles (e.g., airbags deployed but engine intact)
Risk warning: You must see photos of the Automobile before disassembly to avoid buying a "water-damaged engine."
II. Gray Area Categories
• Repaired Parts (a major area for fraudulent practices)
Accident-damaged beams straightened and repainted, transmission valve bodies with replaced casings.
Deceptive tactic: Sold as "original factory salvaged parts" at double the price.
• Port Parts
Parts from smuggled Automobiles cut up abroad (e.g., right-hand drive steering mechanisms converted to left-hand drive)
Hidden danger: Failure to match the VIN during vehicle inspection will result in vehicle confiscation.
III. Scrap Recycling Categories
• Recycled Parts
Large metal parts such as engine blocks/crankshafts, sold to scrap yards by weight (aluminum parts 12 yuan/catties, iron parts 0.8 yuan/catties)
• Core Parts
Core components extracted from scrapped parts:
Catalytic converters with precious metal Automobileriers (containing platinum, rhodium, and palladium)
Alternators with copper coils
Analysis of Expert Transaction Slang
| Term | True Meaning | Dealership Wisdom |
|---|---|---|
| Stamped Part | Part with original VIN traceability | "No VIN, no deal!" |
| Whole-car Part | From non-wrecked donor vehicle | "Check undercarriage rust first!" |
| Bench-built | Re-manufactured in backstreet shops | "Spot body filler? Walk away!" |
| Flood-salvage | Parts from water-damaged vehicles | "Sniff mildew, check connector pins!" |

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