New Panels Or New
This is a question asked by many DIY motorists trying to keep costs down. Of course buying an original new part will always be better in terms of the life span of the part, but you have to take into account the higher cost and the prep work you still have to do with a new panel. The value of the vehicle will also play a part in how much you want to spend on repairing a damage panel on the car.
Buying used is another consideration, but here you have problems with colour, possible rust and a possibility that this panel is also damaged in way that needs further prep work.
Garages automatically buy new and depending on the model of car or if the vehicle has been left at a dealership or not will buy original or a copy. For example it is unlikely that a Mercedes dealership would ever consider using a copy panel to fit on to their cars. It is usual for example for a back street garage to use a copy part on a 6 year Ford Fiesta for example.
Garages very rarely use second hand panels, first because of the time to locate a good one and second, the fitting can take more time than planned. The amateur mechanic, who is repairing a car within a budget, will of course consider a used part over a new to keep cost down, especially when you can get a genuine part cheaper than a new copy version.
It is now easier to locate car parts and panels than ever before because of the internet, but locating can be the easy part as shipping can be hard. There is an expectation that delivering such items is the retailer’s problem. But losing time on a project sending back a damaged panel can cost the project time and unneeded stress. Delivery Carriers are just not set to deliver car panels, so getting one local may just be the solution.
This probably means doing things the old fashioned way, by picking up the phone then driving to the local yard to see how good the panel is for you. Then you can nurse than panel back home. As panels tend o be the first victim of an accident that makes a newer car salvage, you may find that even with the internet you are forced to buy new.