How U-Pull yards work
At a self-service yard you pay a small gate fee, walk rows of cars set on wheel stands, remove parts with your own tools, and pay a flat posted price per part type, no matter the make. A headlight from a Hyundai and one from a Mercedes cost the same. That flat price is where your profit comes from.
Real posted prices (Chesterfield Auto Parts, Richmond-area Virginia; price / core charge) (price list)
| Part | Price | Core |
|---|---|---|
| Engine computer (ECM), TCM or ABS module | $42 | $0 |
| Small control module | $24 | $0 |
| HID headlamp assembly | $58 | $0 |
| Composite headlamp | $16 | $0 |
| Tail lamp | $21 | $0 |
| Digital cluster | $37 | $0 |
| Radio with CD | $26 | $0 |
| Factory amplifier | $13 | $0 |
| Electric outside mirror | $21 | $0 |
| Caliper, dual piston | $18 | $0 |
| Aluminum wheel, 16" and up | $35 | $20 |
| Alternator | $29 | $15 |
| Power seat | $35 | $0 |
| Engine (any) | $253 | $60 |
Core charges are refundable deposits on rebuildable parts like alternators and wheels. Bring back an old unit (or the yard's own core) with your receipt to get it back. Pull-A-Part refunds core deposits in cash within 30 days (Pull-A-Part FAQ).
Warranties. Chesterfield backs every part with 30 days, with paid 60- or 90-day options. Pull-A-Part gives 30 days for store credit (keep the receipt and the yard's paint mark on the part), and sells a 120-day extended warranty. A yard warranty protects you when a part you bought turns out bad.
Yard rules (they vary, so call ahead)
| Rule | Chesterfield (VA) | Pull-A-Part / U-Pull-&-Pay (no VA stores; nearest in NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | $1 + waiver | $2, $1 for free VIP members; free for veterans and first responders |
| Minimum age | 16 | 16 |
| Jacks and torches | Banned | Banned |
| Grinders | Not stated | Banned |
| Cordless tools | Ask | Allowed, plus jump packs |
| Footwear | No open toes | Not posted; wear boots |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 9–5, Fri–Sun 8–5; entry stops 30 min before close | Varies by store |
Sources: Chesterfield visitors guide, Pull-A-Part tools FAQ. Some yards ban all power cutting tools and won't sell a part that was cut off (Grandpa John's rules).
Finding fresh cars
- Check online inventory the night before. Chesterfield's "Newest Vehicles" page lists the latest cars at each yard with the row and set date, plus a wishlist that alerts you (Chesterfield). Pull-A-Part filters arrivals to the last 24 hours (Pull-A-Part).
- The best parts on a desirable car can be gone in 24–48 hours, and regulars arrive at opening. Go early, on arrival days.
- Use interchange tools to find every car that shares a part: Pull-A-Part's free Parts Interchange, or ask the counter for an interchange sheet.
- Watch for sale days. Some chains have run 40%-off holiday sales; check each yard's Facebook page or VIP club.
- Join free loyalty clubs. Pull-A-Part's VIP Club returns 3% as store credit and sends fresh-car alerts (VIP Club).
General education, not legal or tax advice. Fees, carrier rates and rules change; check the linked sources before you rely on a number.