I went to U Pull It for the very first time today. It seemed promising, lots of cars, close to my home, and the promise of some hard to find parts for our 92 MBZ, and 91 BMW.
First off, when you arrive, you must pay $2.00 to enter the lot. I had my girlfriend with me, a little adventure, and she also had to pay the same fee, so $4 really.
Before I paid the fee, I asked about the two model series (MBZ W124, BMW E32) I was interested in to see if a car that would have parts I could use was on the lot.
Answer, "We don't know, you just have to pay and go look for yourself."
Now I am not a newbie to fixing cars or even going to yards for weird parts that cost a mint from your local German car specialist, so the idea that they have no idea which cars are on the lot is laughable. They know full well what is sitting out there. It is their business to know. They just want your $2.00. period.
I then asked, "How big is the lot?" answer, "about a city block" Me: "are the cars arranged in a particular order?" Them: "No" Me: "Well, where might I start to look for German cars?" Them: "All the way in the back."
Now where the cars are placed, I understand is not something that would be easy to keep track of, but the actual cars that are out there is.
In any case, we decided that we were here, and it's only $4 so let's go.
I am sad to report that their entire selection of German cars consisted of...
1 1987 BMW 325;
1 1985 BMW 635CSI;
2 Mercedes E class, 1987 and a 1988;
2 much older Mercedes;
and two Jaguars (not german, but luxury nonetheless);
This out of approximately 1200 cars on the lot.
Also, even though one of the cars might have worked, the part I could have used was destroyed by the way they set it up on old used wheels, not very careful.
If you need to buy from a self serve lot, either because of finances or the rarity of the part, I would recommend Victory Auto Wreckers in Bensenville.
They know what cars are on the lot by year and model, so you can call ahead, and there is no fee to go on the lot and pull parts. They are very knowlegable about what parts might work ffor your car from different years, and are usually very pleassant to work with, especially if you show up with specifics about what you need, they dig it.
They are also very reasonable as far as price, really, sometimes, so cheap you can't believe it.
Lastly, when you buy a part, ask them for a business card, write down the date you were there, and when you call to check up on a particular car, they can tell you if any new cars fitting your needs have been put oj the lot since you were last in, so you don't waste a trip or money going there!!
My $.02, I hope this helps you out.
