Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc

**Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc** is an auto parts store located at **3519 S State St, Lockport, IL 60441, USA**. Operating within the broader "Auto Repair Stations" platform category, this business primarily deals in used auto parts, functioning as a salvage yard or "junk yard" where customers can acquire components for their vehicles. Their services are aimed at individuals looking for more affordable alternatives to new parts, often requiring customers to "pull" the parts themselves. You can reach Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc at **(815) 723-6878** or **+1 815-723-6878**.

Based on customer feedback, the environment at Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc appears to be characteristic of a traditional salvage yard. Reviewers describe the "junk yard" as **"messy and unorganized."** This suggests that customers visiting the location should expect a less structured layout, potentially making it challenging to navigate and locate specific parts. The nature of a "pull it yourself" yard often means that vehicles are stored as they are, and customers are responsible for disassembling and removing the desired components. This type of environment can be appealing to those who are mechanically inclined and comfortable working in such settings, as it often translates to lower prices for parts. However, it also implies that the facility might not be as clean or streamlined as a conventional retail auto parts store.

The primary service offered by Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc is the sale of used auto parts. Customers generally visit or call to inquire about specific components for their vehicles. The business operates on a "you have to pull it" model, meaning that customers are typically responsible for removing the parts from the salvage vehicles themselves. This hands-on approach is common in salvage yards and contributes to the cost savings for the consumer. The range of parts available would naturally depend on the inventory of vehicles in their yard at any given time.

However, customer experiences highlight significant concerns regarding **pricing and consistency**. One reviewer explicitly stated that the business is **"VERY OVERPRICED,"** noting a substantial discrepancy between a quoted phone price for a front bumper ($50) and the final charge ($150) upon arrival. This incident also revealed that the price for the single bumper at Southwest Auto Salvage was significantly higher than what could be purchased elsewhere, where multiple parts (bumper, two grills, and fog lights) were acquired for a lower collective price ($90 compared to an estimated $250). This suggests that their pricing may not always be competitive, especially when compared to other local salvage yards or even online retailers for brand-new parts.

Another critical point raised by a customer is the issue of purchasing "stuff that didn't match my car" and parts that "ended up breaking." This implies potential challenges with the quality assurance of the parts available and the guidance provided to customers regarding compatibility. In a self-service salvage yard, the onus is often on the customer to verify part compatibility and condition, but these reviews suggest that clearer assistance or more reliable inventory might be beneficial.

Based on the available information, the key features and aspects of customer interaction at Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc include:

• **Self-Service Model:** Customers are expected to "pull" their own parts, requiring them to have the necessary tools and mechanical aptitude.
• **Price Inconsistency:** There appears to be a notable disparity between initial phone quotes and final prices, causing frustration for customers.
• **Lack of Negotiation:** One customer reported that the "salesman’s pride didn’t get in the way of a sale," as he "refused to negotiate" even when presented with evidence that new parts online were cheaper. This indicates a rigid pricing policy and a reluctance to adjust prices based on market comparisons.
• **Organizational Challenges:** The "messy and unorganized" yard can make the part-finding process more difficult and time-consuming for customers.
• **Potential for Part Mismatch/Defect:** The experience of buying parts that didn't match or subsequently broke suggests that customers need to exercise extreme caution and thorough inspection before making a purchase.

These features collectively paint a picture of a business where the primary advantage of used parts (cost savings) might be offset by pricing issues, organizational challenges, and potentially unreliable inventory. The customer experience seems to be impacted by a perceived lack of flexibility and transparency in pricing.

Given the negative tenor of the available customer reviews, any "promotional information" would primarily be derived from the critical aspects highlighted by former patrons. Instead of positive endorsements, the information serves as a cautionary guide for potential customers. Key takeaways for anyone considering Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc would be:

• **Verify Pricing Rigorously:** Always confirm the final price before expending time and effort, and be prepared for potential discrepancies between quoted and charged amounts. It is advisable to compare prices with other salvage yards or new part suppliers.
• **Be Prepared for Negotiation Difficulties:** Do not expect flexibility in pricing, even if you find cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
• **Exercise Diligence in Part Selection:** Inspect parts thoroughly for damage, wear, and compatibility with your vehicle, as there is a risk of purchasing non-matching or faulty components.
• **Anticipate a Disorganized Yard:** Be ready to navigate a potentially messy and unorganized environment when searching for parts.

For those in Lockport, IL, seeking used auto parts, it would be prudent to approach Southwest Auto Salvage, Inc with these considerations in mind and potentially explore alternative options in the area to ensure a more satisfactory and cost-effective experience.