Is Buying Used Lawn Mower Parts On eBay A Good Idea? Here's What Our Expert Thinks

When buying replacement parts for your lawn mower, you probably want to get the best deal. This might lead you to search eBay for used parts in an attempt to save money. However, is buying used lawn mower parts from the website a good idea? We asked expert Cory Johnson, owner of HoCo Turf Outdoor Equipment Sales & Service, for his answer. Johnson revealed that he does not recommend it in most cases. There are some exceptions though: If you need to purchase parts for an old lawn mower, they might only be available to purchase through eBay. Additionally, Johnson explained that eBay could be a better option for people who are on a strict budget or need parts quickly.

If you do have to purchase your lawn mower parts from eBay because your needs fall into any of those previously mentioned categories, proceed with caution. Johnson shared some of the things you need to watch out for while browsing through options on the website: "The problem we most often see when buying used parts on any website is receiving incorrect parts for your mower," he explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "It's best if you can find the original part number and search using that part number. It's also important to read the item description carefully and make sure it's the proper part for your mower prior to buying it." Let's dive into a few more of the expert's tips for shopping for used lawn mower parts to help you make the right choices.

You need to tread carefully when shopping for used lawn mower parts from websites like eBay to ensure you purchase items that will actually function properly inside of your lawn mower. Johnson detailed some of the steps you can take to avoid some of the common mistakes everyone makes while buying lawn mower parts. "Always make sure it's the part you're actually looking for," the expert explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "Sometimes when a seller posts an item on eBay or a similar website, the description can be misleading"

He went on to share that you should opt for parts that come with a warranty. If this is not an option for the part you need, select items that can at least be returned for a refund if they do not work. Although used lawn mower parts can be purchased under certain circumstances, there are a few parts you should always avoid purchasing second hand. This includes carburetors and any electrical components, according to Johnson. "Always avoid used aftermarket parts," he added.

If you have ever considered purchasing a used lawnmower from eBay or another online marketplace, you might want to rethink this too. "I would not recommend buying a secondhand mower online," Johnson revealed. "Mowers have a lot of fast moving parts that can really wear out with age and especially if the unit was not maintained properly." The expert recommends buying used lawn mowers from reputable small engine shops that thoroughly inspect their inventory instead.

Sellers often list refurbished items on eBay at a discounted price. At first glance, this may seem like a great way to save money. However, Johnson explained why this is not the best idea. "In our experience, there isn't a big market for refurbished mower parts because usually when a mower part is done, it's done," he revealed while speaking exclusively to House Digest. With this in mind, there is a chance that refurbished parts may damage your lawn mower or simply not work altogether. Johnson confirmed that it is best to stick with used parts if you need to purchase from eBay. "If a used part I needed was available and the seller offers any kind of warranty for the part and/or has a return policy for wrong or defective parts, then I would give it a try," the expert shared.

Johnson's final piece of advice is to keep in mind that lawn mower parts significantly vary from one piece to the next. Do not assume that a used part will work for your lawn mower just because it is labeled as the same model you own. "Parts can vary greatly, even on the same model, depending on the serial number range," he explained. "It's important to keep the model and serial number for both your mower and the motor on your mower handy." This will help you avoid purchasing parts that are not compatible with your lawn mower.