A salvage operation at Alton Park where customers pay an admission price, then pull the part they want off vehicles in the lot, has been sold for $12,260,274. Lkq Pick Your Part Southeast was bought ...

For years, auto-parts retailers and distributors have benefited from economic, technological and consumer trends that have kept cars on the road longer and heightened demand for parts and service.

My car is off warranty and, as it needs more repairs, I've had a mechanic suggest that going to an auto wrecker rather than paying full retail for parts will help reduce my bills. Is this a good idea?