Harold's Used Auto Parts, Inc - Philadelphia, PA

Harold's Used Auto Parts is a self-service auto salvage yard in Northeast Philadelphia at 5347 Whitby Avenue. Customers can browse and remove parts from junked cars, trucks, and SUVs on their own. It’s a go-to spot for DIY mechanics, car owners needing repairs, and anyone looking for affordable used parts instead of new ones. The yard runs on a cash-and-carry system—customers pay by the weight of the parts they take, no appointment needed. Harold's has been a local business for years, with a 4.5-star rating from 113 Google reviews.

Services & What to Expect

Harold's is a self-service salvage yard, meaning you handle finding and removing parts yourself. The yard has a large selection of junked vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs from different makes and models. You’ll find common parts like engines, transmissions, body panels, bumpers, doors, fenders, and interior pieces such as seats and dashboards.

How Self-Service Works

  • No appointment needed: Walk in during business hours.
  • Browse the yard: Vehicles are grouped by make and model, but the layout encourages exploring. A parts catalog may be available on-site.
  • Find and remove parts: Pick the part you need and use provided tools (or your own) to take it off the vehicle.
  • Pay by weight: Pricing is based on the weight of the part. Bring it to the scale, and the cost is calculated there.
  • No core charges: Unlike some yards, Harold's doesn’t charge extra for returning parts like engines or transmissions.

What to Bring

This is a hands-on experience, so come prepared with:

  • Work gloves and safety glasses
  • Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers)
  • A vehicle to haul parts (some may be too big or heavy for a regular car)
  • Cash or a debit/credit card (depending on what they accept)
  • A list of VIN or part numbers for the components you need
The yard may have tools on-site, but bringing your own ensures you’re not stuck without what you need.

Vehicle Disposal & Cash for Cars

While Harold's focuses on selling used auto parts, they may also take junk cars for salvage. If you’ve got an old vehicle you no longer need, check their cash for junk cars options for removal and payment. This service runs separately from the self-service parts operation but can be a convenient way to get rid of a non-running car.

Location & Hours

Harold's Used Auto Parts is at 5347 Whitby Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, in the Northeast section of the city. It’s near the intersection of Whitby Avenue and Tacony Street. Parking is available on-site, though larger vehicles may need to use designated areas.

Business Hours

Day Hours
Monday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Directions & Nearby Landmarks

The yard is easy to reach from I-95 (Schuylkill Expressway) via Exit 34 (Tacony Street). From Tacony Street, head north on Whitby Avenue for about 0.3 miles. The entrance is marked with a sign for Harold's Used Auto Parts.

Nearby spots include:

  • Tacony Creek Park (0.5 miles east)
  • Frankford Transportation Center (2.5 miles south)
  • Mayfair Mall (1.8 miles west)
  • Several local auto shops and repair shops within a mile

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Harold's Used Auto Parts?

The yard is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. It’s closed on Sundays. Hours might change around holidays, so call (215) 472-1552 to confirm before visiting.

Does Harold's Used Auto Parts buy junk cars?

The main business is selling used auto parts, but Harold's may take junk cars for salvage. For details on selling a junk vehicle, visit their cash for junk cars page or give them a call. Pricing and whether they’ll take your car depend on its condition.

What kind of parts can I find at Harold's Used Auto Parts?

The yard carries a wide range of used auto parts, including:

  • Engines and transmissions (automatic and manual)
  • Body panels (doors, fenders, bumpers, hoods, trunks)
  • Interior parts (seats, dashboards, consoles, door panels)
  • Suspension and steering (control arms, ball joints, tie rods)
  • Braking components (calipers, rotors, brake pads, master cylinders)
  • Electrical parts (alternators, starters, batteries, wiring harnesses)
  • Exhaust systems (headers, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes)
The inventory changes often as new vehicles are added. Popular makes and models usually have more parts available.

How does self-service auto salvage work at Harold's?

The process is simple:

  1. Arrive during business hours and park in the customer lot.
  2. Look through the yard to find the vehicle with the part you need. Vehicles are often grouped by make and model, but a parts catalog may help.
  3. Use your tools (or ones from the yard) to remove the part. Staff can help with tool rentals or advice if needed.
  4. Take the part to the scale area to get the weight and price.
  5. Pay at the counter with cash, debit, or credit card.
  6. Load your part into your vehicle and leave. No appointment or notice is required.
You’re responsible for making sure the part is the right one and in good condition before you take it.

Are there any restrictions on what parts I can take?

Harold's generally lets customers remove any part from the vehicles in the yard, with a few exceptions:

  • Parts already sold or marked as "reserved" by staff.
  • Hazardous materials like airbags, fuel tanks, or batteries (these may need special handling).
  • Parts that aren’t safe to remove without the right tools or training.
If you’re unsure about a part, ask a staff member. The yard prioritizes safety and may limit access to certain areas if conditions aren’t safe.

Can I return a part if it doesn’t fit or is damaged?

Harold's has a "no returns, no refunds" policy for removed parts. You’re expected to check that the part fits and is in good shape before taking it. If a part doesn’t work or is damaged, the yard won’t take it back or give a refund. To avoid issues:

  • Double-check part numbers or VIN compatibility before removal.
  • Inspect the part for visible damage or wear.
  • Test-fit the part if possible before buying.
For critical parts like engines or transmissions, some customers pay a small fee to have the yard verify compatibility first.