Profile
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc: Garden City’s Premier Auto Salvage Yard
Located at 402 E Burnside Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc has been a cornerstone of Western Kansas’s automotive recycling industry since 1939. This family-owned business offers quality used auto parts for trucks, SUVs, and cars with a focus on customer satisfaction and affordable pricing.
Establishment and Ownership
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc was established in 1939 as Riverside Wrecking Yard by W.A. “Bill” Smith. What started as a small junk car buying operation has evolved into one of Western Kansas’s most respected auto salvage yards with over 85 years of continuous service.
The business remains firmly in family hands, now spanning four generations of the Smith family:
– Founded by W.A. “Bill” Smith in 1939
– Later operated by Larry Smith (Bill’s son)
– Currently owned by Rob and Judy Smith
– With Brad Smith (Sales Manager) and Doug Smith (Operations Manager) representing the fourth generation preparing to take over
This family-owned salvage yard has adapted with the times, transitioning from manual record-keeping to a state-of-the-art computerized inventory system in the mid–1990s. Today, the yard features over 1,500 vehicles across 24 acres with more than 30,000 square feet of indoor storage space, protecting valuable auto parts from weather damage.
Smith Auto’s industry credentials include membership in the Automotive Recyclers Association, Kansas Association, and Team PRP, connecting them to nationwide parts networks and ensuring customers receive only quality used auto parts.
Services Provided
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc offers comprehensive automotive recycling services to help customers find the exact used auto parts they need. Their full-service approach sets them apart from self-service junkyards, with staff handling part location and retrieval.
| Service Category | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Used Auto Parts Sales | Extensive inventory of pre-tested parts for domestic and import trucks, SUVs, and cars | 90-day warranty, cleaned and inspected parts |
| Junk Car Buying | Purchase vehicles in any condition in Garden City, Dodge City, and surrounding areas | Free towing, instant cash payment |
| Nationwide Part Locating | Free service to find hard-to-locate parts through Team PRP partnerships | Access to parts beyond local inventory |
| Same-Day Shipping | Nationwide shipping for most auto parts | Quick delivery to get your vehicle back on the road |
| Expert Customer Support | Knowledgeable staff (including Spanish-speaking representatives) | Assistance finding the right part for your specific needs |
Unlike self-service junkyards where customers wander through rows of vehicles, Smith Auto offers a staff-driven approach where experienced employees locate and pull the parts customers need. This saves time and ensures safety, particularly valuable when looking for larger or more complex auto parts like engines or transmissions.
Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM (CST), with no weekend availability. For those looking to sell their unwanted vehicles, Smith Auto provides a junk car buying service with free towing and immediate cash payment.
Vehicle Types
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc maintains a diverse inventory of domestic and import vehicles, primarily focusing on trucks, pickups, vans, and SUV/crossovers. Their extensive selection covers popular brands and models, making them a go-to destination for used auto parts in Western Kansas.
While specific makes aren’t explicitly listed in available information, the yard’s focus on both domestic and import vehicles suggests they stock parts from major manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Honda among others. The business references “recent arrivals” on their website, indicating regular inventory updates that may include newer or late-model vehicles.
With over 1,500 units spread across 24 acres, Smith Auto offers one of the region’s largest selections of used auto parts. Their nationwide locating service supplements this already extensive inventory, allowing them to source hard-to-find parts when necessary.
All parts come with a 90-day warranty and are pre-tested before sale, giving customers confidence in their purchases. This is particularly important when buying critical components like used radiators or suspension parts that affect vehicle safety and performance.
Popular Auto Parts
The most sought-after used auto parts at Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc reflect broader industry trends in the vehicle recycling business. These high-demand items offer significant savings compared to new OEM parts while maintaining reliable performance.
Drive Train Components
Engines and transmissions rank among the most frequently purchased items at this Garden City salvage yard. Due to their high replacement cost when new (often $3,000-$10,000+), these major parts offer substantial savings when bought used. Smith Auto pre-tests these parts and backs them with their standard warranty, making them a smart alternative to new parts.
Body Panels and Bumpers
After collisions, many customers seek affordable exterior body parts like doors, fenders, hoods, and bumpers. Finding used car fenders or car hoods that match the vehicle’s make, model, and color can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to new replacements. Smith Auto’s large inventory increases the chances of finding exact matching parts.
Suspension Components
Shocks, struts, control arms, and axles are frequently purchased to restore ride quality and handling. These parts typically wear gradually, making quality used parts with low mileage an excellent value. Finding the right suspension parts is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and comfort.
Electrical Systems
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics, making alternators, starters, ECU modules, and wiring harnesses popular items. When electrical systems fail, replacing entire assemblies is often more practical than attempting repairs, and Smith Auto’s pre-testing ensures these complex parts work properly.
Interior Components
From seats and dashboards to smaller trim pieces, interior parts help restore a vehicle’s appearance and comfort. Whether replacing worn items or upgrading to premium options from higher trim models, Smith Auto’s indoor storage helps preserve these parts in good condition.
Smith Auto’s emphasis on trucks, SUVs, and vans aligns perfectly with Western Kansas’s automotive needs, where these vehicles dominate the roads. Their pre-testing process ensures customers receive reliable parts that will perform as expected.
Service Area
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc serves customers throughout Western Kansas and portions of neighboring states. People regularly travel from these nearby communities to purchase quality used auto parts:
- Holcomb
- Lakin
- Dodge City
- Liberal
- Scott City
- Satanta
- Ulysses
- Dighton
- Leoti
- Syracuse
- Cimarron
- Sublette
- Plains
- Jetmore
- Johnson
- Meade
- Tribune
- Hugoton
- Ness City
- Gove
- Hooker, Oklahoma
This wide service area demonstrates Smith Auto’s reputation as a trusted source for quality used parts throughout the region. Their location in Garden City makes them accessible to customers across multiple counties in Western Kansas and even into neighboring states.
For those searching for a reliable salvage yard in Kansas, Smith Auto’s central location in Garden City makes them an ideal choice for used auto parts needs.
Interchange System
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc employs several sophisticated methods to help customers locate compatible parts for their vehicles, going beyond what typical junkyards offer.
| System | How It Works | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Computerized Inventory | Database tracks 1,500+ vehicles with part numbers and cross-compatibility data | Quickly identifies if a part will fit your specific vehicle |
| Team PRP Network | Connects with other quality recyclers nationwide to source parts | Access to millions of parts beyond local inventory |
| Free Nationwide Locating | Staff searches coast-to-coast for rare or hard-to-find parts | One call locates even the most obscure parts |
| Quality Assurance Testing | Pre-tests all parts before sale to verify compatibility and function | Reduces returns and ensures parts work in your vehicle |
Their computerized inventory system quickly identifies parts within their 1,500+ vehicle collection. This database likely includes detailed part numbers, vehicle applications, and interchange data to match parts across different makes and models.
As members of Team PRP (Professional Recyclers Association) and the Automotive Recycler’s Association, Smith Auto can access parts from trusted partners nationwide. This network functions as a virtual interchange system, allowing them to locate hard-to-find parts from affiliated recyclers.
For parts not immediately available, their free nationwide locating service conducts thorough searches through their extensive network of recyclers. This dramatically expands the pool of potential compatible parts beyond their local inventory.
All parts undergo thorough quality assurance testing, cleaning, and come with a 90-day warranty. This reduces uncertainty when sourcing parts for non-OEM applications and provides peace of mind for customers.
When searching for specific parts like used side mirrors or headlights, this system helps ensure proper fitment and function.
Warranty Information
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc offers a comprehensive warranty program that provides customers with peace of mind when purchasing used auto parts. Their warranty terms are clearly defined and include both standard coverage and extended options.
Standard 90-Day Warranty
- Duration: All parts come with a 90-day standard warranty from the purchase date
- Coverage: Applies to parts under normal driving conditions but excludes labor costs, reprogramming fees, seals/gaskets, and external fluid leaks. Intake gaskets are specifically excluded.
- Claims Process: Only the original purchaser can file claims, and all claims require written approval from Smith Auto before repairs can begin. Repairs may be performed at their chosen facility.
- Key Exclusions:
- Self-installed parts: The warranty becomes void if parts are installed improperly or without following OEM standards
- Heat tabs: Removal voids warranty
- Non-OEM tires/rims: Sold “as is” with no implied warranties
Extended Warranty Options
- 6 Month (Parts Only): Extends protection to 6 months from the purchase date
- 12 Month: Available for longer protection on select parts
- Note: Costs for extended warranties aren’t publicly listed but are available upon request
Return Policy
- 30-Day Hassle-Free Returns: Allows for refunds or exchanges if parts remain undamaged and uninstalled
- Restocking Fee: A 20% fee applies unless Smith Auto provided defective or incorrect parts
- Core Returns: Full credit requires cores to be drained of fluids and returned intact within 30 days
For complete warranty details, customers should contact Smith Auto directly at (620) 275–9145 or visit their Garden City location. This warranty coverage exceeds what many junkyards offer, providing additional value when purchasing used parts.
Cash for Junk Cars
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc actively buys junk cars from the public, offering a streamlined process for Western Kansas residents looking to sell unwanted vehicles. Their junk car buying service accepts vehicles in any condition – including non-running, salvage, or accident-damaged cars and trucks.
Key Features of Their Junk Car Buying Service:
- Immediate Cash Payment: Money provided at pickup
- Free Towing Available: No need to transport the vehicle yourself
- Any Condition Accepted: Running or not, damaged or intact
- Simple Process:
- Submit photos and vehicle details
- Receive bids through their competitive system
- Accept the highest offer
- Schedule pickup and receive payment
They serve Garden City, Dodge City, Hayes, Liberal, and surrounding communities throughout Western Kansas, making it convenient for regional residents to sell their junk cars for cash.
As a licensed salvage buyer, Smith Auto emphasizes transparency and fair practices, helping customers avoid predatory operators. Their established reputation since 1939 provides confidence that customers will receive honest valuations for their vehicles.
For those wondering “how much cash can I get for my junk car?”, Smith Auto’s bidding system helps ensure competitive offers by avoiding lowball computer-generated estimates.
Tools and Equipment
When visiting Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc, customers should come prepared with the right tools for their specific part removal needs. While Smith Auto is a full-service yard, having your own tools is essential if you’ll be removing parts yourself.
Essential Hand Tools for General Use
- Socket sets (both metric and standard sizes)
- Ratchets, extensions, and breaker bars for tough-to-reach bolts
- Wrenches (adjustable, box-end, open-end)
- Pliers (needle-nose, locking, slip-joint)
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Pry bars and chisels for stuck parts
- Measuring tools (feeler gauges, calipers, spark plug gap gauges)
Specialty Tools by Part Type
Different auto parts require specific tools for proper removal:
| Part Category | Recommended Tools |
|---|---|
| Engine/Transmission | Transmission jack, pullers, torque wrenches |
| Suspension/Brakes | Spring compressors, C-clamps, impact wrenches |
| Electrical Systems | Wire strippers, circuit testers, insulated tools |
| Interior/Exterior | Trim removal tools, upholstery cutting tools |
Safety and Ancillary Gear
- Insulated tools for working with electrical systems
- Safety gloves, goggles, and respirators
- Magnetic pick-up tools for retrieving dropped fasteners
- Utility knives and wire brushes for cleaning/cutting
While Smith Auto specializes in used and rebuilt auto parts, they don’t explicitly advertise tool availability. Most salvage yards expect customers to bring their own tools for parts removal, though they may offer basic assistance with lifting heavy parts.
When shopping for specific items like used tires and wheels or fuel pumps, matching your tools to the job will make your visit more productive.
Hours of Operation
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc, located at 402 E Burnside Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, maintains consistent weekday hours but does not offer weekend service:
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CST) per their official website
- Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED
Some secondary directories list a slightly different closing time of 5:30 PM, but the official hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Since the business is closed on weekends, customers should plan their visits accordingly during the work week.
For questions or to check current hours, customers can contact Smith Auto directly at (620) 275–9145 or visit their website to search inventory before making the trip.
This family-owned auto recycler has been serving Western Kansas since 1939, offering pre-tested parts with warranties and nationwide shipping options.
Other Junkyards in Garden City
Nearby Junkyards and Comparison
F & F Iron and Metal Company
Located in Garden City, KS (exact address unspecified in results), this facility operates as a scrap metal recycling center rather than a traditional junkyard. Here’s how they compare to Smith Auto & Truck Parts:
| Aspect | Smith Auto & Truck Parts | F & F Iron and Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Recycled auto parts (cars, trucks, SUVs) | Scrap metal (steel, appliances, copper) |
| Inventory | 1,500+ vehicles, 30,000+ sq ft indoor storage | General scrap metals, no parts inventory |
| Services | Nationwide part locating, 90-day warranties | On-site ATM, computerized payment system |
| Specialties | Drive train parts, body parts | Oilfield scrap, large steel items |
| Yard Type | Full-service salvage yard | Specialty metal recycling facility |
Key Observations
- F & F Iron and Metal does not sell used auto parts but focuses on metal recycling, offering cash payments via ATM for scrap materials.
- Smith Auto provides comprehensive auto-related services, including nationwide part locating and tested, warranty-backed parts.
- No traditional competing junkyards were identified in the search results.
While F & F shares geographic proximity, it serves a niche market distinct from Smith Auto’s core salvage-yard operations.
Common Questions About Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc
What services does Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc offer?
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc provides used and rebuilt auto parts (engines, transmissions, body panels) and new aftermarket parts (sheetmetal, headlamps, grills, bumpers, radiators, AC condensers). They also purchase junk cars in Garden City, Dodge City, and surrounding areas, offering free towing and immediate payment. Additional services include nationwide shipping for most parts and a 90-day warranty on all pre-tested, cleaned parts. Their 24-acre facility houses over 1,500 vehicles and 30,000 square feet of indoor storage, supported by a computerized inventory system for rapid part retrieval.
What is their return or warranty policy?
All parts come with a 90-day warranty, ensuring coverage for defects or malfunctions. However, some customers reported a 20% restocking fee if a part is returned or canceled after being ordered and pulled. This policy highlights a structured approach to managing inventory accuracy while balancing customer flexibility.
How do I sell my junk car to them?
To sell a junk car:
– Contact them directly at (620) 275–9145 or via their website.
– Receive an instant offer based on your vehicle’s condition and mileage.
– Free towing service is provided, and payment is made on-site the same day.
Tips: Obtain multiple quotes to compare offers and document the vehicle’s condition with photos to secure a fair price.
What is their business history?
Founded in 1939, the company has operated under third-generation ownership since 1975 (current owner: Rob Smith). Incorporated as a privately held corporation, it has maintained a consistent presence in Garden City, KS, expanding to a 24-acre facility with extensive storage and inventory capabilities.
What are their opening hours?
Their schedule varies slightly across sources:
– Official site: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST).
– Birdeye: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (closed weekends).
Discrepancies may reflect operational updates, so calling ahead is advised.
Do they ship parts nationwide?
Yes. They offer same-day nationwide shipping for most parts, leveraging a computerized inventory system to locate items quickly. For rare parts, they provide a free nationwide locating serviceto source parts from external suppliers.
What is the quality of their customer service?
Customer experiences vary:
– Positive feedback highlights responsive service (e.g., Jose returning personal items swiftly, Doug assisting with parts for a 2010 F250).
– Negative reviews cite unresponsiveness, dismissive interactions (e.g., declining to search for parts), and frustration with restocking fees.
The business holds a BBB A+ rating (not accredited) and a 4.3-star average from 149 reviews. This mixed reputation underscores the importance of setting clear expectations when transacting.
Conclusion
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc stands as Garden City’s longest-operating auto salvage yard, with over eight decades of service to Western Kansas. Their extensive inventory of quality used auto parts for trucks, SUVs, and cars makes them a valuable resource for budget-conscious vehicle owners throughout the region.
Key advantages include:
– Family ownership spanning four generations since 1939
– Pre-tested parts with 90-day warranties
– Computerized inventory tracking 1,500+ vehicles
– Nationwide shipping and locating services
– Junk car buying with free towing and immediate payment
Whether you’re searching for an engine, transmission, body parts, or smaller auto parts, Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc provides a professional alternative to self-service junkyards. Their full-service approach, knowledgeable staff, and established industry connections help customers find exactly what they need to keep their vehicles running at a fraction of new part prices.
For Western Kansas residents seeking quality used auto parts or looking to sell unwanted vehicles, Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc delivers reliable service backed by decades of experience in the automotive recycling industry.
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Garden City, KS area for over 20 years. They specialize in car parts, junkyard services, salvage yard sales, scrap metal dealing, and used auto parts. Their large selection of quality parts ensures they can find the right fit for any situation, while their commitment to excellent customer service keeps clients coming back time and again.
Their junkyard services include salvaging parts from abandoned vehicles, dismantling cars to be sold as parts or scrap metal, and even selling complete cars. In addition to their excellent selection of vehicle parts, they also offer a wide range of tools and accessories for those looking for unique items or custom builds.
At Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc., customers will find competitive prices on all the products they have in stock. The knowledgeable staff are always willing to help customers find the part that best fits their needs, whether it’s a regular stock item or something special ordered just for them. The store even offers free estimates on labor costs associated with repairs involving their parts.
Smith Auto & Truck Parts Inc is proud to serve not only Garden City but also the surrounding areas with quality car parts and exceptional customer service. Stop by today at 402 E Burnside Dr in Garden City for all your automotive needs!
Real customer testimonials
C
I’ve known Doug for nearly 30 years and worked at his yard dismantling vehicles. You won’t find a better place to get quality used parts. There’s a good reason they have been in business for as long as they have. If for any reason the parts they sell are faulty when they leave the door you can trust and believe that they will make it right.
Zach Worf
These guys will do what ever they can to get you back on the road. I’ve been super impressed.
Alex Sayegh
i deal with auto wreckings on a daily basis and by far best customer service ever thank you ZACH….
glen j Peck
My boi john always gives my great quality service. Habla espanol
Darin Johnson
Was looking for a hard to find part for a customer’s vehicle. Smith’s didn’t have one in their inventory, but was able to find one for me and had it shipped directly to my business in a very timely manor! Part was reasonably priced and in great condition! Will definitely recommend them for your replacement part needs!
