ABC Auto Parts does not manufacture parts. It is a privately owned automotive recycler founded in 1936 and based in the Chicago area, where it operates as one of the largest auto recyclers in the region.
The company pulls used, quality tested parts from salvaged vehicles, backing them with a 101 day warranty, rather than producing any components from raw materials.
Beyond parts sales, ABC Auto Parts also offers installation services, sells used vehicles, and operates a separate self service store called Circus Parts.
Knowing this nearly 90 year history helps explain why ABC Auto Parts has such a large presence in the Chicagoland recycled parts market compared to newer competitors.
This guide covers ABC Auto Parts ownership, history, product range, reputation and how it compares to other recycled auto parts suppliers.
So lets get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns ABC Auto Parts
ABC Auto Parts is a privately owned company, established in 1936 and based in the Chicago area, specifically in Riverdale, Illinois.
Because ABC Auto Parts is privately held, detailed ownership percentages and leadership structure are not as widely published as they would be for a publicly traded competitor.
The company has remained independently operated for nearly 90 years, growing into what it describes on its official site as Chicagoland largest auto recycler.
This long standing private ownership is typical of regional recyclers that grow organically over decades rather than through outside investment or acquisition.
ABC Auto Parts Company History
ABC Auto Parts was founded in 1936, building its business around recycling usable components from salvaged and retired vehicles.
Over nearly nine decades, the company expanded from a single recycling operation into a business offering parts sales, vehicle sales, installation services and a separate self service store.
This diversification beyond pure parts recycling has helped ABC Auto Parts remain competitive as the automotive recycling industry has evolved.
The company nearly 90 year operating history places it among the longer standing independent recyclers in the Midwest.
What Does ABC Auto Parts Actually Sell
ABC Auto Parts sells quality tested used auto parts sourced from salvaged vehicles, backed by a 101 day warranty on parts purchases.
The company also sells used vehicles and offers professional installation and repair services, giving customers options beyond simply buying a part.
A separate self service, pick and pull style store called Circus Parts operates under the same broader business, letting customers remove their own parts at lower prices.
This combination of full service parts sales and self service options is similar to models used by larger recyclers covered in our Where Are NAPA Auto Parts Made guide.
How ABC Auto Parts Sourcing Works
Like other salvage recyclers, ABC Auto Parts purchases wrecked, totaled or retired vehicles, then removes and tests usable components before recycling the remaining metal.
Parts are cataloged and quality tested before resale, with the company 101 day warranty offering more coverage than many recyclers provide as standard.
Because inventory depends on which vehicles come through ABC facilities, availability for any specific part can vary from week to week.
This testing and warranty focused approach differs from purely as is self service yards, positioning ABC as a more full service recycling option.
Is ABC Auto Parts Really Good or Worth It
ABC Auto Parts has operated for nearly 90 years, giving it a long track record as one of the largest recyclers serving the Chicagoland market.
The company 101 day parts warranty is notably longer than many competitors offer, which can give buyers more confidence in a used parts purchase.
Offering both full service and self service options through Circus Parts lets ABC serve both convenience focused customers and budget focused DIY shoppers.
For Chicagoland area repairs where a used OEM part will do the job, ABC Auto Parts is generally considered a dependable, long standing option.
ABC Auto Parts Compared to National Chains
Unlike national aftermarket parts retailers, ABC Auto Parts focuses specifically on recycled OEM parts within its regional Chicagoland market.
This regional, recycling focused model differs meaningfully from national aftermarket brands like the one covered in our Who Makes TRQ Auto Parts guide, which sell newly manufactured parts nationwide.
ABC nearly 90 year history and diversified business, including vehicle sales and installation services, sets it apart from smaller single purpose salvage yards.
Shoppers outside the Chicago area looking for a similar full service recycler should search for an established regional recycler local to their own market.
ABC Auto Parts Environmental and Community Role
As an automotive recycler, ABC Auto Parts contributes to reducing landfill waste by keeping usable vehicle components in circulation rather than discarding them.
This environmental benefit, common across the auto recycling industry, is one reason organizations such as the Automotive Recyclers Association promote recycled parts as a sustainable repair option.
ABC Auto Parts also supports the local Chicagoland economy through employment across its recycling, sales and installation service divisions.
This combination of environmental and economic contributions is typical of long standing regional recyclers with deep community roots.
What To Know Before Buying From ABC Auto Parts
Confirming your vehicle exact year, make, model and trim level before contacting ABC helps speed up the process of checking compatible inventory.
Asking specifically about the 101 day warranty terms for the part category you need ensures you understand coverage before completing a purchase.
For major components like engines and transmissions, confirming mileage and testing history is a reasonable step before finalizing an order.
Deciding in advance whether you want full service parts pulling or the lower cost self service Circus Parts option can also help you plan your visit.
ABC Auto Parts Warranty and Contact Information
ABC Auto Parts backs its used parts with a 101 day warranty, longer than the coverage many competing recyclers offer as standard.
Customers can reach the company through its official website for part searches, quotes and information about installation and vehicle sales services.
Because ABC operates both a full service parts business and the separate Circus Parts self service store, it is worth confirming which specific service applies to a given purchase.
This dual format approach gives Chicagoland customers flexibility in how they choose to source a used part.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABC Auto Parts
Who Makes ABC Auto Parts
ABC Auto Parts does not manufacture parts. It is a privately owned Chicago area recycler, founded in 1936, that sources used parts from salvaged vehicles.
Where Is ABC Auto Parts Located
ABC Auto Parts is based in Riverdale, Illinois, serving the greater Chicagoland region.
Does ABC Auto Parts Offer A Warranty
Yes, ABC Auto Parts backs its used parts with a 101 day warranty, longer than many competing recyclers offer.
Is ABC Auto Parts A Good Option For Used Parts
Yes, ABC Auto Parts is generally considered a dependable option, backed by nearly 90 years of operating history and a longer than average parts warranty.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.