Don't let the layer of filth that surrounds this place scare you off: All City is without a doubt the cheapest, most hassle-free place to get used car parts in the city of Columbus. The wretched area it's in may look like it's in the recovery stages of a nuclear holocaust, but a trip here before you let an auto shop's part vendors have their way with you is never a bad idea.
Being the proud owner of a 1992 Honda Accord, I've seen my fair share of quirky car problems that are just annoying enough to make me wish I could ride my bike everywhere. The motor on my driver side window inexplicably died on me while driving home from Chicago last summer, and the first place I went to look for a new one was All City. A friend told me they have a good three acres worth of junked Accords there on cinder blocks, and although he was clearly exaggerating, a tour through the junkyard area proved he wasn't off by much. By the grace of the wrecked car gods, I managed to find a replica of my car that was spot on down to every last detail including the paint color. All I needed at the time was that window motor, which I bought for about $30, but I ended up coming back a week later for a new glove compartment latch, a cup holder, and even a front bumper that managed to be an exact fit. All for under $120!
I'm not sure if this is something I should be advertising, but many of the mechanics that pull parts at All City are willing to install them in your car for a very modest per-part rate. I bought the bumper around 4:30 on a week day, and the guy that pulled it for me offered to put it on for $20 cash right after they closed up at 5 PM. I hung out in the lobby on the bench seat of an old Dodge Caravan, listened to the staff and their steady stream of grease monkey customers talk shop for about 45 minutes, and I was on my way. I wouldn't count on this happening every time, but when it does it's always great!
Like I said, this place seems a bit sketchy at first and would most likely scare off any member of the opposite sex in a heart beat. It's definitely in an area that your parents told you to avoid at all costs. But if you have a boyfriend or older brother that'd be kind enough to make the trip for you, All City is unbeatable when it comes to price and selection. read more