Navigating the world of used car parts online, especially on platforms like CarPart.com, can be confusing. Prospective buyers often encounter a puzzling array of acronyms attached to listings, leaving them scratching their heads. Understanding these abbreviations is crucial to efficiently finding the right parts and avoiding wasted time contacting sellers unnecessarily. This guide aims to decipher some common car part acronyms to help you in your search for the perfect component for your vehicle.
When searching for engines or other car parts, you’ll likely see listings with codes like DNR, RIV-RG, RVG, UTR, and X-THB. These are shorthand used by salvage yards to quickly describe the condition or specifics of the part. Let’s break down some of the most frequently encountered acronyms:
Engine Condition Acronyms:
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DNR (Does Not Run/Did Not Run): This typically indicates that the engine was not running when it was removed from the vehicle. However, it’s not necessarily a sign of a bad engine. Often, salvage yards don’t start engines in wrecked vehicles due to missing keys, damaged electrical systems, or other accident-related issues. DNR engines are often presumed to be in good mechanical condition unless otherwise stated.
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RIV-RG (Ran In Vehicle – Runs Good): This acronym suggests a higher level of confidence. “Ran In Vehicle” implies the engine was tested while still installed in the car before removal. “Runs Good” further indicates that the engine was observed to be in good running order at the time of testing.
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RVG (Runs Very Good): Similar to RIV-RG, RVG suggests an engine that is in excellent running condition. This might imply a more thorough assessment or a higher perceived quality compared to just “Runs Good.”
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UTR (Unable To Run/Used To Run): This acronym is more ambiguous. “Unable To Run” could mean the engine’s current condition prevents testing, while “Used To Run” suggests it was running at some point but its current state is uncertain. It is crucial to clarify the exact meaning with the seller when you see UTR. Some might interpret it as “Used To Run,” implying it was functional before being salvaged.
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NTS (Need To Start): This is less common but can appear. It means the engine hasn’t been started by the salvage yard, possibly for similar reasons as DNR, but it’s implied to be potentially functional and might just need to be started to verify its condition.
Part Specific & Other Acronyms:
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X-THB (Except Throttle Body): This indicates that the listed part, likely an engine, is being sold without the throttle body. This could be due to damage, or the salvage yard might sell the throttle body separately.
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FLR (Floor/Flood Recovery): While initially concerning and potentially mistaken for “Flood Recovery,” in the context of car parts listings, “FLR” can sometimes mean “Floor” indicating the part was stored on the floor of the storage facility after being “Pulled and on the Floor” as mentioned in the forum. However, due to the ambiguity and potential for misinterpretation with “Flood Recovery,” it’s always best to confirm directly with the seller, especially when purchasing engines or sensitive components.
It’s also worth noting that some acronyms might be internal codes used by specific salvage yards for inventory management or location within their facilities, as suggested by “solfly” in the original forum. These codes might not always be decipherable by the average buyer.
Ultimately, while understanding these common acronyms can significantly streamline your car part search on platforms like CarPart.com, direct communication with the seller is always recommended before making a purchase. Clarifying the meaning of any unclear acronyms and asking for further details about the part’s condition will ensure you make an informed decision and get the right car part for your needs.
