eBay’s recent Driving the Future of Recycled Parts event in Sydney highlighted innovations in the recycled auto parts industry that apply to bikes. We headed along to hear more...
We head to Sydney to hear how Aussie’s are sitting on a $15.5 billion saving opportunity, and it comes from recycled auto parts. New research commissioned by eBay Australia has revealed how much cash drivers (and riders) could keep in their pockets.
Before we mention bikes, according to the report, Aussie drivers could each save an average of $2,144 across five years, without compromising on quality or safety. When scaled nationally, that figure equates to a staggering $15.5 billion. With cost-of-living pressures continuing to squeeze households, the findings highlight an untapped avenue for both financial relief and environmental sustainability.
Working in partnership with AutoPARTnered Solutions (APS), eBay analysed the cost benefits of recycled auto parts across major mechanical components. In some cases, Aussies could save up to 85 per cent compared to buying brand-new items. The biggest wins were recorded in high-ticket items such as engines, transmissions and differentials – the parts that can often make or break the affordability of repairing a car.
The event took place in Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, a location steeped in two-wheel history…
The research also revealed that many drivers simply cannot tell the difference between new and recycled components. In a survey conducted by YouGov, 62 per cent of respondents were unable to correctly identify which of two parts – one new and one recycled – was which.
Left to Right: Kurt McGuiness, Gautam Taluja, Chris Daglis, Chris Cordiner.
It isn’t just about the cost savings. Nearly half (49 per cent) of surveyed Australian drivers reported struggling to source certain parts through traditional retail channels because they were either discontinued or difficult to obtain. Recycled components not only keep cars on the road for longer but also open up access to parts for older models where new stock simply doesn’t exist.
Read out restoration and tech articles here…
To make the buying process easier, eBay offers its “Guaranteed Fit” program. This service ensures that customers are matched with the right component for their specific make and model, using the MyGarage database which houses millions of Australian vehicles. Shoppers are further backed by eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, offering peace of mind that purchases will arrive as described or a refund will be issued.
The automotive sector is one of the country’s largest waste streams, with approximately 850,000 vehicles reaching end-of-life in Australia each year. That equates to 1.36 million tonnes of automotive waste annually. By choosing recycled over new, drivers are helping reduce this mountain of waste, ensuring that usable parts get a second life rather than being scrapped. Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents in the YouGov survey agreed that purchasing recycled auto parts has a meaningful positive impact on the environment.
“Sitting in the same street, now talking about the modern digital version of that culture through eBay, felt like a full-circle moment”…
The research also highlighted differences between age groups. Gen Z drivers are emerging as leaders in this shift, with 38 per cent purchasing or considering recycled or rebuilt auto parts within the past two years. Baby Boomers trailed at 25 per cent, while Millennials showed a mixed approach – 87 per cent still preferred brand-new parts but were more open to considering recycled solutions than older generations of buyers. This generational split suggests that the market for recycled auto parts will continue to grow as younger Australians, who already demonstrate stronger sustainability values, make up a larger portion of the vehicle-owning public.
For the automotive repair industry, the research signals a major opportunity. Workshops and mechanics that embrace recycled components could provide significant cost savings to customers, all while improving margins and reducing environmental impact. With Australians facing ongoing cost pressures, trade professionals who champion recycled options may not only enhance customer satisfaction but also build long-term loyalty.
The APS analysis suggests that recycled parts could play a major role in reducing repair bills across the board, particularly for large repairs where customers often consider whether a vehicle is worth fixing at all. The availability of affordable components may mean the difference between scrapping a car and keeping it safely on the road for another decade.
eBay’s Role in Driving Change
eBay has been at the forefront of connecting Australians with parts and accessories online, and this new research reinforces the platform’s role in the circular economy. Gautam Taluja, Category Manager for Car Parts & Accessories at eBay Australia, said the company is focused on helping Australians stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality. “With cost-of-living pressures at an all-time high, Australians are looking for smarter ways to drive without breaking the bank. At eBay, we are proud to be connecting Aussies with affordable parts and accessories online, helping them stretch their dollar at the touch of a button without compromising on quality,” he said.
Recycled Parts – The Motorcycle Connection
At the eBay Driving the Future of Recycled Parts event in Sydney, one of the most striking takeaways for us was how much of what was being discussed about cars also applies directly to motorcycles.
Chris Daglis, Managing Director of APS, explained that cars in the 7 to 13-year-old bracket are the sweet spot for recycled parts. At BikeReview, we’d predict that the equivalent for motorcycles would lean older — more like 15 to 30 years — especially beyond crash repairs such as fairings. That’s where the biggest demand lies for owners restoring, maintaining, or simply keeping classic and retro motorcycles on the road.
Unlike the automotive world, however, motorcycle recycled parts often lack the same level of quality control and online accessibility. Many of us still rely on “old school” wreckers where the only person who knows what’s on the shelves is the owner, which is usually a good thing in terms of seller knowledge, but when these experienced wreckers retire, who will replace them? Bringing eBay’s level of transparency and seller accountability more than it already is into motorcycling would be a huge step forward.
Hearing from Chris Cordiner, co-founder of Tasmanian Auto Recyclers, really reinforced this point. His dismantling and recycling business specialises in buying, breaking down, and reselling quality used car parts — and he spoke about the benefits in cost, sustainability, and customer trust. As he operates on the frontlines, much of what Chris described mirrors the challenges and opportunities we’ve experienced in the motorcycle industry.
From the 1940s through to the early 2000s, the street was the heartbeat of the NSW motorcycle trade, with dozens of shops and wreckers…
Having him seated at our table for lunch after the panel was a rare chance to understand just how robust the auto recycling space has become, and how much potential exists for bikes if the same practices were applied, or similar ones at least.
It was also special to be there representing the motorcycle media, and to meet the eBay team in person. The event took place in Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, a location steeped in two-wheel history. From the 1940s through to the early 2000s, the street was the heartbeat of the NSW motorcycle trade, with dozens of shops and wreckers. I have vivid memories of riding there as a young apprentice mechanic, chasing down used parts. Sitting in the same street, now talking about the modern digital version of that culture through eBay, felt like a full-circle moment.
The panel, presented by Kurt McGuiness from Primal Storytelling, was informative, engaging, and forward-looking. If eBay’s systems of trust, quality control, and seller reward can evolve to include motorcycles, it could be a game-changer for riders everywhere — whether you’re repairing a crash-damaged road bike, or like me, bringing a 1980s classic back to life.
“Recycled auto parts are no longer just a last-resort option – they are becoming a mainstream solution to some of the biggest challenges facing Australian drivers and riders today”…
Recycled auto parts are no longer just a last-resort option – they are becoming a mainstream solution to some of the biggest challenges facing Australian drivers and riders today: affordability, sustainability, and accessibility. And for motorcyclists, the opportunities are even greater, if industry standards can be applied to two-wheeled parts as effectively as they have for cars…
As eBay and APS continue to highlight the financial and environmental benefits, and with increasing consumer awareness, the future of Australia’s automotive aftermarket looks set to shift gears towards a greener, more cost-effective path. Obviously with bikes in terms of performance and safety, many parts simply need to be new OEM, but for the restorers and basic repairs, recycled is a great option.
eBay Driving The Future Of Recycled Parts Event Gallery
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