Cocoa Auto Salvage

History

Doug and Linda Lathem moved to Cocoa, FL from Gainesville, GA in 1970. A mechanic by trade, Doug always had his hands on a car - either repairing one or racing another. Shortly after moving to Florida, the couple was presented with the opportunity to lease a gas station with repair bays.It was a struggle and there were no guarantees but this gamble opened the door to great opportunities for the couple. Several years later they were able to buy their own full service gas station with repair bays which eventually included a convenience store and deli.

During this time period, they acquired low trucks - leading to operating the largest towing company in the county - and began running calls for the retail customer and wholesale customers, as well. Doug would repair cars during the day and run the wrecker at night. Linda did the bookkeeping at night after finishing her full-time job at the local Coca-Cola bottling plant, while taking care of two small children.Already having a service station with repair shop, it seemed like a logical addition to their already existing automotive business and so Cocoa Auto Salvage was founded in 1978. With only a few acres and 2 employees, inventory was kept track of by memory and sales were mainly to local folks needing a cheaper way to repair their broken down vehicles.There have been many changes over the last nearly half-century, but one thing that has not changed throughout the years is the family's dedication to maintaining a superior reputation in the community and with people by doing the right thing with both customers and employees.

Our Mission

Our mission is to be the leading supplier of quality, used auto parts by providing a superior product alternative for vehicle repair. We will accomplish this by exceeding the expectations of our customers while utilizing state of the art technology. We will combine professionalism, integrity and an attitude of ultimate customer satisfaction to establish ourselves as the most trusted name in our industry. Our commitment to the environment and our 'green' policies will be evident in all operations.

Why Buy From Us?

• Used Auto Parts are made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) to fit they came from the same year, make and model that you are repairing.
• You get OEM parts, without paying the OEM prices.
• Used Auto Parts are priced according to supply and demand, but generally you can expect to save on average at least 50% from the cost of a similar new part.
• Used Auto Parts are often sold as an assembly, so if you order a door, you get more than the shell you get the glass, trim, switches, handles, etc, providing an even larger savings incentive, not only in price but in time as well.
• More and more insurers are understanding that collision repairers need the right economic incentives to use used parts. They are actively looking at the pre-set margins they are allowing for used parts, and they are seeing the benefit of more used parts usage.
• More Used Auto Parts usage means accident repair severity is reduced resulting in fewer total loss vehicles and that is more business for everyone.
• Used Auto Parts are available for virtually every year, make and model on the road today. If they built it, we can find the part.
• With so many makes and models to maintain inventory for, OEM suppliers can't keep all parts in stock. That's where Used Auto Parts shine Cocoa Auto Salvage carries inventory for the widest possible mix of vehicles foreign and domestic, car or truck.
• With the extent of computerization and digital networks in the industry, we do not have the part in stock, then we will find it from a trusted supplier at no extra cost.
• Used Auto Parts represent an environmental savings by avoiding the environmental impact of having to make a new or aftermarket part.
• Auto Recyclers are a major supplier of cores for the rebuilding industry, further providing an environmental savings.
• Modern Auto Recyclers must meet stringent national, regional and local environmental regulations, often exceeding the legal requirements with best practices and voluntary programs.
• Used Auto Parts, purchased from a modern, professional Auto Recycler, like Cocoa Auto Salvage, are a great alternative to new.