Terms & Conditions for Core Charges

Automotive replacement parts such as turbos, injectors, injection pumps, high pressure oil pumps, and others have a core charge that is associated with the new replacement part. A core charge is a refundable deposit added to the price of certain auto parts that can be rebuilt or recycled. It acts as a financial incentive for customers to return their old, broken part, known as the "core", ensuring the manufacturer receives raw materials to remanufacture into new products. The old part must be sent in to receive a refund on the core charge.

  • In some cases, the core is not reusable, such as in the event of a cracked case, at which point the core deposit would not be credited as the core component is not reusable.
  • Cores that have been disassembled and/or have missing and/or damaged major components will not receive full core credit.
  • Returned cores must be on a "like-for-like" basis, meaning that the returned core has the exact same fitment as the remanufactured component that was purchased. If the core is not "like-for-like," your core may not be eligible for return/credit.
  • You are responsible for core return shipping cost.

If you plan on returning your core you have two options.

FASS Motorsports offers payment deferment to the upfront core charge when purchasing via credit card payment.

Pay the CORE CHARGE - OPTION 1: You can accept the core charge, which means you will be charged for the part AND the core at time of purchase. You still have the option to send it back, and if you do, the core will be refunded back on the card used, presuming the core meets core criteria and the core is returned within 30 days from the time your order is received. If you return your core after 30 days you may refer to the Core Charge Timeline below as to how you will be refunded.

Core Charge Timeline

  • If the core is returned after 30 days, 90% of the core will be refunded.
  • If the core is returned after 60 days, 70% of the core will be refunded.
  • If the core is returned after 90 days, 50% of the core will be refunded.
  • After 6 months cores will be accepted at FASS Motorsports discretion.

Choose to Not Pay the Core Charge - OPTION 2: You can defer the core charge. If you defer, you will not be charged for the core at the time of purchase. You will have 21 days from the time your order is received to send the core back. If the core is not received within the 21 days, your credit card will be charged for the core amount on your order. If you return your core after 21 days, you may refer to the Core Charge Timeline below as to how you will be refunded. When Core deferral (Pay Core Charge Later) is limited to payment by credit card only.  ***When using PayPal or Affirm as your method of payment “Core Deferral (Pay Core Charge Later)” is not available.  The core must be paid at time of purchase. ***

Core Charge Timeline

  • If the core is returned after 21 days, 90% of the core will be refunded.
  • If the core is returned after 60 days, 70% of the core will be refunded.
  • If the core is returned after 90 days, 50% of the core will be refunded.
  • After 6 months cores will be accepted at FASS Motorsports discretion.

Core Return Procedure

  1. Please keep all original packaging of your new item to be used for the core return.
  2. Drain all fluids: oil, fuel, etc. out of the core before it is returned.
  3. Place any plastic plugs or caps received on the new item back onto the core.
  4. To insure UPS, Fed Ex, or USPS will not reject the package due to fuel or oil leakage, please wrap the core in a plastic garbage bag.
  5. Place core inside the box.
  6. If core return paperwork was inside the box, please complete the form and send back with the core.
  7. Please provide a tracking number to info@fassmotorsports.com. Without a confirmed tracking number we cannot guarantee your core refund
  8. If you have questions please call us 636-429-7020

Core Charge FAQ:

Core Charges Explained: In the auto repair industry, there is often confusion about what a core charge is and when it is applied. Here are some frequently asked questions to help licensees understand core charges.

  • What is a core auto part?
    • A core auto part is a part or a component of an auto part that can be rebuilt and sold as a remanufactured part or a part that can be recycled for its materials. Common core parts may include batteries, water pumps, alternators, brake master cylinders, and air conditioning compressors. The return of core parts to the manufacturer lowers the cost of the auto parts and related auto repairs and keeps hazardous materials out of landfills.
  • What is a core charge?
    • A core charge is a form of deposit held for the return of the used part. Core charges are set by the manufacturer or supplier and are based on the value of the materials in the part or the reusability of the old part. The core charge is added to the price of a part to encourage the return of the old part.
  • Is there a core charge on both new parts and remanufactured parts?
    • There may be core charges on remanufactured parts as well as new parts since the materials and the core part itself have value to the manufacturer regardless of whether the replacement part is new or remanufactured.
  • What if the old core part is damaged beyond repair?
    • Many auto parts carry a core charge regardless of the usefulness or perceived value of the old part. For example, replacement batteries, turbo chargers, and bumper covers often have a core charge added to the price even if the original part is damaged well beyond the possibility of rebuilding.
  • Is a someone exempt from a core charge if a core part is missing or stolen?
    • If a core part is missing or stolen, the customer is still responsible for payment of the core charge when purchasing a replacement part.
  • What if the customer wants to keep the old core part?
    • The customer may request to have the old core part returned to them. Parts that are sold on an exchange basis and parts that must go back to the supplier under a warranty or core arrangement (such as a battery) are not required to be returned to the customer. In these circumstances, the customer must be offered the opportunity to see the replaced parts. Any replaced parts that cannot be returned to the customer must be recorded on the invoice. The customer will not receive the core charge payment back if they wish to keep the old part.

For more information on estimates and invoices involving core charges please contact FASS Motorsports.