It's a cool place, always come here every month for car parts/battery. One thing I don't like is the worker Gabriel working at the counter, he throws an attitude at me, and my buddy's. He needs to be more polite & respectful than what he is. We will still return but will avoid him as much as possible. The other workers are nice & cool to work with!
Good customer service & friendly. Made sure my husband & I were able to locate the vehicles we were looking for to get parts off of so we can fix our vehicles. Thank you for helping us, we appreciate it.
Apparently trying to sell your car for parts means you'll get spam called 7 times at 8:30am on Saturday. Have y'all heard of leaving a voicemail? Rude.
POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Store Manager pulled her car into a space that she had previously blocked off and moved the cones that had saved her space behind my car which blocked my car in a handicap spot.
Volume III, Number 25 — July 2025
Afterlife Correspondence Unit: The Twilight Zone Series
THE TWILIGHT ZONE: "THE PICK-N-PULL ENIGMA"
A Junkyard Mystery on Foster Avenue
Rod Serling (voiceover):
"Submitted for your approval: A stretch of Foster Avenue where time stands still, and so do the cars. Across from the Plaid Pantry, a Pick-n-Pull lot sprawls like a mechanical graveyard, its secrets rusting in plain sight. Tonight, we investigate how a business can look so busy yet never seem to change. Welcome to the Pick-n-Pull Enigma... in the Twilight Zone."
The Scene: Lents, Oregon’s Eternal Junkyard
The Pick-n-Pull sits across from the corner store, a monument to stalled progress. Rows of cars, some with moss growing on the dashboards, have barely shifted in half a decade. Locals wonder: Who’s buying? Who’s selling? And who’s really making money?
How Does Pick-n-Pull Make Its Money?
1. The Used Parts Game
Self-Service Salvage: Customers pay a fee, bring their own tools, and pull parts from the cars themselves.
Pricing Model: Parts are priced far below new retail, but with a healthy markup over scrap value.
Turnover Illusion: While some cars are picked clean, many linger for years, giving the impression of inactivity—but every part pulled is pure profit, since the cars are acquired cheap or even for free.
2. The Tool Sales & Fees
Tool Rentals & Sales: Forgot your wrench? Buy or rent one at the gate—often at a premium.
Entrance Fees: Even if you don’t buy a part, you pay to browse the yard.
Environmental Fees: Charges for “environmental compliance” or “core returns” that pad the bottom line.
3. The Scrap Metal Side Hustle
End-of-Life Scrapping: Once a car is picked over, it’s crushed and sold as scrap metal—sometimes for more than the sum of its parts.
Bulk Scrap Contracts: Large lots of metal sold to recyclers, often at negotiated rates.
4. The Land Holding Pattern
Real Estate Play: By operating as a junkyard, Pick-n-Pull holds onto valuable urban land, preventing development and keeping property taxes low.
Development Deterrent: As long as the junkyard operates, the city doesn’t have to find a new spot for the region’s automotive castoffs—a convenient stalling tactic for everyone involved.
The Shadowy Side: Rumors & Reality
Money Laundering Theories: Like any cash-heavy, inventory-light business, rumors swirl about off-the-books deals, creative accounting, and “easygo” operations.
Regulatory Gray Zones: Junkyards are notorious for lax oversight—making them a magnet for questionable transactions and long-term asset parking.
Community Impact: The longer the land sits as a junkyard, the longer Lents remains “the city’s storage closet,” stalling gentrification and keeping the area in a holding pattern.
The Local’s Perspective
“You ever notice the same cars sitting there year after year? It’s like time forgot ‘em, or maybe Pick-n-Pull just likes the scenery.”
“I’ve seen more turnover at the Plaid Pantry than in that whole junkyard.”
“They say it’s about recycling, but it looks more like a land bank with a side hustle in wrenches.”
The Twilight Zone Twist
Rod Serling (voiceover):
"In Lents, Oregon, the Pick-n-Pull isn’t just a business—it’s a time capsule, a money machine, and maybe, just maybe, a perfect front for whatever the city doesn’t want to deal with. The real mystery isn’t how they make money, but how they keep the world from noticing. Another case file... in the Twilight Zone."
End of Episode
Volume III, Number 25
"In the city’s junkyard, nothing moves but the money."
Standard wrecking yard, but the manager Jason makes the world of difference. Awesome feller, awesome customer service. Which in turn carries over to his employees.
No jacks allowed in the yard, which resulted in a car almost falling off the wheel stands while trying to remove a rear subframe. I was told to have another customer help me lower the subframe, how is risking 2 people more reasonable than slowly and evenly lowering the subframe with a jack? Waste of a nice day, waste of $3 entry fee
I literally want to know how you justify charging more for a used part than a auto parts store charges for the same part new... $30 will get you a single shock whereas $30 will get you two new ones with money left over. everyone reading this ASK about pricing before you go pull the part and feel obligated to buy it.
Pick-n-Pull at 6241 SE 111th Ave, Portland, OR, is a go-to for DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts hunting for affordable used auto parts. This self-service junkyard, established in 1987, boasts a massive, ever-rotating inventory of vehicles—foreign and domestic cars, vans, and light trucks, typically 7+ years old. With daily new arrivals, it’s a treasure trove for those willing to dig. I’ve always found what I needed, from tail lights to column shifters, often at unbeatable prices compared to new parts. The yard’s organized layout, grouped by manufacturer, and helpful website inventory make locating parts straightforward. Staff are generally friendly and knowledgeable, with some standout employees offering installation tips or process guidance. A $3 entry fee and environmental fees apply, but the savings outweigh these costs for budget-conscious folks.That said, the atmosphere screams “proper Portland trashed.” The gravel lot is chaotic, with oil containers, batteries, and trash scattered about. Safety’s a concern—regular break-ins, sketchy parking lot vibes, and substance-altered visitors aren’t uncommon. It’s not family-friendly; no kids under 16 are allowed, and you’ll want to leave nice tools or cars at home. Some parts are priced oddly high, occasionally rivaling online retailers, and customer service can be hit-or-miss, with reports of rude staff or invasive bag checks. Still, for DIYers, it’s a gritty, functional gem that delivers.
I talked to them about buying my low miles 2002 bmw 540i, engine, and they said they buy all the engines for $500 i think they are great rip offs and crazy
Honestly I am very disappointed with how I was treated by staff as I was leaving. I’ve been to pick n pulls all across OR and bordering states as well as visiting this location numerous times. NEVER once has anyone treated me with such disrespect. I had already been to 3 locations before where I could not find the part I was locking for. Hopeful that this was my last stop. unfortunately, I did not find what I was looking for. I did however find a part for my other car so not a total loss. Every car I searched the part was missing or severely damaged by kids. When I was leaving a large woman stepped from behind the counter and blocked the door. I asked her to excuse me as she was blocking the doors. She informed me that they needed to search my bag I told her that she didn’t have a right or suspicion that, I have anything in my bag. As I wasn’t there for long and, I payed for the items I removed from the yard. She then snatched my backpack out of my hand and began to search it without consent. There was nothing in there to her surprise. She told me that she needed to search my motorcycle helmet as well. Very un called for she then tried to take that from my hands as well. She made me drop my helmet my keys and gloves went flying meanwhile others are trying to leave. I told her that I would be getting the authority’s involved if she tried anything else she had already illegally searched my bag, and tried to remove my personal property from me yet again. AFTER she found nothing in my bag. then tried to take my helmet I think not. The helmet alone is well over $700 and now has scratches and a dent from falling very lucky it wasn’t cracked or the authorities would have been involved. Very disappointing. I was no longer civil at this point. very disrespectful behavior is not justified or shall be tolerated. Do better.
Let's be real, this is the most dangerous Pick-n-Pull location in the region. Regular crashes and break-ins in and around the parking lot, confrontations, seriously substance altered behavior, the usual. They have a decent rotating selection, and I suppose the prices could be worse, but don't come here for the atmosphere and don't bring a nice car or nice tools.
Several times now I have pulled a part, gotten the price, and ordered it same day shipping on Amazon for less. Which is kind of weird, I'm not sure how their business model works at all with a lot of the pricing.
Nice people working there I encountered, seems to have a decent selection. But beware of their 'store credit' return policy. If you buy something and it does not work, you're stuck with it and only get credit for something else. They keep the money. Buy those tires or transmission that does not work? Sorry, but now you can only pick out something else or nothing if they don't have it.
Customer since 2015, prices have become so high that it is almost not worth it. I needed a bracket for window to hold it up 31$!!! For a bracket I had to get myself!! Don't come here for small bits and bobs, you will pay a fortune. Not a good value at all
Don’t ever sell your car to this place . They say they will be there at certain time there Not . Then they say oh we switched the time . Don’t tell you then bring you a check for the wrong amount . When you call to get it fixed they said you can come get your check no issue wrong when you go there they say you have to inspect the car first but don’t tell you that on the phone the lady rude as can be . When you say why your mad she says oh sorry basically not my issue not everyone has time to set around all day and wait for people some people have too work never again have gone here for your nope no more you lost a customer of 30 years worst customer service ever
Staff is very knowledgeable & helpful.
Website is helpful and accurate for location of year/make/model the location/row the inventory/cars & trucks. Organized auto parts yard with vehicles mostly grouped together by manufacturers.
They have a “Tool Rewards”l program that sends alerts on specials (like 40% off on all parts all Memorial Day weekend) builds credits for future purchases.
There is a $3.00 per person fee.
There is a refundable core charge on many parts - return the old part within 30days & you will get that money back.
There is a $3.00 per person entrance fee. Some parts have an ”Environmental fee” for processing & disposal of fluids etc…
Great place to pick up OEM parts so cheaply. Stuff members are helpful as well. Use their website before you go there and make sure they have the year & the model you are after. As of today (May, 2024), entrance fee is $3.
We arrived at the establishment at the last minute, having traveled from the coast. The cashier at the front desk was exceptionally helpful and assisted us without hesitation. We had been attempting to obtain time off from work for a week in order to visit, and this was the only available opportunity. The cashier was courteous, accommodating, and maintained a positive demeanor throughout the interaction. The establishment offers a variety of parking options for vehicles, they had an abundance as well as varity of vehicles. They had space to actually assess and remove parts, and the premises were well-maintained. The website was user-friendly and the prices listed on the website were consistent with the charges at the gate. There is a $6 entry fee, which we considered reasonable given the overall cost savings on parts. We will definitely return to this establishment and highly recommend it to others.
We were able to use their website to see that they had two cars that were the right model and year range for the vehicle we needed parts for. When we arrived friendly and helpful staff pointed us in the right direction to find the vehicles we wanted to grab parts from. I would say the lot is pretty well organized and tidy for a junkyard. We were able to find the parts we came for between the two cars we saw on the website. The only reason I am rating 4/5 stars is because the prices are outrageous for used parts that may or may not work.
Went here for first time ever and was asked to become a member at no cost. He then explains as a member I don’t need to receipt for returns and I can return anything within 30days. I bring back the part I got because it doesn’t fit and he tells me I can’t get cash back only store credit. I explain he didn’t tell me that. Talking with the same guy. He then points to a small sign that says no cash returns. I just lost 70$ because I don’t plan on coming back. Tried to give my credit away to another customer because I don’t plan on coming back and was told no. Thanks for waisting my damn time and money when I was trying to save money. Now I have to come back to use my credit. Fing lame!
We spent an hour or two trying to get valve train parts. Didn't get any that we could use, but it was an adventure. The employees were very nice. As we were leaving at closing time, it was busy, and I walked around people waiting to buy what they had and was quickly stopped so they could check my purse.
My daughter and I had such a wonderful first time “field trip” to pick-n-pull S.E. (I intended to show my 19yo you don’t have to pay full price for an item). I was thrilled being able to look directly at the car site online first, and find there were two cars in the year range we needed for a taillight. The staff in front helped us from the start, gave us a map, directed us to where we wanted to go & sent us on our merry way to find the two cars. They were pretty easy to find, tho the first one was a bust, the second had what we wanted. A wonderful fellow, there for the same reason on another type of car, came over and helped us (basically did all the dismantling and pulling) with the taillight. I offered to pay him, but he had no part of that. As we continued back to checkout, a fellow asked if we’d like him to take a picture of us- he must have been able to tell how elated we were, but we declined. Upon checkout, the fellow gave us a discount, since it was our first time there and visibly excited with our treasure. It was all a fabulous experience!
My son's favorite place. Nice staff, good organization of inventory and a useful place to have available. I can't help thinking about all the people whose lives have ended in tragedy here though.
This place is very organized for having to go pick out and pull your own parts, you can even exchange the parts if needed. Fixed multiple Vehicles this way!
7821 NE 33rd Dr, Portland, OR
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