Tibet Centre: Located on Preedy Street in Sadar, the area is also known as Plaza and has some of Karachi’s worst traffic as well as shop owners who will not stop trying to convince you that your car needs more work that what you are there for, but if you can brave the madness, Tibet center has some of the best deals; a used back light for a Suzuki Alto will set you back Rs 900 (Rs 600 if you haggle) and side view mirror for a Cultus cost about Rs 5,000-6,000 – significantly less than what you would pay in Gulshan or Gizri.
Tariq Road: Located behind dupatta galli is one of the oldest part markets in the city. Initially, it catered only to minor car repairs, but the market has grown into a veritable bazaar, with 50 to 70 shops crammed into narrow lanes, offering car parts as well as services such as electrical patch ups, denting, painting and air conditioner installations. You can get your entire Toyota Corolla shower painted there for approximately Rs 40,000.
Allahwala Chowrangi: Behind the McDonalds on Tariq Road is another market that has been around for the last 15 years. The focus there is not on internal car machinery but local and imported car accessories such as wipers, wind shields, LCDs, seat covers, stereo system, anti- theft devices as well as some of the best looking tyres and rims. The deals here may not be as good as those on Preedy Street or Sher Shah, but with fewer parking hassles and less noise, the convenience there is priceless.
By Shayan Shakeel