If you’ve lived in the Twin Cities for more than a week, you probably know that salt is basically the enemy of every vehicle on the road. It eats quarter panels for breakfast. Finding a reliable spot to grab a replacement mirror or a starter without selling a kidney is a local rite of passage. That’s usually where Ace Auto Parts Rice St St Paul enters the conversation.
It's a landmark. Honestly, if you are driving up Rice Street toward Little Canada, you can't miss the massive yard.
But here is the thing: a lot of people show up totally unprepared for how a modern salvage yard actually works. They think it's still 1985 and they’re going to be wandering through a muddy field with a rusty wrench for three hours. It isn’t really like that anymore.
The Real Deal on the Rice Street Location
Ace Auto Parts has been a staple of the North End and the greater St. Paul area for decades. Located at 1335 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117, it occupies a space that bridges the gap between old-school grit and new-school inventory management. Most folks call it "Ace on Rice," and it has stayed relevant because they transitioned into the digital age faster than most of their competitors.
They aren't just a "junkyard."
While "junkyard" is the word we all use, "automotive recycler" is the term they prefer, mostly because the EPA and the state of Minnesota have very strict rules about how you handle fluids, lead-acid batteries, and mercury switches. Ace manages all of that right there on Rice Street. It’s a massive operation. You've got rows upon rows of vehicles, but behind the scenes, there is a computer system tracking almost every usable alternator, door handle, and engine block that comes through the gate.
Why People Keep Going Back to Rice Street
Why don't people just buy new? Well, have you seen the price of a headlight assembly for a 2022 Ford F-150 lately? It’s enough to make you weep.
Buying from Ace Auto Parts Rice St St Paul is mostly about the math. You’re looking at saving anywhere from 40% to 70% off dealership prices. Plus, there is the immediate gratification. If you order a part online from a random warehouse in Ohio, you're waiting five days and praying the delivery driver doesn't drop it. At Ace, you walk in, talk to the counter guys, and usually walk out with the part in your hand—or you wait a bit while they pull it for you.
✨ Don't miss: How to make a living selling on eBay: What actually works in 2026
They offer a few different ways to shop, which is where people get confused.
- Full Service: This is the most popular. You tell them what you need, their team finds it in the system, and their "pickers" go out into the yard to grab it. You don't get your hands dirty.
- The Online Search: They’ve got a robust search tool on their website. You can filter by year, make, and model before you even leave your house.
- Used Glass and Tires: This is a huge sub-market. They have stacks of tires that still have 70% tread life left. For a winter beater, it's a no-brainer.
The Nuance of Used Parts: Managing Expectations
Let's be real for a second. You are buying a part from a car that was likely totaled or reached the end of its life.
There is a level of risk. Ace knows this, which is why they have a warranty system. Most parts come with a standard 90-day warranty, but you can usually buy an extended one. If you’re buying a transmission, get the extended warranty. Seriously. It’s worth the extra fifty bucks just for the peace of mind.
I’ve seen people get frustrated because a part didn't fit perfectly. Look, car manufacturers change parts mid-year all the time. It’s called a "split year" production. If your car was made in June of 2015, it might have a different wiring harness than the one made in October. Ace Auto Parts Rice St St Paul pros are good, but you have to bring your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). If you don't have your VIN, you are basically guessing. Don't guess.
Beyond Just Parts: Scrapping Your Junk Car
Ace is also one of the biggest buyers of junk cars in St. Paul.
If you have a car that finally gave up the ghost on I-35E, they will usually tow it for you and cut you a check. The price of scrap metal fluctuates constantly based on global markets. If China is building a lot of skyscrapers, your 2004 Honda Civic is worth more. If the market is down, you might only get a couple hundred bucks.
The process is pretty straightforward:
🔗 Read more: How Much Followers on TikTok to Get Paid: What Really Matters in 2026
- You call them with the year, make, and model.
- You tell them if it has the catalytic converter (this is huge—don't let anyone steal yours before you sell the car).
- They give you a quote over the phone.
- You provide the title. No title, no sale. Minnesota law is very strict about this to prevent car theft.
Common Misconceptions About the Yard
Some people think the yard is a dangerous place. It’s not. It’s a professional business. They have forklifts moving around and heavy machinery, so you have to pay attention, but it’s not some lawless wasteland.
Another myth: "The parts are all junk."
Actually, many cars end up at Ace Auto Parts Rice St St Paul because of rear-end collisions. That means the entire front end—the engine, the radiator, the headlights—is perfectly fine. It’s just that the insurance company decided the car wasn't worth the cost of the bodywork on the trunk. You’re often getting OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts that are higher quality than the cheap "aftermarket" stuff you find on discount websites.
Environmental Impact
This is the part nobody talks about at parties, but it’s actually the most important. Automotive recycling is one of the most effective forms of recycling on the planet. By using a part from Ace, you are saving the massive amount of energy it would take to mine new ore and manufacture a new part. Plus, they safely dispose of gallons of antifreeze, oil, and brake fluid that would otherwise end up in the groundwater.
It’s green. Even if it looks like a field of rusted metal, it’s basically an environmental powerhouse.
How to Succeed at Ace Auto Parts
If you want to have a good experience, don't just show up and say, "I need a piece for my truck."
That drives the counter guys crazy.
💡 You might also like: How Much 100 Dollars in Ghana Cedis Gets You Right Now: The Reality
Know your engine size. Is it the 2.4L or the 3.6L? Is it all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive? Bring the old part with you if you can. Comparing the old part to the "new" used part side-by-side is the only way to be 100% sure.
Also, dress for the occasion. Even if you aren't pulling the part yourself, you're in a warehouse and a dirt lot environment. Leave the designer sneakers at home.
Location Specifics and Accessibility
The Rice Street corridor is busy. If you’re heading there on a Saturday morning, expect a wait. It’s a popular spot for both DIY mechanics and professional shop owners who are trying to keep costs down for their customers. They are open most weekdays and have Saturday hours, but always check their Google listing before you make the drive, as holiday hours in Minnesota can be unpredictable.
The staff there has a reputation for being "direct." They aren't going to hold your hand, but they know their inventory better than anyone. If they say they don't have it, they probably don't have it. However, they are part of a massive network. If the Rice Street location is out of a specific door for a Chevy Impala, they can often see if another yard in the region has it.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
To make your trip to Ace Auto Parts Rice St St Paul worth it, follow this checklist:
- Snap a photo of your VIN tag: It's located on the driver's side dashboard or the door jamb. This is the "gold standard" for part matching.
- Call ahead: Don't just drive there. Call 651-717-4299 (or their current listed number) to verify the part is actually in the yard and hasn't been sold an hour ago.
- Bring your own tools: If you are doing a "U-Pull" style search (if they have that section open), bring a basic socket set and some PB Blaster. Rust is the reality of Minnesota cars.
- Check the return policy: Ask specifically about the "restocking fee." Most yards charge one if you bring back a part simply because you changed your mind or misdiagnosed your car's problem.
- Ask about core charges: For things like starters, alternators, and engines, they will charge you a "core" fee. You get this money back when you bring your old, broken part back to them. It ensures the metal stays in the recycling loop.
Working with a local yard like Ace is a bit of an art form. It requires a mix of patience, technical knowledge, and a willingness to get a little grease under your fingernails. But in a world where new car parts are becoming prohibitively expensive and supply chains are often broken, the yard on Rice Street remains a vital resource for keeping St. Paul moving.
Whether you’re a pro mechanic or just someone trying to fix a broken taillight so you don't get pulled over, Ace is the place that bridges the gap between a broken car and a working one without breaking the bank.