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Finding good auto parts at JunkYards

The definitive answer to getting good parts at the junk yard. The answer is YES
Would I buy a major component like an engine, transmission, or differential? Not if other options are available. There are too many unknowns with the assembly. If I did, I would rebuild it before attempting to use it.
Was the vehicle wrecked? If so, was this assembly damaged in the accident or did it cause it?
What kind of care did the assembly have while in service? This is an unknown variable that I would not be comfortable with installing in my car.
Major running and electrical components such as Air Conditioning Compressors and alternators may not be in good shape and you won't know until you install it to find out it doesn't work. That is all wasted energy.
That said there are a lot of good components that CAN be obtained through a texas junkyard (recycling center). For example, factory tinted glass, car rims, mirrors, seats, engine mounts, and sheet metal components like fenders, headlight lens, hoods, trunk lids and trim pieces.
Metal prices are through the roof on many metals used to manufacture an automobile. As metal prices increase so does the cost of replacement components. If the components are on a vehicle and are not damaged, it does the environment as well as your wallet good to use these in the repair of your vehicle. In addition, if they are factory parts you have a better chance of a good fit to your car during installation than with some aftermarket parts that may be available, particularly sheet metal parts.
That said, sometimes you have no choice. If you have an older car where parts are no longer made for it, you may not have any alternative other than "recycled" parts. If that is the case, inspect the parts carefully. Try to ascertain if the parts are genuine OEM by looking for a logo stamp on the component.
There are three components I would never purchase from a junkyard, however. They are:
1. Radiator if this is left empty (particularly if the engine has been removed) you have no way to verify it holds water on site. In addition, the top may look acceptable but that does not guarantee the bottom is free of rust and other harmful elements (dirt, debris, etc) that can damage your engine if installed.
2. A/C condenser again, no guarantee it will hold Freon. This will be expensive if you fill the A/C unit to find a slow leak.
3. Transmission oil cooler similar to the radiator, it is used to circulate transmission oil through a cooler much like the radiator does. The same reasons for not using a junkyard radiator apply to this component as well.
Find a reputable recycler/junk yard in your area. Look at how they store the parts. Are the cars left whole until customers remove the parts? If so, customers removing other parts may damage parts left behind. If the parts are removed by the yard personnel, how are they stored? Are they careful removing parts?
If you purchase parts from a texas junkyards inquire at the time of purchase of any warranty offered for the parts. What happens if it doesn't fit or doesn't work, etc? How long is the warranty good for? What is the warranty; it is exchange only, cash refund, or store credit only? Weigh all of this before purchasing used parts. Once you have your answers weigh whether it is more cost effective for you to purchase a used part or pay more for a new part. Sometimes you will go with new, sometimes it is possible to buy used.