Where can I buy the CD-ROM applications that auto dealers use to look
up parts for cars?

Hi! Thanks for the question.

I have found the following CD catalogs of auto-parts for you.

Pelican Parts (Free)
http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/cdrom.htm 

MultiCat CD
http://www.mrm-multicat.com/products_mccd.htm
http://www.mrm-multicat.com/products.htm 

Jagbits (repair Books and CD-ROM)
http://www.jagbits.com/bookshop.html 

Global Sources (Auto Parts and Accessories)
http://corporate.globalsources.com/PRODUCTS/HD.HTM 

European Auto Exchange (for European and Asian Models)
http://www.europautoex.com/id23.htm 

Euro Car Parts
http://www.ltv-vwc.org.uk/W_Spin/ws_june_2002/Euro_car_parts_cd.htm

OLD 1921 AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT CATALOG on CD (for vintage cars)
http://www.historybroker.com/cds/cd10.htm 

Metro Auto Parts Market (Vintage American Cars)
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/catalog/shopmanualcdrom.html 

You might also want to try the online catalogs. Most of them are for
free and are more up to date than the CD-ROMS. The downside is that
the pictures might take long to download unless you have a broadband
connection.

Point5
http://www.point5.net/repair-shop.asp

JC Whitney
http://www.jcwhitney.com/;$sessionid$T5KHPJYAACAKOQSNDV0SFFCCJUOXKIV0?_requestid=90321

Pelican Parts
http://www.pelicanparts.com/

The Parts Bin
http://www.thepartsbin.com/

1A Automotive
http://www.1aauto.com/

International Auto Parts
http://www.international-auto.com/

Auto Parts Performance
http://www.autopartsperformance.com/ 

Search terms used:            
cd-rom online "auto-parts" catalog  
       
I hope these links would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
           
Thanks for visiting us.           
           
Regards,           
Easterangel-ga           
Google Answers Researcher