Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

I occasionally work on cars at home other than my A's . I purchase everything from Advance Auto (On-Line) and in an hour it is ready for pick-up. This car needed shocks and struts. One strut (less the spring) was $97.00 and the two rear shocks were $60 for both, with tax was around $275.00 total. I visit https://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com
and look for the best coupon code. By splitting up the order and making three purchases of more than $100.00 each I was able to get a $40.00 discount on each purchase. I needed to add some misc. items, I use around the garage for example Shop Towels, Carb Cleaner to bring the rear shocks up over a hundred dollars. I then charge my customer the price they would have paid had they gone to Advance and reduce my labor by the discounted price and I look great for not charging them so much. We all could use some information to save a little money.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

thanks for the tip! its always nice to save money! a few months ago I had a job to put a fuel pump in a 99 monty carlo I priced the fuel pump at the auto parts over 200 bucks! I got one on e-bay for 18.00 free shipping and a lifetime waranty from china! it took 10 days to get here but it works fine I dont know what the waranty is worth but the auto parts one was made in china also

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Deals everywhere if we care to look:

I notice sometimes our local Wal-Mart has a big sales sticker on two (2) items like, (2 for $16.98).

Then immediately adjacent to this pair of items is one (1) single, exact same item for $6.43.

In telling this recently to a sales stocking clerk, she replied, "I know, we are trying to sell our overstocked items and this helps to get rid of them."

Just remember ...... these types of clerks and customers are for real!

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Yeah, but how about the "dolts" that buy the twofers, remember they can also vote................
Paul

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

if I dont need the parts right away rock auto is your friend. Bought both front hubs for my blazer for $100 shipped vs cost of one from Orileys for 120+ tax... I always use advance autos order online and save money deals haha. About the only way someone can compete nowadays. Going to be less and less brick and mortar stores every year.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Advance is pretty good with their discounts, but I always check Ebay. Example needed a fuel pump for my 2005 Miata all the local parts stores wanted big bucks, got one from ebay for 15.00 shipped from USA but made in china, company had 20K positive reports, been working the last 3 years..

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

I've heard so many bad reports about Airtex fuel pumps, that I don't dare try one. I don't know if you got an Airtex or not, but I will hold off buying from them until I hear several good reports.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

yes they are junk right out of the box - longest I've heard of one lasting is about 4 months...

fuel pumps are one of those parts your better off just sucking it up and buying OEM...

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Very clever.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

How about a simple starter for a 12HP Kohler engine that the dealers want $360.00 and can e bought brand new on eBay for about $60.00 :eek:

Sewall

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

^^^ that sounds like the GREEN & YELLOW store :rolleyes:
I bought a used JD mower,, the dealer wanted $$40.00$$ for the OWNERS manual.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

scrapiron, you can probably download that manual off the internet for free. There are many sites that have them, maybe not for JD products though . I bought a used troybuilt riding lawn mower for my place in Texas, and got the owners manual and a parts manual for free ( well I had to pay for paper and ink ), just download off the net.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Old thread, but just now saw it. Everyone has their favorite parts vendor. My local mechanic who I use because of his reputation and because I have never had an issue with his work for the past 15 years, told me to avoid Rock Auto. They get a lot of seconds for cost reasons, and also get a discount by purchasing large lots of seconds. He refuses to use them. He said he tried them and returned some parts, and had some parts fail. Also said you get what you pay for. Your experience may vary,

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

they buy a lot of closeouts not necessarily seconds.been buying for years no problems.even with shipping cost is way less than major aftermarket stores here.an old post but still relevant info regarding RA

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Sorry Guys...... anything mfg. in China goes back. Doesn't matter if it's cheaper. I will find a way either repair it myself or find a used part that will get me by until I get a replacement. Retired and I can wait.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Agreed.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

I agree with this. I try very hard to find US made parts. Funny thing is a lot of OEM Honda and Toyota parts for our daily drivers are made in the USA.

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Always good to save money, but the local Advance just turned me off not knowing a Taurus from a Civic & always trying to sell you tire pressure gauges or car scenters. Luckily tho, we have one old-school car parts store left in the area where you can walk in, sit down on stools, with a few light bulbs lit and parts and fan belts hanging from the walls just like the old days.. The guys there know cars and parts. If they don't have it, they'll get it in fast and they do offer fine discounts for regular accounts. I'll probably have to resort to online if they ever shut down...

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

Re: Speaking of Auto Part Stores I'll share my experience.
 

This was not a price issue He said they were priced fairly, usually a little more on the inexpensive side in comparison to the local Auto Parts suppliers, and of course the car dealers. It was the quality of the parts. After having vehicles returned where replaced parts had failed and he had to eat the replacement costs, he does not use them.



He may have been mistaken on the seconds vs closeouts which was pointed out, however he still experienced quality issues. I have gotten to know him quite well, and have known his family for 25 years.
He is an honest, trustworthy and skilled mechanic. Stays so busy he is usually booked at least 3 weeks ahead, but leaves fill in gaps for emergencies.



Like I said, your experience may vary.