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I buy my parts from Autozone and/or NAPA, and also online. There are times that I will only purchase from the dealer, and this typically deals with electronic parts, with the exception of my 2001 Dodge Dakota, I also buy my tranny filters and rear end additives for my Trac-Loc diff.
Dealers and OEM parts are starting to become more “economically” sensible for DIY mechanics like myself. About two years ago, I started noticing that many dealers through out the states have started selling parts online. Case in point, I purchased low pressure and high pressure lines for my power steering, from a dealer in Oregon. Local dealer wanted 215.00 for the high pressure line and 85.00 for the low pressure, the dealer in oregon sold me the high pressure for 103.00 and the low pressure for 16.00, it was great!
With that said, you also need to weigh the advantages of aftermarket parts. You just can’t go wrong with highly engineered aftermarket parts like moog, flowmaster, magnaflow…etc. vs OEM parts…unless the OEM part has a recall/updated design like my post here: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/forum/topics.aspx?ID=680
In any case, I stick with Autozone/Napa/O’reilly’s…but when I need an OEM part, it is nice to know that I can find 2 dozen or more online dealers that are willing to cut thier own throats to sell me a part!
Quoted From dreamer2355:
You get what you pay for when it comes to automotive parts.
I prefer OEM parts from the dealer C8-)
I agree.
What’s funny is that before I actually make the purchase I’ll check the dealer first AND i’ve found that on some occasions it costs less at the dealer or a few dollars more, then I’d go for them.
Thanks for the input.
Advanced auto, Or Rock Auto if I can justify the shipping cost. If I can get it at Advanced I get 20% off whatever purchase I want. So its nifty.
I use the AutoZone right near my house for the majority of my parts, because I get a nice discount there. For some stuff I use the local Subaru dealer, mostly just for steering rack boots (stupid Borla headers constantly melting the one on the driver’s side) and the coolant conditioner ( which is little more than stop-leak, I don’t care what anyone says) that I need to put in my coolant every 30,000 miles or so.
I do most general replacement parts like brakes and such from auto zone because they do a 10% military discount
Quoted From Alex_talley:
I do most general replacement parts like brakes and such from auto zone because they do a 10% military discount
+1
I do the same too. It works for NAPA also but, it depends on the parts guy AND most dealerships..
Mainly Autozone and NAPA, it really depends on the part really though, they give good discounts. If its for classic cars I use Summit Racing. If I need a really cheap fix the U pull it junk yard, its great for fixing body parts, sometimes they even have the right color 🙂
Most stuff I get from Rockauto,it’s usually the same price with shipping,
that I pay with my discount locally,
But I get better brand choices.
Eg; Akebono vs. Wagner brake pads.
They also carry many oem brands
Like Aisin waterpumps, Mitsuboshi timing belts, and Denso spark plugs.I buy parts based on how hard they are to get to. If I am replacing a starter on a Chevy smallblock that has two bolts and two wires to unhook, I’ll go to autozone and get the lifetime warranty one. If I’m doing a waterpump that’s surround by a castle with a moat full of alligators, I’ll got higher quality, i.e. napa or oem.
Before I moved I used to go OEM on just about everything. The parts manager at the local dealer gave me their shop discount on the theory that he’d rather make some money off me than send me online or to aftermarket. I always had a couple projects going and was a decent account for him. Around here they want to charge me list plus their service markup and don’t care when I show them I can get it for less than half their price online.
It’s a strange approach to business but now I buy online.
the Auto Part store i use most often would be Auto zone unless im buying oil or something similar then i use Walmart.
The online sites i use are Autosheperd.com and rockauto.com i usually just compare the prices between the two sites and use the cheapest. which usually is rock auto
Apparently NewEgg also has started selling car stuff. Haven’t done too much poking around on the warranty’s but I know they do have fantastic customer service from all my comp builds, and good warranty’s on other stuff.
Mostly O’Reilly’s for the run of the mill sort of stuff like spark plugs, oil, filters, etc because I like the guys at my local place… Fastenal or ARP for any sort of bolts or fasteners, and Ebay dealers occasionally have a good deal on engine components. I really on buy OEM if it’s a crucial component or as aforementioned… it’s in a castle surrounded by a moat with alligators.
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