free_bird49221
Contributor
Posts: 218
Loc: Adrian, MI
Reg: 04-29-12
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05-15-12 09:35 AM - Post#2226163
In Adrian, mi were i live we have 3 parts stores. Advanced Auto Parts and Auto Zone have been around Auto value is pretty new. What I am wondering is what experience do people have with these stores in your areas. Which do you prefer and why.
I have found with advanced they need to order a few more parts but get them pretty quick. The staff for the most part knows there stuff and have some good tips and info.
Auto Zone has more in stock depending. The staff however seams less experienced.
I have yet to be in auto value. There site i know is a pain in the rear to use and find anything.
From what experience you have is auto value reasonably priced? is the selection generally worth it or would i be better severed staying with primarily Advanced auto? Thanks ahead of time look forward to hearing your thoughts.
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 someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23555
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-15-12 09:45 AM - Post#2226167
In response to free_bird49221
Skip 'em all and try the NAPA near you; three are listed for nearby Adrian, MI - Blissfield, Hudson, and Dundee.
Out of the three you listed, I would pick Advance over Auto Zone any day of the week; don't know Auto Value but I swear decades ago I used to shop somewhere that sold parts under the Auto Value brand name - like one of the chains back in the day was associated with them, or something.
Richard
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free_bird49221
Contributor
Posts: 218
Loc: Adrian, MI
Reg: 04-29-12
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05-15-12 09:54 AM - Post#2226172
In response to someotherguy
all three of those napa stores are about 30 min away the other 3 i mentioned are 4 blocks away. I am thinking i heard of auto value as a kid in wi but my memory isnt that great going back that far
Ande
81 GMC c2500
06 Chevy Malibu
80 Olds cutlass
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 62BillT
"11th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4653
Loc: Moneta, VA
Reg: 09-24-01
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05-15-12 10:34 AM - Post#2226181
In response to free_bird49221
I like my independant local Auto Parts Store the best, but between the 3 that you have mentioned, I like Advance the best. I only go to Auto Zone when the first two don't have what I want or, in a rare occassion, have something I like better. The 3rd one that you have mentioned, I have never even heard of. I also find the service much better at Advanced Auto Parts.
Bill
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bowtieollie
ChevyTalk Subject Matter Expert
Posts: 20902
Loc: See the USA in your Chevr...
Reg: 12-06-99
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05-15-12 02:00 PM - Post#2226237
In response to free_bird49221
Hi Freebird,
Forget them all as well and try this.
www.rockauto.com
Delivered to your doorstep and no sales tax.
Very price competitive and offer you more choices than any of the chain stores.
NAPA?? Forget them.... it stands for No American Parts Anymore
Funny, because they STILL charge Made in the USA prices! 
Bowtieollie
Chevytalk.com Moderator |
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C10 Sleeper
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3426
Loc: Redding Ca
Reg: 03-17-09
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05-15-12 06:05 PM - Post#2226304
In response to bowtieollie
Rockauto would be good if they had local stores in every town. Usually when I go to the auto Parts store its for parts I need right now. Besides that I like to support local business as much as possible providing they have what I need on the shelf.
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someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23555
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-16-12 05:32 AM - Post#2226449
In response to bowtieollie
NAPA?? Forget them.... it stands for No American Parts Anymore
Funny, because they STILL charge Made in the USA prices!
Could you elaborate? I find many made in USA parts at NAPA, as I specifically shop for them. It's getting difficult to find them in any brand, so it's not really dependent on the parts store themselves, other than what brands they carry.
I am definitely on record though as unhappy with some of NAPA's store-branded items now being chinese-made.
Richard
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free_bird49221
Contributor
Posts: 218
Loc: Adrian, MI
Reg: 04-29-12
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05-16-12 09:43 AM - Post#2226524
In response to someotherguy
c10 i agree with supporting local. I stay away from online shopping as I am not allowed to have a credit card. I know there are pre paid credit cards which i have used when needed. I think our local community is hurting enough so supporting them helps my friends and neighbors.
Ande
81 GMC c2500
06 Chevy Malibu
80 Olds cutlass
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free_bird49221
Contributor
Posts: 218
Loc: Adrian, MI
Reg: 04-29-12
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05-17-12 10:13 AM - Post#2226836
In response to free_bird49221
well i went into auto value today. must say im not impressed one bit. only 1 other customer 2 sales people and i waited 15 minuets to find out it was $65 for a egr valve for my 81 gmc. the selection sucks and prices were nuts. cheapest grease gun was $20 unles you wanted the $300 grease gun. $300 for a grease gun thing better grease my whole truck at one time or kiss the back of my neck for that screwing. Think i will stick with advanced.
Ande
81 GMC c2500
06 Chevy Malibu
80 Olds cutlass
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someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23555
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-17-12 12:00 PM - Post#2226868
In response to free_bird49221
A good brand EGR valve, typical negative backpressure style, at a local parts store does tend to be easily upwards of $50. The generic one-size-fits-many are not worth ten cents, so don't be roped in by those.
EGR valves are one of those things I shop online for. You can usually find AC Delco or Delphi for sometimes nearly half what they sell in the stores for.
Richard
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C10 Sleeper
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3426
Loc: Redding Ca
Reg: 03-17-09
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05-19-12 08:28 PM - Post#2227700
In response to someotherguy
I'm not 100% against buying online. I tend to order parts online when buying a ton of stuff at once for a project that doesn't need to be on the road every day. In that case I usually buy from summit since I usually find their prices reasonable and get my parts the next day if I order early enough and it all comes from the store in sparks. Most of the time I run into problems or its just an impulse buy and I don't want the wife to know I am buying stuff I go local. We have a local Kragen/O'rielly that has a speed shop in it. They are almost the same price as summit and carry some weird stuff that only people like me seems to need. I like it because I am can get it when I need it and returning the wrong or defective items is quick and easy. Also as I mentioned it helps keep money in the local economy.
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drifterdude
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1282
Reg: 09-04-08
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05-20-12 03:05 PM - Post#2227938
In response to C10 Sleeper
I have autozone, orielys and advanced.
Advanced has lower price but seem to be less knowledgeable and have less in stock.
Autozone has alot of older guys that have auto experiance and know what you need without the computer and have most anything in stock. Our store will order a part sell it to you then order another for the shelf so they are constantly adding stock.
the last one orileys I hate. attitudes and no clue no selection and cost 2 much. no rental program and no delphi or delco there either.
When shopping online i use amazon refrenced to part numbers from rock auto and I also use summit for there quick shipping.
92 K1500:350 bored 30 over,built 700r4,Comp extreme energy cam,double roller timing set,shaved heads,Rancho RS9000XL series shocks with wireless my ride system,35 inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claws,Relocated 4x4 switch to rocker on Dash.
Other mods.. |
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C10 Sleeper
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3426
Loc: Redding Ca
Reg: 03-17-09
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05-21-12 10:06 AM - Post#2228205
In response to drifterdude
Auto Zone has a lot of older guys that have auto experience and know what you need without the computer and have most anything in stock. Our store will order a part sell it to you then order another for the shelf so they are constantly adding stock.
You must have the only Auto Zone left that has knowledgeable employees. I rarely go to AZ only as a last result and it usually ends up in a disaster. The O'Riellys I usually go to has a few experienced workers that are pretty good. I got to talking with one guy that had a hot rodded truck that was almost identical to my truck at the time with the only difference being the cam. I was looking at buying a Holley 650 DP. He was telling me to step up to the 750. I figured I was better off with a 650. He went as far as to take me for a ride in his truck that had the same carb I was on the fence about buying. It turned out I bought the 750 and never looked back.
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drifterdude
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1282
Reg: 09-04-08
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05-23-12 01:34 PM - Post#2229034
In response to C10 Sleeper
our orlieys is such a headache the good guys quit. We had a few racers who worked there but now its all young guys.
92 K1500:350 bored 30 over,built 700r4,Comp extreme energy cam,double roller timing set,shaved heads,Rancho RS9000XL series shocks with wireless my ride system,35 inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claws,Relocated 4x4 switch to rocker on Dash.
Other mods.. |
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RAC65
Forum Newbie
Posts: 54
Loc: Texas
Reg: 11-22-09
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05-28-12 05:46 PM - Post#2230894
In response to drifterdude
I went into the local Oreillys a few years ago to get a Pittman arm for a 65 Chevy c-10, the kid looks and looks and tells me we don't show a Pittman arm on that truck. I use the local Autozone some but that is mainly because the manager is a friend of mine.
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free_bird49221
Contributor
Posts: 218
Loc: Adrian, MI
Reg: 04-29-12
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06-03-12 05:54 PM - Post#2233050
In response to RAC65
i miss having a murphys around think oriely baught them out.
Ande
81 GMC c2500
06 Chevy Malibu
80 Olds cutlass
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Big Steve
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1072
Loc: Riverside, CA
Reg: 04-17-06
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07-11-12 10:45 AM - Post#2247023
In response to C10 Sleeper
Up until the end of May I was a store manager for Auto Zone. I have been in the parts business for 39 years, so I am one of the "older, experienced guys" you've been talking about. The problem is that Auto Zone hires employees with virtually no regard to automotive knowledge, and pays barely above minimum wage. I used to chuckle to myself when a customer would walk up to the counter and ask the 19 year old or a fuel pump for a small block Chevy. Most AZ employees will need to know year, make and model before they can even begin to look it up. Of course I would just walk back to the shelf an grab a pump and walk up and hand it to the customer. I developed a reputation and a devoted following during my time there, in fact I had customers who followed me from store to store as the company moved around. Now I've left and gone into the performance plumbing business and have never been happier. I couldn't wait to escape from the "Zone.
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 dodge36
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1786
Loc: California
Reg: 01-30-05
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07-11-12 10:23 PM - Post#2247262
In response to Big Steve
I have an AZ about a mile down the road from me. Usually only buy small items from them but several times lately I've been helped by a Hispanic lady who can barely speak english. She's always been more help than other employees I've dealt with. I do appreciate that she at least tries to help.
Two items I've bought from O'rielly's this year I've had problems with. 3rd brake light for wife's Tahoe lasted less than 4 months. Rebuilt 2100 carb for my 289 Mustang had clip missing from accellerater linkage, wrong springs on idle mixture screws, too short, no tension and screw came out. Choke spring in backwards
Larry
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Engine_Builder
Forum Newbie
Posts: 24
Reg: 09-16-12
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09-16-12 03:43 PM - Post#2270283
In response to someotherguy
Skip 'em all and try the NAPA near you; three are listed for nearby Adrian, MI - Blissfield, Hudson, and Dundee.
Out of the three you listed, I would pick Advance over Autozone any day of the week; don't know Auto Value but I swear decades ago I used to shop somewhere that sold parts under the Auto Value brand name - like one of the chains back in the day was associated with them, or something.
Richard
Napa isn't bad so long as you don't mind paying 50% or sometimes twice as much for parts that aren't any better. The local Napa here only survives due to some of the farmers and their dealer accounts, otherwise the place is a ghost town due to their prices. For the record, it is a corporate store, not a franchise store.
Edited by Engine_Builder on 09-16-12 03:44 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23555
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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09-16-12 04:01 PM - Post#2270289
In response to Engine_Builder
Interesting comment but not my experience at all. Obviously if I find the same exact brand and part # at NAPA is more expensive than somewhere else, I'll buy somewhere else. A blanket statement that all the parts are more expensive is incorrect.
Richard
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chevyracing58
Contributor
Posts: 437
Age: 21
Reg: 01-29-10
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12-29-12 03:26 AM - Post#2302053
In response to someotherguy
I have autozone oreillys and advanced auto
Oreillys has experienced stuff but crappy parts avalibility
Advanced auto is horrible customer service and overpriced parts
Autozone has some knowledgable employees and there parts are always in stock one of my buddys works there that bein said i have had some bad encounters with stupid bosnians there or the retarded high school student that doesnt know squat about cars selling me wrong parts or one tested my starter and said it was bad and didnt even hook it up right
1998 chevy silverado 350 bored to 383 spec 6" lift 33" swampers completely blacked out
04 chevy tahoe 5.3
1989 k1500 350 sold
1988 k1500 350 sold
1989 chevy s10 4.3 sold |
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 yellow_dawg
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 73
Loc: Indiana/Kansas/AFGHAN
Reg: 12-02-12
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 01-05-13 02:00 PM - Post#2304270
In response to chevyracing58
I hate them all. Napa is usually better and more talented. When they all go out of business I wont wince.> I hope ebay is next to die..
1963 Impala 402BBC/TH400
1996 Imapala SS
2003 Silverado SS
Mentoring is "learning" |
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corvesy
Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 238
Reg: 08-07-08
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01-06-13 09:20 AM - Post#2304511
In response to yellow_dawg
It seems the parts stores are as good as the employees. I have found some very helpful people at O'Reillys as of late in my town, but in general they are to heavy on computer skills and to light on auto knowledge especially older cars. The parts quality is a whole different story. With the influx of cheap Chinese parts and the pressure from said parts on US suppliers the fit, function and reliability has gone. We all need to insist that when you buy something that the first thing is to ask that the part be made in the US.
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13135
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
Reg: 03-12-02
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01-13-13 10:01 AM - Post#2306793
In response to corvesy
You can ask but mostly you will get side to side head shakes (no). Two problems in this scenario, first of course is cost, second is the cost added to the part if it were made here under current EPA and tax regulations. 
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5099
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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04-06-13 09:14 AM - Post#2333161
In response to someotherguy
Interesting comment but not my experience at all. Obviously if I find the same exact brand and part # at NAPA is more expensive than somewhere else, I'll buy somewhere else. A blanket statement that all the parts are more expensive is incorrect.
Richard
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I use NAPA for buying whatever for my 51 Chevy, plus I get USA made parts at a more reasonable price than chevs of the 40's, Filling Station, and NCA. Guys at the 49 to 54 forum seem to like NAPA, as well.
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World Domination
Contributor
Posts: 506
Reg: 03-01-08
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04-18-13 06:43 AM - Post#2336790
In response to bobg1951chevy
i've had very good experiences at Advance auto. The staff seem very knowledgeable. And i admit i have prejudices against people who i think wouldn't be knowledgeable (alright i admit females) and even they are very knowledgeable even knowing part#'s off the top of their heads with no need to use the computer! And this is at different locations as well! (NOTE: the parts i need are not usually popular or more current model years)
i'm very impressed.
But yeah, if you can find a NAPA, they would probably be even better.
i don't know if you have PepBoys in your area, but i find them to be the most well stocked and if you can find an middle-aged to older guy behind the counter then s/he probably knows alot about the parts.
Edited by World Domination on 04-18-13 06:44 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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grumpyvette
Senior Chevytalk Moderator -- Performance Subject Matter Expert --
Posts: 15668
Age: 65
Loc: FLORIDA USA
Reg: 03-16-01
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04-21-13 09:27 AM - Post#2337640
In response to World Domination
If you look at the local auto parts stores ,Ive had good, and bad results from
NAPA,
PEPBOYS auto,
BENNETS AUTO,
congress auto
,AND as a result , and depending on what I need , I tend to deal in mail order when I CAN,
ROCK AUTO
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalo g.php
SUMMIT
http://www.summitracing.com/search?keyword=chevy% 2...
JEGS
http://www.jegs.com/
DOUG HERBERT
http://www.dougherbert.com/
dart
http://www.dartheads.com/
crane
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=techarticle& ;id=...
CROWER
http://www.crower.com/
ERSON
http://www.pbm-erson.com/index.php
BRODIX
http://www.brodix.com/heads/heads.php
mail order
| " " IF YOU CAN'T SMOKE THE TIRES FROM A 60 MPH ROLLING START YOUR ENGINE NEEDS MORE WORK !" |
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talonhead
Forum Newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 05-08-13
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06-02-13 05:54 PM - Post#2351319
In response to grumpyvette
Down here in CT, in my area we have several ov the chain stores, (no O'Rileys). I tend to go to the independent down the street. They know me. They also know that I buy parts for cars that I don't own and put them in the ones that I do own. They don't need a VIN. The chain store personnel (with the exception of a very few) don't have a deep knowledge base of any particular make/model/brand vehicle, and rely on the 'courses' they take as part of they're training. They also rely on the computer which is very narrow in it's manipulation to cross reference parts. I use the telephone if I need something ASAP. If I need to research parts and prices and I can wait awhile, I go to Rockauto.com. Prices are usually much better to start and discount codes can be found easilly.
Just my many years of car building/fixing experience. MikeH
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14bolt
Forum Newbie
Posts: 21
Loc: alabaster,alabama
Reg: 01-27-11
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06-09-13 05:37 PM - Post#2353592
In response to free_bird49221
I live in Alabama just south of Birmingham. We have all the major chain stores in my area and I sure that the stores here are comparable to the stores in other parts of the U.S. as far as parts quality and availability goes. It's all made in China or Mexico. One thing that I have noticed is that most of the people that they hire are willing to work for cheap. I.E. the employees are either retires, high school/college students, or Mexicans. You get what you pay for. The closer you get to Birmingham the worse it seems to be.
I just shop around and try to find the best part. I always look for made in the U.S.A. I have been know to return parts that are foreign made if I find an American made counter part. Even if I lose money doing so. Support American workers. If we don't support ourselves no one else will.
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