Needed a fuel regulator and here is what I found.

NAPA = $120
Advance = $56
Pep Boys = $40

I seldom ever go to NAPA for this reason. Who is buying stuff from them when they are often so extreme in their pricing?

Well I always buy from NAPA, namely because I can get a good discount from them. Secondly, most, if not all, of their brand name and associate products are made in the US, have a warranty, and are of good quality.

I will always question the quality of a product from Advance and from Pep Boys

Because napa is a bunch of morons who cant do a thing right. i gaurentee you the parts they looked up 75% of them are for the wrong applacation. I got 4 gaskets for my IMSA from NAPA wouldent you know it they only got the water pump gasket right even after i gave them a visiual example of what i needed on the other gaskets.


I get parts from pepboys advanced and carquest all the time. Not only do the get the part right the 1st time and treat me with the respect a paying customer deserves but there parts i also find to be good quality. i think in all my time i have only had one issue with a pepboys part. after which they replaced it and even replaced it with the higher end part. I dont trust pepboys for service but there parts are always ok by me. I will never use NAPA again after how many times there incompetence has screwed me over.


I just shopped around today for a water pump for my IMSA

Autozone. New=$55 remaned=30
advanced. New=$45 remaned=$35
Napa(for sh*ts and giggles) new =$75 remaned =$60 (figures )
car quest. New=$30 dident ask anything else from there and bought it

[This message has been edited by pontiackid86 (edited 11-23-2010).]

Always shop around, prices can vary greatly, and usually the best deals are found online. But usually, if a part is a LOT cheaper, it's a Chinese POS.

Pk shut up. .... You know not what you speak. Napa sells the best parts, yes they are a little more expensive but they have the best quality of American made parts they are the closest thing to oem you can get. Next after them comes checker or oriellys they are next best. After them is pepboys autozone advance what have you. Their parts are get you by parts however the quality just isn't there

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[This message has been edited by pontiackid86 (edited 11-24-2010).]

I sense a people issue here rather than a perceived value conflict. By necessity, I must deal with parts suppliers from every nook and cranny of the parts distribution universe. It pretty much always comes down to the clown behind the counter . . . . does he know his **** , or don't he?!? The price? That gets passed on, capitalism you know. The kind of service that keeps my work flowing? Priceless!

I'll let sidewalk Sam deal with the freckles on the floor, but as a pro I kinda expect some pro backup . . . . . know what I mean? That's just me and I serve the machine masters.

Around here, NAPA has the higher quality stuff, or the stuff that the other stores just don't have at all.
Their people are also more knowledgeable. Almost gung-ho, even.

Fieros are odd cars. We do even odder things with them.
Most peoples' livelihood doesn't depend upon them knowing every little detail about an orphan sports car that's been out of production for nearly 25 years.
With that in mind, I try to provide a visual example of anything I happen to need, if there's even a question.
It helps to go in to any store, knowing exactly what you're talking about, and what you need.
More points if you can convey that to the person behind the counter.

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Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fastback

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!

quote Originally posted by Raydar: Around here, NAPA has the higher quality stuff, or the stuff that the other stores just don't have at all. Their people are also more knowledgeable. Almost gung-ho, even. Fieros are odd cars. We do even odder things with them. Most peoples' livelihood doesn't depend upon them knowing every little detail about an orphan sports car that's been out of production for nearly 25 years. With that in mind, I try to provide a visual example of anything I happen to need, if there's even a question. It helps to go in to any store, knowing exactly what you're talking about, and what you need. More points if you can convey that to the person behind the counter.

Very true but the napa's around here at least have not kept with the times. This is an example of one of my most recent napa visit's. I went to my local napa needing a fan switch for a 1984 fiero 2.5L l4 with A/C, they look through a book on a huge stand with other books on it than they said it will be here tomorrow. I get there the next day and what do you know its a fan switch for a car without A/C. So i leave the defective part with them for reffrence on the next try... Call them the next day, Yes its here. Get in my car and go down there.......... The same switch but from a diffrent company and yes it was a non A/C switch.. i take my broken one back and go down the street to advanced


Now for advance. I walk in. Need a fan switch for an 84 fiero 2.5 4 cyl They put all this info i just gave them into a computer and the clerk turns the screen towards me and shows me an actual picture of the part that cpomes up. What do you know its the right part and they'll have it there tomorrow.. I go back the next day and whala the part i need it right there and gotten right on the 1st trip.


this is the single reason I hate napa. There parts may be good quality but I dont need a good quality part that is not for my applacation, and i dont want to have to make 2, 3, 4, trips to get the right part. And when they finaly get the part right it usualy comes to me in a package that is all worn out and damaged and the product inside represents the package condition. I have a mix of all diffrent parts on all my cars china US and god knows what else most of them have been on there for a couple years and have not failed me. I really dont car where its made as long as it does its job.

[This message has been edited by pontiackid86 (edited 11-24-2010).]

I was told the Cardone distributor with the star shape is the same whether you buy it from Autozone, etc. All they do is slap a Carquest sticker on it but it's the same rebuilder. Thoughts?

For the cost you have to realize that Napa is not a chain like advance Autozone and sorts. Napa is a franchise business. Having to pay dues and differences in there ordering ways coast will raise.
PK as for your issues. Its not the business that messed up its the guy behind the counter, or there books. I have ordered a part before from advance got the number right everything matched what the computer said I needed. Get home what do you know its not right. Sorry mistakes happen and we have to deal with it.
Your gasket mix up could easily be felpro listing all vehicles to use one gasket set which is the newer cars like the 88's. Even though in reality there different. You ever look up the listing for struts? In reality Monroe is wrong. We all use them but according to gm itself 84-87 use one strut and gm changed something in 88. Monroe sells the struts 84-88.

Around here NAPA is full of a bunch of damn morons who wouldn't know a screw driver from a wrench.

I hate doing business with them, but suffer through it because they are a 60ft walk from the shop.

The only surviving NAPA in my area is the store of last resort. Their prices are astronomically high and their employees are astronomically stupid.

They have a good selection of odd fittings, though.

Well, being that i am a manager at NAPA, i take a little offense in the name calling of the employees that work for NAPA. NAPA has both independant owned stores, which are always gonna be higher than the chain stores of the competition, due to the fact that the independant owners have to make money themselves on the parts they have to pay for through the NAPA system. Napa also has chain stores as well, which are in larger cities, and are right in line with the pricing of the competitors, and in many cases, less expensive. It all just depends on which areas of the country you are in. Bottom line is that you often get what you pay for. In my own personal experiences i have on occasion dealt with less than knowlegeable staff at the competitors, but dont hold judgement against them. I understand that people are not familiar with all lines of vehicles and engines, and are prone to make mistakes, as well as sometimes the looking up of parts on the computer is only as good as the people who programmed them in the first place. True , there are some who really don't have a clue or any common sense when it comes to their job, but that is commonplace in pretty much all types of businesses.

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87 fiero gt 4.9
99 trans am ws6

depends on the parts.

things like starters & alternators - yes - better price at PepBoys/Autozone - but - they also only last one year. almost excatly. everytime.

the only things I'll buy at the "cheap" stores are fluids & such. if I want an actual engine part or suspension - it is NAPA/Carquest/Cardone.

also depends on the car I am working on. If I dont expect it to be around much longer - yes - I'll put Autozone parts on. But, my Fiero - Hell No.

quote Originally posted by ss85fiero: Well, being that i am a manager at NAPA, i take a little offense in the name calling of the employees that work for NAPA. NAPA has both independant owned stores, which are always gonna be higher than the chain stores of the competition, due to the fact that the independant owners have to make money themselves on the parts they have to pay for through the NAPA system. Napa also has chain stores as well, which are in larger cities, and are right in line with the pricing of the competitors, and in many cases, less expensive. It all just depends on which areas of the country you are in. Bottom line is that you often get what you pay for. In my own personal experiences i have on occasion dealt with less than knowlegeable staff at the competitors, but dont hold judgement against them. I understand that people are not familiar with all lines of vehicles and engines, and are prone to make mistakes, as well as sometimes the looking up of parts on the computer is only as good as the people who programmed them in the first place. True , there are some who really don't have a clue or any common sense when it comes to their job, but that is commonplace in pretty much all types of businesses.

Well said.

I've dealt many times with the NAPA store in my town, which is a franchise. I've never had any of the problems PK states he has. Yes, they are a little more expensive....but I know that the part I'm getting is, in most cases, better quality than what I get at AutoZone or Advance.

Just to clarify they are not (NAPA) just a little more expensive they are waaayyyy expensive. For my part they were three times highers, and who rightfully would pay $120 for a fuel regulator? They are ridiculous. As far was quality I cant imagine there are many places that make this part and the quality being that much better.

I am not a fan of NAPA, but they are the only one that if you need a part and order it before the shut off time, it will be there that afternoon.
Most other places you have to wait a day or three for the part to show up. This service means a lot for professional shops and they will pay more to not have the car sitting in their bay for a couple of days.

Now as far as parts go... I purchased a Road King brand torque converter from Autozone and a year later Napa switched to that brand as well... just like everyone else, they are always changing parts to find more competitive pricing.

quote Originally posted by RotrexFiero: Just to clarify they are not (NAPA) just a little more expensive they are waaayyyy expensive. For my part they were three times highers, and who rightfully would pay $120 for a fuel regulator? They are ridiculous. As far was quality I cant imagine there are many places that make this part and the quality being that much better.

yup. there is some judgement in what makes a "quality" part. like a fuel pressure regulator - it is a diaphram & a spring. as long as the spring is the right tension - what else is there? the diaphram material. being fairly generic part - I'd even be confident pulling one from a junkyard.

I pretty much avoid NAPA (mainly because of price) - but then I can buy my parts from a wholesaler and tell them exactly what make of part I want.

But then, it is also hard to beat Rockauto on some parts as well...

Starters and such I take to a local guy that runs a rewind shop for what seems forever - have yet to have one of his starter/alternators fail on me yet (starter in the 88 12 years ago, alternator/4 years - starter in the 86 6 years ago, starter in my old truck was 8 years old before getting rid of it).

[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 11-24-2010).]

quote Originally posted by ss85fiero: Well, being that i am a manager at NAPA, i take a little offense in the name calling of the employees that work for NAPA. NAPA has both independant owned stores, which are always gonna be higher than the chain stores of the competition, due to the fact that the independant owners have to make money themselves on the parts they have to pay for through the NAPA system. Napa also has chain stores as well, which are in larger cities, and are right in line with the pricing of the competitors, and in many cases, less expensive. It all just depends on which areas of the country you are in. Bottom line is that you often get what you pay for. In my own personal experiences i have on occasion dealt with less than knowlegeable staff at the competitors, but dont hold judgement against them. I understand that people are not familiar with all lines of vehicles and engines, and are prone to make mistakes, as well as sometimes the looking up of parts on the computer is only as good as the people who programmed them in the first place. True , there are some who really don't have a clue or any common sense when it comes to their job, but that is commonplace in pretty much all types of businesses.

I guess everyone has an opinion. At the age of 62 my opinion of Napa is that it's not worth it. At O'Reilly's they go way out to give me a hand. Napa feels like the counter at McDonald's and the guys are lacking in customer service training by a bunch.

[This message has been edited by weaselbeak (edited 11-24-2010).]

I shop around for any part. Usually between Autozone, Oriellys, and Napa. If not somewhere on the internet. I have found that price depends on the part itself (each part is a whole new ballgame from the last in price, some are just cheaper at one place than another) and quality (some are just better quality at one place than another). BUT sometimes you can get a better quality at a lower price.
Most of the time I end up at Autozone. But sometimes Napa is half the cost. Rarely is Oriellys cheapest. Thats for decent quality stuff.

I believe that NAPA is a franchise store while the big chains like Autozone, Advance and O'Reillys are corporate owned stores. The corporate stores have a set training program of a week in a classroom while the local NAPA store gives on the job training. That could be what you are seeing.
I will only say that just about everything that Autozone store sells in my town is cheap Chinese crap--alternators, water pumps, belts, fuel pumps , brake pads, you name it. Yes the prices are cheap but the stuff is such low quality that it easily breaks, doesn't work, doesn't last or both. When I purchase brake pads I want Wagner top end pads, when I purchase an alternator I want a Delco unit, when I replace a wheel hub I'll insist on Timken, and when I want to replace a sensor its very important to get a quality American made OEM part. Take for instance Chinese O2 sensors and ignition modules-they are absolute garbage, ditto for their bearings.
Point is that you get what you pay for. Want price only shop at Autozone. Want quality go elsewhere pay a bit more, get the job done right and you won't get stuck on the way back from a party at 2AM on a backroad in the rain where there is no cell service!!!

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

quote Originally posted by pontiackid86: I just shopped around today for a water pump for my IMSA Autozone. New=$55 remaned=30 advanced. New=$45 remaned=$35 Napa(for sh*ts and giggles) new =$75 remaned =$60 (figures ) car quest. New=$30 dident ask anything else from there and bought it

Pontiackid, it looks like you need to move down here to Florida. I priced out the water pump you mentioned, and we at NAPA have it in a reman for 25.99, and in a new for 35.99, and that is at the over the counter price.

[This message has been edited by ss85fiero (edited 11-24-2010).]

I have never had a problem with NAPA customer service or receiving the right product. Plus NAPA has parts that are harder to find and are close to OEM. Plus, when I compare their prices to the Fierostore, I find that NAPA is cheaper 90% of the time. Plus, most dealers and reputable mechanics in my area get their parts from NAPA for what ever reason (quality, availability, possibly discount deals). I am also a fan of Carquest.

I don't trust any of those places...I always and always will go into those kind of stores expecting nothing from the employees, most of them have no idea about anything on a car. Yes there are exceptions to this rule but...I'll do my own research and kick my own butt if I make a mistake. ( of course you can sue and win if you take their advice and it wrecks something, for the short time I worked at a store like this I heard several stories like that ) Prices are all high at them imo...internet is usually cheaper. I go to D & G auto in Clifton Park...nice place and some stuff is cheaper there. The owner ( i think he is the owner...I've seen him there in all my 21 years of life ) actually knows stuff about cars..or at least their parts...first person I talked to who knew what a glasspack was when I was shopping for a muffler.

My biggest gripe is that I can't find refillable batteries...pisses me off. I hate the new sealed ones...can't check the battery for problems etc.

Oh well.

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Cliff's 610th Positive Feedback Giver.
#12 NYFOC Member
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I like to buy at autozone for items with a lifetime warranty because I do not keep receipts and they store warranty purchases in their computer.
They do not require a receipt to get a replacement part.
If I need quality for an item like a ball joint (we know some of the big chain parts stores have cheap parts), I check out NAPA where I get a good discount for being a Boeing employee.

PK: here's an online NAPA catalog where you can look up your parts before you go down there.
You do not need a parts counter clerk to look up the parts for you. (I also like the autozone website)

http://www.napaonline.com/S...101987+50060+2060010

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

I've been buying parts from Advance for years, and I cant remember ever having a failure. Purchased calipers, alts, and whatever else I needed and never had a problem.

I always shop around but they seem to have the odd parts that you cant find anywhere else.

quote Originally posted by ss85fiero: Well, being that i am a manager at NAPA, i take a little offense in the name calling of the employees that work for NAPA. NAPA has both independant owned stores, which are always gonna be higher than the chain stores of the competition, due to the fact that the independant owners have to make money themselves on the parts they have to pay for through the NAPA system. Napa also has chain stores as well, which are in larger cities, and are right in line with the pricing of the competitors, and in many cases, less expensive. It all just depends on which areas of the country you are in. Bottom line is that you often get what you pay for. In my own personal experiences i have on occasion dealt with less than knowlegeable staff at the competitors, but dont hold judgement against them. I understand that people are not familiar with all lines of vehicles and engines, and are prone to make mistakes, as well as sometimes the looking up of parts on the computer is only as good as the people who programmed them in the first place. True , there are some who really don't have a clue or any common sense when it comes to their job, but that is commonplace in pretty much all types of businesses.

I have to agree. My Mother used to work at a Napa, she wasn't a counter person she did bookkeeping. I met alot of the people she worked with, really great guys, of course this was back in the late 70's. I have gotten many things from Napa, though most of it I didn't have to worry about price as it was purchased for the machine shop I worked at. I ended up doing alot of the company vehicle and forklift maintenance at that shop. Quality parts, I never had a problem with any of them. I've purchased a few parts there for my own vehicle and while the price might have been a bit more the parts were good. They also seem to have a larger pool for parts, being able to get parts other places can't. I don't have a problem with Napa, and if I could afford the extra twenty or so bucks at the time I'll buy my parts from them.

I am lucky enough to work at a dealership that is on a grounds with 12 or so other dealerships under the same owner in an old shopping mall that has an in house napa that supplies parts for our dealerships only and Employees get 10% over cost. For example, on a $258 ac delco Ignition module for my olds cutlass, it brought the cost down to $108 for me Before working here, I was spending a fortune at Napa. I have learned the hard way not to shop at autozone and advanced.

quote Originally posted by Four_hundred_86: Pk shut up. .... You know not what you speak. Napa sells the best parts, yes they are a little more expensive but they have the best quality of American made parts they are the closest thing to oem you can get. Next after them comes checker or oriellys they are next best. After them is pepboys autozone advance what have you. Their parts are get you by parts however the quality just isn't there

I agree with you!

PK I do not have a problem with NAPA. I have always gotten good service and prices. I buy them through the dealership. PK NAPA sells mostly American made parts. Autozone is junk. I have NEVER had a good experience with them. But thank the Lord we are getting an O'Rileys!! PK I usually purchase GM/AC Delco, then NAPA. As a last and I mean I have to be real desperate, I will buy parts from auto zone.

PK have a nice day and dont eat to much turkey.


Steve W.
NE Grand Rapids, MI
88 Coupe

quote Originally posted by fourpoint9: I like to buy at autozone for items with a lifetime warranty because I do not keep receipts and they store warranty purchases in their computer. They do not require a receipt to get a replacement part. If I need quality for an item like a ball joint (we know some of the big chain parts stores have cheap parts), I check out NAPA where I get a good discount for being a Boeing employee. PK: here's an online NAPA catalog where you can look up your parts before you go down there. You do not need a parts counter clerk to look up the parts for you. (I also like the autozone website) http://www.napaonline.com/S...101987+50060+2060010

I don't need receipts at O'Reilly's either, even tho a sign on the door says otherwise. Everything I've ever bought is in their computer under my phone number.

I have both a Napa and an Advance Auto nearby.

I will never buy a "rebuilt anything" from Advance. Total Junk. Napa (for me) is the way to go. It is a few dollars more, I'd rather pay a little extra (and I am a tightwad).

And for those that think Advance is the Walmart of parts stores, not so much anymore. See how much they're getting for light bulbs....a package of 2 for $4.99!

I went to the local "expensive" hardware store and got 1 for $1.25!

brian

NAPA and Parts Plus, like Maaco, are franchise operation. That's why you can't use name of store is good/bad to the next...

Advance, Autozone, and I think Pep Boy, are chain/company store.

NAPA use U.S. made parts only? NAPA has allot of NOS inventory... They use China and elsewhere made parts too. They have too since many parts aren't made in the U.S. at all. Parts makers, like Delphi, uses China to keep cost down and in Delphi's case no Unions to deal with...

NAPA has better parts? Maybe. NAPA Propaganda is more likely....

NAPA makes the parts they sell? No... think Sears Kenmore... Buying a washer? Made by Whirlpool and re-band Kenmore. And most time, Same model Whirlpool makes but different model Number because sold as Kenmore. NAPA re-brand same parts and charge more. NAPA makes almost 0 parts.

NAPA give you a better Warranty? You are buying that Warranty... Part of reason why NAPA charges more. Best Buy gives you a choice to buy extended warranty but NAPA spread it around to all parts it sold, whether or not the parts get a better warranty.

NAPA Online can't undercut Franchise store? Likely in their Franchise contact...

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

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[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 11-25-2010).]

Wow, I never expected this much of a response.

I was talking to a mechanic and they typically use the more expensive, high quality parts simply because they dont want customers coming back and they warrenty their work. Makes sense to me.

I know there is a lot of talk about cheap "Chinese" made parts and products. But, remember Japan? We use to call everything "cheap japanese" junk many decades ago, and now they are known for quality. Japanese cars are higher quality than american, so the people say. I really dont find too many problems with chinese made stuff, and it makes this hobby affordable, along with some other hobbies.

quote I really dont find too many problems with chinese made stuff, and it makes this hobby affordable, along with some other hobbies

Try a Chinese made fuel pump, bearing hub or oxygen sensor. The O2 sensor won't work correctly out of the box, the bearing hub will be noisy and last a few months and you are lucky if the fuel pump lasts a year. I stand by my claims and the experiences that others have shared with me. . MOST Chinese auto parts are pure sh*t.
Japanese, most Taiwanese , German, and American parts are the only parts that i will use. I also found a new Turkish brand of rod ends called Deeza that seem very well made and have them on my Chrysler. Unlike the OEM rod ends these came with greese fittings too. Only 5000 miles, but so far so good.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

The part stores are only as good as the one you have near you.

They all have good and idiot stores. I have a Autozone here that would try to look up a radiator hose for a Corvair if you would ask them.

Part of the price issue is the Franchise NAPA is vs the Corperate stores the Autozones and other are. In fact they are the reason we lost almost all our good independent stores here. We may be able to buy something cheaper but the service and quality is less.

I really have some very good NAPA stores here. In fact they saved me $125 over the chain stores. I needed a delay circuit board for a wiper motor. All the chains wanted 150-175 for a complete wiper motor. NAPA got me the board for $18. 15 min and it was fixed.

I found it funny how the others can or would not get the part that I needed but NAPA did. I have often found them to be able to get the hard to find things the other will not.

Th bottom line is no matter where you go he service is only as good as the counter person you get. Just like UPS. If you local driver sucks the rest of UPS sucks.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 11-26-2010).]