lhrocker Posted May 2, 2005 Share Posted May 2, 2005 Which one is better or are they both the same in terms of quality/service/etc... Both stores are next to each other, so there isn't a distance limitation in case one is significantly better. Thanx, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swi66 Posted May 2, 2005 Share Posted May 2, 2005 Which one is better or are they both the same in terms of quality/service/etc... Both stores are next to each other, so there isn't a distance limitation in case one is significantly better. Thanx, Pete Where I am, I drive the extra distance to go to NAPA. NAPA employs ASE certified parts specialists, and if they warranty anything they stick by it. I have had trouble with warranty parts at Advance, it must be my fault they failed, improper installation etc....My son is banned from warrantying any parts at Advance because he had warranteed too many. (There was nothing in the warranty about abuse.) But he had several oxygen sensors which only lasted days, and 3 bad alternators in a row, noisy bearings on 2 and a wobbly pully on another. Have had worse problems with some parts from Auto Zone, have you ever seen a wheel cylinder crack when tightening the bleeder valve? How about a re-man caliper which came with a wrong size bleeder valve in it, try bleeding that one! At least in my neck of the woods the personel at NAPA are knowledgeable and know their ways through not only a computer, but can still dig out the old books for applications for classic cars. They even stock oil filters for my Corvair for me. I once went several rounds with a guy at Advance regarding a battery. I asked for a group 51R. Simple common battery. He was not satisfied he wanted to know what it was for so he could check the application. 1/2 hour later he found out the correct battery for my application was a non standard item and would have to be ordered and he wasn't even sure he could get it. I of course knew the battery I asked for would fit the battery compartment. I gave up and went to NAPA, in and out with what I wanted........... Hope I didn't offend any Advance or Zone fans with my opinion......... Your results may vary........... swi66 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattocs Posted May 2, 2005 Share Posted May 2, 2005 Auto Zone has better prices...but AAP carries Puralator filters and NGK plugs... I have never used NAPA...I dont think they have any around me. I dislike the people at AAP...they are shady and nothing is ever in stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBrian Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 Here's how I rank them, from lowest prices to highest, also from most retared to most qualified staff, also from cheapest parts to highest quality: AutoZone (note the sign out front does warn you: discount parts) Advance Carquest NAPA And at the top of the list would be parts from a dealer or 1stSubaruParts. I shop at all five. The Zone is the cheapest for shop supplies that Wal-Mart doesn't have, Advance has good tune-up parts, Carquest has some good parts but some of their vendors are the same as AZ's and Advance's. NAPA hardly saves money vs. the mail order dealer, but they can get you parts faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMattyD Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 I have and Advance and a NAPA store in my town, and I have used both. The Advance store is bigger, and they have been relatively helpful, but once in a while you have to talk to a moron. They have excellent hours, though, even on weekends. The NAPA people are excellent, but in my local store, they are never open when I need them. I think they close at 5 or 6 pm, but advance is open till 9pm. I also buy OEM parts from 1stsubaruparts or subarupartsforyou.com. Matt D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unverviking Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 I say NAPA... Their oil filters are Wix, their Oil is Valvoline, never had a problem with their Echlin Ignition parts. I just basically rebuilt a 94 GMC Sonoma (sat for 2 1/2 years, bad starter, it's my father in law's, he's got 5 other's to drive). I used a couple of local Independant shops and NAPA and found that the local, independant shops prices were for the most part BETTER than the discount chains (Auto Zone, Advance) Good Luck and remember, you always get what you pay for... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT95 Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 Our town has recently gotten a couple of O'Reiley's and I really like them. I've bought stuff from NAPA, Advance, and Auto Zone. I say go where the counter folks treat you well, know their stuff, and make you happiest, regardless of the name on the sign. I have had trouble with alternators from Advanced in the past. We bought one from them for the Caprice Classic we used to drive. (I still miss that car.) It had a lifetime warranty. 10 months later the Advanced alternator goes bad. No problem--free exchange. 6 months later that one goes bad. No problem--free exchange. I bought one for a Honda I was driving at about the same time from Advanced. Six weeks later it went bad. I took it back, got a full refund, and then forked out more bucks for one from the Honda dealership and it was dandy. (I had to remove the master cylinder on the Honda to get the alternator out and did not want that hassle repeated. Swapping a Chevy RWD alternator is a ten minute job--if that.) They were always nice to honor my warranty, though--even if I didn't have my receipt. My guys at O'Reiley's treat me well, I like their stuff so far, and so I've been going there. I still get a few things from Advance or Auto Zone like plugs, oil, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M@dM@x Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 It all depends what you are looking for. For some reason Napa always seems to have the wierd gaskets my Ford Probe needs and the people there seem to know what they are talking about. I buy parts from all of the part stores, it all really depends on what I'm looking for. I do however, buy my oil from Wal-Mart because I'm cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT95 Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 I do however, buy my oil from Wal-Mart because I'm cheap. I used to do that too, but the local Advanced takes all of my old oil after a change, so I started buying oil from them because I appreciate the convenience of them taking my used oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M@dM@x Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 I used to do that too, but the local Advanced takes all of my old oil after a change, so I started buying oil from them because I appreciate the convenience of them taking my used oil. My buddy's father has an old oil burning heater, so I drop my oil off to him. It's a bit stinky but it heats his wood shop up really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soobmater Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 I've always used napa. I just about get all my stuff from them plus i know the owner to my local one:grin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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