Two sides but...local parts stores are dying for a reason

[racsan]

generally if I need a part “right now” I go to town, If I want the best stuff I go to napa, if it doesn’t matter I go to autozone. I usually dont bother with oreilys or advance auto unless those other 2 dont have it. If is a part that can wait a week or two I will use rock auto, but never use usps for delivery. One time I didn’t & by the time the part came it was too late to send back if I had needed to. Consumables like oil & filters I get at meijers, tractor oil comes from wherever I can find shell rotella t4 15-40. usually rural king has it. Thermostats are a real issue, doesn’t seem to matter where you source them- test before installing!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

RA shipping costs have pretty much killed them for me.

Parts stores for me if it is something I may have to warranty (alternator, starter etc)

Otherwise Summit, Amazon, Speedway, ebay etc for me.

 

[pacstud]

One thing I try to do on RA, is "throw in" maintenance items with the truck symbol. So if I get a bigger ticket item, I try to throw in filters or any other odd ball thing I know I'll need later.

I average around 12-13 per shipping order. I had one with rotors that was a little steeper, I think about 25 for a whole pad/rotor kit. But even those, I've gotten closer to 15.

My main complaint is that the local chains are generally providing really low end parts, generally, with such a big mark up. Shopping for a motor mount for my daughter's focus, NAPA carries one that is really just the same Pioneer on RA, for 5x the price. Makes no sense other than their primary market is people who can afford not to shop.

I don't mind paying triple or quadruple for Motorcraft OE, when I can find it, but not for low end stuff.

Ebay is actually pretty good too, just have to really research your supplier. I buy a lot of plastic on ebay, trim pieces etc.