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

[pacstud]

I need a power steering pressure sensor. Some decent off brand selections on RA. I don't know that OE motorcraft even exists other than in a yard.

Prices range from $12 to $20, give or take.

So I check local stores, figure I'll pay a little extra to save the 4-5 day wait for shipment. One store has it (Advanced Auto), they call it "Carquest", but it's just the Rostra, which was the cheapest $12 version on RA. Price? $36.

Unless it's an emergency to get my car running, I just can't justify giving them my money. They are still just a giant corporate entity. They stock (often) pretty low end parts. And they triple or quadruple the prices. And it's everything from little parts to big parts. Heck, even fluids, I'm better off ordering or going to Wally World.

Sad, but I really just can't use them for much anymore.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I also try to use the local auto parts place. Recently I priced an HEI module from RA (to use in place of a duraspark module for my pinto). Then phoned around to 5 different parts stores. Found one within 20% of RA. Went in and bought it. For shits and giggles I asked about a duraspark module. They had one! In stock! For C$100.00 which is a decent price I think. I should have asked if they had a distributor at the same time.

 

[ranger man'02]

I need a power steering pressure sensor. Some decent off brand selections on RA. I don't know that OE motorcraft even exists other than in a yard.

Prices range from $12 to $20, give or take.

So I check local stores, figure I'll pay a little extra to save the 4-5 day wait for shipment. One store has it (Advanced Auto), they call it "Carquest", but it's just the Rostra, which was the cheapest $12 version on RA. Price? $36.

Unless it's an emergency to get my car running, I just can't justify giving them my money. They are still just a giant corporate entity. They stock (often) pretty low end parts. And they triple or quadruple the prices. And it's everything from little parts to big parts. Heck, even fluids, I'm better off ordering or going to Wally World.

Sad, but I really just can't use them for much anymore.

i will use rear counter if i want a oem part

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So, I used to shop around. With parts quality generally being crap anymore no matter the brand, I’m not entirely convinced it’s worth the effort anymore. RA burned me three times and I said peace out. Ended up using my business to get a commercial account at a local parts store and that’s what I do anymore. Yeah, maybe I could buy some stuff a little cheaper at RA or elsewhere but the lack of hassle is worth it. I have a problem and I pick up my phone and it gets fixed. Parts get delivered to my door, often same day. I’ve reached the point in my life where that is worth paying a little more sometimes. I don’t have a problem with warranty either with it. Warranty part is required? Pick up the phone and take the part off. Hand it to the delivery driver in exchange for a new one. It’s not for everyone, but it’s worth it for me.