Curious to know how many of you guys buy your auto parts at online stores and which ones. I’m not talking about replacement parts for “big” repairs but everyday maintenance items like oil / air filters, wires, hoses, wiper blades etc. I’ve been going to NAPA or AutoZone for years but it’s an out of way trip for me most of the time. I was thinking about using one of these online sites but was curious to what you guys do.
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I've used Rock Auto several times and have nothing but good remarks on them. Not a flashy site but it is easy to navigate and it loads quickly.
I have also used Rock Auto when I couldn't source a part locally. I would also recommend them.
Rockauto is my favorite.
My only half hearted complaint about Rock auto is really not their fault. I live within two hours of a warehouse they ship from in Iowa. My parts from there travel to Indianapolis (i think), then to St. Louis and then to me.
I ordered some "Monroe"
I ordered some "Monroe" shocks from them, they were made at the Tenneco plant a half mile from home. They were shipped from Illinois, took 3 days to get here. Oh well...
Advance Auto has good specials
Rockauto is my first choice. I have used them for several years and never had a problem. But... for about the past year Advance Auto Parts (a chain store with local stores) has been running online coupons for up to 40% off. You buy it online and then either have it shipped to your house or go down to the local store and pick it up. On some things they even beat Rockauto.
I'll never forget the first time I went to the local store to pickup my order and the guy said "How did you get this so cheap? I can't buy it for that price". You might give it a look. But you can't go wrong with Rockauto either.
Steve
For cars made in another country
Like Europe or Asia, try FCP Groton. Very highly regarded in the online Volvo community. I have had excellent results.
Buy local
I buy local as much as possible, if the price is any where close. I doubt that you can get competitive prices on the day to day things by online/delivery. The margin at the parts houses is too low on that stuff, beacuse that what gets gets you through the door.
And, if you are anywhere close to the local brick and mortar parts house, they might deliver for free. It's worth asking. There are only two real parts houses here in town, both of them let me run a tab, (after a credit check), and will drop stuff off in the mudroom at the house if I'm not home.