Done with Advance Auto

[akaFrankCastle]

I've had a few problems with them in the past. Parts orders wrong and whatnot. The usual. Tonight while I'm in the garage trying to knock out a brake job, I pull out my new rear drums and shoes. 11". I specified 10" when I ordered them. Then I go on their site and find out they don't even list 10" for '69 Bronco. Called AutoZone. 5 minutes on the phone everything is ordered, correctly with part numbers and assurances that they are 10". So much for running to the parts store down the street. Now I actually have to drive for my parts.

[BFD305]

I can relate, but between the main stores none is any better than the other. It all depends on the employee you get. If I need something remotely specific I usually try Carquest. NAPA is usually good, but lately the local one has a couple people working the counter that are not automotive knowledgeable either. It sure gets frustrating.

[akaFrankCastle]

My big problem with Napa is the hours. I work til 5-6 every night, some/most nights later. So, I'm pretty restricted in when I can get in a store and talk to someone. I hate doing things over the phone.

There's an AutoZone here, over on the other side of town, that has a pretty damn good selection of performance parts. But once again, it's a matter of who you get on the phone. I guess the breaking point for me was when pulled up in the computer there isn't even a 10" brake listed.

Glad I ordered my front brake parts from AZ though. At least I know they will fit.

[cmcdowell]

I've always liked O'Rielly/Checker. Everytime I get anything from Autozone, it seems as if the quality is questionable. Second choice is Carquest, then NAPA.

[airbur]

I agree that it comes down to the employee you get that's ordering all the parts. That's why I do almost all my buying on their web site, then go in and pick it up. Another benefit to this is the prices listed on their web site are normally cheaper. I've had good and bad experiences with all the parts shops mentioned above.