Rock auto fails!

[Hey-O]

We still have several auto parts stores that still have the old school feel, cost is not important when your life depends on the part.

 

[70chall440]

Everyone can spend their money where they want, what I find humorous is that some think you are getting such better parts at your local parts store, more times that not it is exactly the same part made by the same guys (whoever that might be) but because it is vastly cheaper at RA makes it a bad part... Hate to tell you but there are so many manufacturers of parts in the world, Napa doesn't manufacture crap, they sell parts exactly like RA does, the difference is you can walk in, talk to someone and see the part before you buy it. That I get and that does have a value, but slamming RA just because they offer cheaper prices is stupid. I rebuilt the front end of my 98 Ram 3500, priced through my local parts store the cost was over $1600, bought all of the exact same stuff from RA for less than $900. It was the EXACT same stuff, not cheap copies but Moog and the like. So if you want to support your local parts guy knock yourself out, but don't try and justify it by claiming parts quality as the reason. Sure, RA does carry cheaper brands, but you do not have to select them.

 

[Bb70charger500]

Yeah but when the parts brake you got nothing at the auto parts store most all have a warranty

 

[plymouthman72]

I have used Rock Auto for a lot of things and very rarely had an issue. My only real complaint is the return process should you get the wrong part but I ended up keeping the parts because it was not worth the shipping to return. As 70chall440 said, most the "quality" parts are the same, with the same part numbers, from the same manufactures. If I had a local parts store (Summit excluded since I live down the street) I would use them if their prices and more importantly customer service, were comparable. I have no issue paying more for parts due to a stores overhead but 100% higher cost in many cases seems exorbitant to me. Especially when the person behind the counter only knows how to ask for my year, make, model and you still have to research the part numbers before going in because they can no find it.

But if I had the issue the original poster had after he bought the "performance or OEM" brands, I would be put out as well. I'm not sure if he would have had better luck with parts house parts but he would at least have a place to take them back too.

 

[Hey-O]

Everyone can spend their money where they want, what I find humorous is that some think you are getting such better parts at your local parts store, more times that not it is exactly the same part made by the same guys (whoever that might be) but because it is vastly cheaper at RA makes it a bad part... Hate to tell you but there are so many manufacturers of parts in the world, Napa doesn't manufacture crap, they sell parts exactly like RA does, the difference is you can walk in, talk to someone and see the part before you buy it. That I get and that does have a value, but slamming RA just because they offer cheaper prices is stupid. I rebuilt the front end of my 98 Ram 3500, priced through my local parts store the cost was over $1600, bought all of the exact same stuff from RA for less than $900. It was the EXACT same stuff, not cheap copies but Moog and the like. So if you want to support your local parts guy knock yourself out, but don't try and justify it by claiming parts quality as the reason. Sure, RA does carry cheaper brands, but you do not have to select them.

To me it has more to do with being able to return something if It's a problem. You're right, junk flows from all sides to the middle. I would never argue that point. Nothing but moog under any car I have ever built or worked on. You point is well taken.

 

[493 Mike]

I just ordered front brake hoses for my 67 Coronet from RA. They have a brand called Sunsong, which I had never heard of. Looked it up on Google, and it is a relatively new CHINESE company. I opted to order the name brand, Raybestos, parts. Guess what... I got them in a nice Raybestos box. The hoses had paper tags with the Raybestos part numbers wrapped around them. The rubber hose sections clearly had the name Sunsong printed on them......Dammit!

Was there a price premium for the name brand?
Mike

 

[sloinker]

Rockauto rulez. People who whine about being "Raped" on shipping charges are ignorant. The cart shows the shipping charges that apply. If the prices are in the "Rape" category, why are you completing the transaction? They clearly show the parts available and their prices. They also include manufacturer part numbers so you can comparison shop. In many cases it may be the people installing parts with a sledgehammer and a Crescent wrench while laying in the dirt aren't the mechanics they think they are and the longevity problems are poor installation practices. Torque wrench? What dat?
I will caution against open box and closeout as you will get what you pay for. Dry rotted wiper blades anyone?

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I recently needed a crank sensor. RA had several brands of unknown manufacture. With shipping , sometimes local is a better way to go for me. I called the local O'R and asked what brand "it" was.I was told some off the wall name. but was told it met OEM specs.... (my experience w sensors is OEM or close as possible is the best bet) Bullshit I said.... So off to NAPA I go, get one for a few dollars more (Echlin, (spelling?)). A trusted brand... what did the box say.. ? MADE IN CHINA........

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I recently needed a crank sensor. RA had several brands of unknown manufacture. With shipping , sometimes local is a better way to go for me. I called the local O'R and asked what brand "it" was.I was told some off the wall name. but was told it met OEM specs.... (my experience w sensors is OEM or close as possible is the best bet) Bullshit I said.... So off to NAPA I go, get one for a few dollars more (Echlin, (spelling?)). A trusted brand... what did the box say.. ? MADE IN CHINA........

Just like Rock Auto Napa doesn't make anything.... Unlike Rock Auto Napa does re-box/re-brand stuff.... Echlin is Napa's house brand... They don't make any of it....

 

[YY1]

I've never had another manufacturer's name brand part inside a different MFG box except once at a parts store.
pretty sure someone put a return into what ever box they could find.


If that crank sensor was for a Mopar, I'd strongly suggest using Mopar OEM brand.

I've had 100% failure on anything but.

 

[threewood]

Rock Auto is a supplier, not a manufacturer.

 

[threewood]

I've never had another manufacturer's name brand part inside a different MFG box except once at a parts store.
pretty sure someone put a return into what ever box they could find.


If that crank sensor was for a Mopar, I'd strongly suggest using Mopar OEM brand.

I've had 100% failure on anything but.

Absolutely! Any sensor that feeds the computer information should be oem, not oem spec. I spent $80 a pop for 2 oem cam position sensors for my Nissan. Zero issues. Sometimes there is a reason for a huge price discrepancy.

 

[Hey-O]

Absolutely! Any sensor that feeds the computer information should be oem, not oem spec. I spent $80 a pop for 2 oem cam position sensors for my Nissan. Zero issues. Sometimes there is a reason for a huge price discrepancy.

Not that it matters, but I absolutely agree. There are some things that I believe must be bought at a dealer for that very reason. Apples for apples, not real close.

 

[sloinker]

I learned the hard way about OEM MAF sensors on a Volkswagen. The VW part was Nearly $300. The aftermarket was about $100. Went cheap and bought the cheapie. Could not get it to work. Always a ZERO on the emission completion checklist. Messed with it for a couple months and bit the bullet and bought the VW part. After a thorough 30 minute drive the check engine light extinguished and the bit set to a 1. Funny thing, the car ran better with the MAF unplugged over the Chinese or new OEM sensor. Better performance and fuel mileage.