Now that's a statement I can relate to!

We have NAPA's up here in Seattle too, and are fairly decent as you said. We also have a chain called National Auto parts, who IMO, are the cream of the crop.The problem however, is that they are a dying breed, brought on by the sophistication of the modern-day car.

 

I can relate to that. A while back I was doing an ignition conversion, and went down to the local Western Advance American Auto Zone store to get a rotor for my distributer. The clerk person (couldn't tell if it was a guy or a gal) looked and looked on the monitor, and asked me three times if I was sure it wasn't a brake part.

 

I usually don't have a problem with my local advance auto, granted if i'm really in a pinch there's a 24 hr warehouse type one about 35 min away. but i'm started to get tired of walking in autozoo and "tripping" over the scooters, buggies in front

 

NAPA, federated auto parts, and A&A Autoparts here are the best. There is also a mom and pop store 2 towns over that has more parts in stock than any other store around. You name it, don's has it!!!!
As far as those discount chains.... At least you can afford to buy that blood pressure medicine with all the money you saved, oh wait, but you keep having to replace the same parts.

 

I can relate to all of these stories. I don't know what we're going to do in a few years when the good parts store has gone the way of the old fashioned general store. Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target ran all the little guys out of business. Now Ghettozone, O'Reilly's, and Pimp Boys are doing the same to the automotive world. The first time I went to Autozone I needed a water pump for the 302 in my Cougar. The idiot asked me what I needed a pump for and I told him a 302. He comes back with a small block Chevy pump. I told that it was the wrong one. He says "My 68 Z28 has a 302 in it and that's what it takes". Pretty sad they can't even tell the difference between a Ford and Chevy.

Another thing that chaps my rear is this phrase: "The computer isn't showing anything". Somebody should take the computer away from them before they hurt themselves. I can see the damn part on the screen, why can't they!?!?!

 

same problems around here. the local 2 stink unless you need some thing machined or pressed. otherwise its a trip to napa or advanced auto parts.. i needed brake pads for my wifes 03 liberty no one had them got them the next day from tire rack. i can say though we do have a good advanced auto here and they do know the difference between a cheby and a ford.

 

GREAT POINT
That inventory is seen by the government as an asset and taxed at a high rate, compared to some profit margins. Too much inventory can actually destroy a small company. In other words it would be like you getting taxed for next years income this year,......and then getting taxed again next year when you actually collect your pay. Out tax system is rediculous and you can blame the IRS.

 

Yep, our taxes would be half what they are if we didn't have to pay the government to waste our money. Abolishing the IRS and setting a federal sales tax would save a ton of cash by itself. Never mind all the holidays the feds get. Last year they got 11 while us working folks got 4.

Oh, I noticed on TV yesterday that Autozone now sells salvage parts. WTF?!?!?

 

The Parts Bin is the worst company, period! If you purchase anything from them, they ought to give you a fitness for work exam. There is no return system. They count the boxes and not the items in the box. They are the one potato, two potato type of company. If you return more than 1 item, you better be damn sure you send in separate boxes!

 

there is ONE good Napa in the area(the main Napa for Spokane and its open 7 days a week) but even they are having to order alot and they charge SHIPPING to bring in something that is in a Seattle Napa warehouse.

Napa parts are the same quality as everyone elses, and I won't pay extra if I have to wait anyways. Anyone try to buy wheel bearings at Napa lately? they dropped Timken now their "best" bearings are made in mexico and they won't even say who makes them, just that they are the best quality.

why is a 1bbl Tomco rebuilt carb $229 at Napa and $139 at Federated/Carquest/Shucks ?

 

Moved to proper forum