AutoZone aka Twilight zone is only good for those scent hanger, and waxes or soap.

NAPA has a better line of products. Raybestos Red box are my choice in brakes. I have the luxury of picking parts up from a factory. In one case it is water pumps. They have different lines, and Autozones stuff is garbage. Ya you get a warranty, but who wants to do the job every year?

I bought a A/C delco fuel pump for a chevy 1500 express van. 3 months later it burned out, So I took it to Chevy I told them it was a new A/C pump. When they pulled it out, they said no it isnt, I showed them the box and reciept. They said fraud. Autozone gladly gave me my cash back and I was called by the distrist manager. Making sure all was well. I call it BUSTED! Reboxing jap garbage.

 

i go to autozone occasionally but usually napa even though you pay a little more at napa you have the peace of mind knowing you have a good product i cant stand advanced auto i gotten 2 starters there that never worked and got refunded and just went to the junkyard and picked a starter for $20 and it worked for 8 years then i sold the truck with a still working junkyard starter. some of the hard to find parts ill go to lmc truck for

 

I have been seeing a trend lately. With the economy hurting, even the low line "get me by" parts are costing alot more these days. I have used DeathZone, Rock Auto, Advanced, Napa, and many local parts sources. I have started to use my local napa, they have been a great help to me, and have really decent parts, you just have to know what your buying and cost. Yes on some items they can be pricy, but ask, they have alternative sources. My vent session. SHIPPING!!!!! I used to buy alot, I mean a lot of parts from Rock Auto, and no offense to them but I cannot afford their shipping, it became outrageous. I recently selected a ball join, then added 2 to my cart and the shipping for 2 ball joints was $17.XX, now I am sorry there is no way I can see there being that much in packaging and UPS FED EX costs. I was very happy with the parts and such from them, but I had to stop doing business with them simply because i cannot rationalize 17.XX for shipping me 2 ball joints for a Geo Prizm.

Be careful of what your buying, I recently priced ball joints locally with a 90 day warranty, I just cant imagine the quality, I will spend a few dollars more.

Big stores just taylor to certain needs, they sell fast moving non speciality parts that identify on the fast moving or pre-determined obselence chart. I try to remember that the economy is bad and everyone needs work, give the guy a break he is trying to make a living behind the counter selling parts.