Napa ?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Napa ?
Opinions please......
Some say that parts from Napa are superior to parts from the discount parts stores.
I am beginning to think they might be.......brake disk, PS pumps, calipers, alternators. I am finding that the lower price ain't necessarily a bargain.
Thanks......
Some say that parts from Napa are superior to parts from the discount parts stores.
I am beginning to think they might be.......brake disk, PS pumps, calipers, alternators. I am finding that the lower price ain't necessarily a bargain.
Thanks......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
NAPA doesn't really make anything...they're a group of parts manufacturers that build and supply parts under the umbrella name and distribution system of NAPA. They're generally of high quality...often superior to oem. They do have a professional reputation to uphold they worked hard for many years to achieve. They're not too likely to do anything to risk that. Many mass market places like Pep Boys, Advance, etc., offer decent quality parts but generally sell parts built to and designed to sell at low price points. That's not to say they're bad parts or inferior in any way, but as a rule, are not likely up to NAPA standards. I'm not knocking Pep Boys, et al, but there is often a difference beyond price.
Years ago I used to sell parts and that's what I found...it could have changed in the years since. As a rule, I would still trust a NAPA supplied part more than a mass market part.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
usually the guy behind the counter at the discount stores are computer jockeys and if it is not in the computer then it must not exist. The guys at Napa at least know what they are talking about. and do not just look at a computer screen.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
NAPA is a better source for 'working' or 'hard' parts (brakes, suspension, steering, etc.). But, they have started stocking the "cheap stuff", too. So, you need to ask them if they have a 'heavy-duty' option when they give you the low price for the gypo junk. Previously, they didn't even carry that junk...but they have been forced to compete on price due to the bozos that want to save a few bucks rather than drive safely. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
NAPA is a better source for 'working' or 'hard' parts (brakes, suspension, steering, etc.). But, they have started stocking the "cheap stuff", too. So, you need to ask them if they have a 'heavy-duty' option when they give you the low price for the gypo junk. Previously, they didn't even carry that junk...but they have been forced to compete on price due to the bozos that want to save a few bucks rather than drive safely.
So he forks over two drums in boxes labeled "Made in China".
I guess the Chinese people who made these are a little high class folks........maybe they go to the opera once a month vs the peasents who made the other drums and can't afford it.
Regardless, I shop there whenever I can and also am allot more satisfied with the parts they carry than the other places.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Yeah, I kind of agree here. I bought some drums for my truck from them and the guy says to me "do you want the good stuff or the cheap Chinese stuff?" Thinking I was going to get the good old American made good stuff I said "I want the best".
So he forks over two drums in boxes labeled "Made in China".
I guess the Chinese people who made these are a little high class folks........maybe they go to the opera once a month vs the peasents who made the other drums and can't afford it.
Regardless, I shop there whenever I can and also am allot more satisfied with the parts they carry than the other places.
So he forks over two drums in boxes labeled "Made in China".
I guess the Chinese people who made these are a little high class folks........maybe they go to the opera once a month vs the peasents who made the other drums and can't afford it.
Regardless, I shop there whenever I can and also am allot more satisfied with the parts they carry than the other places.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 5
From: Sacramento California
I had bought replacement rotors from Napa for my DD, after about 6 months they were so warped that it was getting dangerous to even drive, besides the irritating pulse when stopping. I removed them and took them back to Napa, since they were still under warranty.
The counter guy asked what was wrong with them, I told him they were warped, so he takes them and lays them on the counter and says "they don't look warped" I almost started laughing, I said "seriously that's how you check them to see if they're true" and he replied "Yes" It took a while to convince him that they were in fact warped, and laying them on a counter is not a good test to determine that. He finally exchanged them for me.
Bear in mind this was the manager and it was quite obvious he didn't have a clue.
So I would argue the point that Napa guys are better than the other auto parts counter guys.
The counter guy asked what was wrong with them, I told him they were warped, so he takes them and lays them on the counter and says "they don't look warped" I almost started laughing, I said "seriously that's how you check them to see if they're true" and he replied "Yes" It took a while to convince him that they were in fact warped, and laying them on a counter is not a good test to determine that. He finally exchanged them for me.
Bear in mind this was the manager and it was quite obvious he didn't have a clue.
So I would argue the point that Napa guys are better than the other auto parts counter guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Experience over the last few years leads me to believe that NAPA electrical parts - such as starter motors and alternators are unmitigated crap. Some years ago I went through no less than 6 NAPA alternators before I ended up using a rebuilt unit bought at a swap meet. Friends have seemingly gone through more starters than I have hot meals.
I wont buy an electrical componant there anymore.
I wont buy an electrical componant there anymore.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '10
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
They sell good parts and bad just like everyone else.I went thru 3 coolant shut off valves for the heater core.I gave up and got a refund and bought a valve from home depot.They list there different brands online and where they are made sometimes.This way you know before you make the drive.The manager was very nice about it and gave me 4 ft of heaterhose for free just for my trouble.