joe P.

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I have been a
Mechanic for many years. I used to buy Napa Auto Parts almost always.
I felt the parts were good quality, although more expensive than
Others. It does not pay to install poor quality parts on a car, they
Come back, and bite you! Unfortunately, a few years ago it
Seems Napa changed their policy on quality. This happened around the
Time they totally changed the on-line site. Around the same
Time, I started looking at Rock Auto on-line. Rock Auto offers each
Part by a few different manufacturers, quality levels, and prices. I
Started noticing that despite Napa still charging higher prices, they
Were now supplying the cheapest, lowest quality parts instead of the
Better quality they were known for. Given that, why would a
Person order from Napa, when Rock Auto is surprisingly lower priced,
And you have a quality level choice. Napa seems to be riding on
Their previous well known name, while keeping the prices artificially
High.

Some prime examples of this is, I purchased a starter
Solenoid, (eckland, Napa's electrical brand), as a preventative
Measure. The third start-up, after installing, the solenoid froze in
The on position, with key off, and kept the starter spinning and
Engaged until I could unhook one battery terminal. Burned up the
Relay, starter, and a couple wires. I purchased a rebuilt
Alternator, took it from the box, and turned it, it felt rough
Turning, as if there was dirt in the bearing race or defective
Bearing components. I purchased Napa's best fuel pump, and it was
Very noisy from day one. I purchased a set of Napa Branded, 2 ton
Each, jack stands. One of them had a defective casting that would not
Allow the stop to lock in place. Although it seemed it locked, when
Weight was applied, it fell. I purchased rebuilt Ford Front
Calipers from Napa, and with in one year, the unplated soft steel
Bleeder screws has rusted solid to the caliper! I heard from a NAPA
Rep, and he said due to competition, quality had to suffer, BUT WAIT,
Isn't quality the whole point. Especialy when still charging the
Higher quality prices.