The 10 Best Auto Parts Stores
Where is the Best Auto Parts Store Out There Today?
If you own a car, you know at some point it needs maintenance and repairs. Many vehicle owners opt for the path of do-it-yourself repairs, drawn by the potential to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, over the course of their car's lifetime. And like a local mechanic, you, too, will require the appropriate parts and tools to make your favorite machine tick (or maybe to stop that irritating ticking noise!).
It used to be that you'd have to drive to the local auto parts store in the hope of finding the right parts for your job. If you're not an expert, auto stores can feel a bit overwhelming (and judgy, if you're a female car owner). But today, online auto parts stores have redefined the landscape.
Wednesday, December 11th
2024 Auto Parts Store Reviews
AutoZone
AutoZone, established in 1979, is a reputable source of automotive components with over four decades of experience. The retailer offers a wide range of car parts, and its user-friendly website simplifies the shopping process with features like "Check the Fit" and a comprehensive catalog. Customers can take advantage of in-store assistance for tasks like free code reading or battery replacement. AutoZone has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, making it a top choice for auto parts due to its inventory, competitive pricing, generous return policy, and better reviews than most of its rivals.
Car Parts
Car Parts, established over 28 years ago, is a leading online platform for automotive maintenance and repair. The company offers competitive prices for replacement components, performance enhancements, and fluids, with a price range wide enough to suit various budgets. Car Parts excels in bodywork elements, making it an affordable choice for those looking to replace car panels. The company has a price match guarantee, a lifetime replacement policy, and a 90-day return policy, which all speak to its strong focus on customer happiness supported by its "A+" rating from the BBB. For these reasons, it stands out as an excellent choice for auto parts in our review.
Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts is a well-known auto parts retailer that supports customers across various regions of the US and beyond. They offer a wide range of automotive components for different types of vehicles, and their user-friendly website allows for easy navigation and product searches based on specific vehicle details. They offer both in-store pickup and online delivery options, and frequent sales and promotions make it an attractive choice. While it holds an "A+" rating from the BBB, some customers have expressed concerns about returns. But that doesn't detract from all the other perks of shopping with Advance Auto Parts. Overall, it has earned a very high rating in our review.
NAPA
NAPA, founded in 1925, offers over 500,000 auto parts, including marine and RV items, through its website, local stores, and service centers. NAPA provides a wide range of prices and offers free 1-day shipping on most products which is a standout feature compared to most retailers. However, their ratings and reviews, including a "D-" rating from the BBB and a 1.5-star average from third-party review sites, suggest areas for improvement, such as website usability and customer service. Still, NAPA remains a solid choice with potential for improvement in the future.
Buy Auto Parts
Buy Auto Parts (BAP) offers a wide range of OEM and aftermarket car parts online. Although their selection is extensive, the store lacks some organization features, and prices are higher than average. They offer free shipping on orders over $99 and have a 60-day return policy with no fees. BAP's commitment to quality and customer service is reflected in their "A+" rating from the BBB, but recent reviews mention issues with items not fitting vehicles despite guarantees.
Parts Geek
Parts Geek, founded in 2008, provides both OEM and aftermarket auto parts but has a dated and challenging website interface. While their inventory is decent, it lags behind some competitors. They have an "A+" BBB rating and an average of 3 stars on various review sites but face challenges from more user-friendly competitors, placing them in the mid-tier for auto parts shopping.
Autohaus AZ
Autohaus AZ, established in 1979 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its European auto parts. Their website provides a user-friendly experience with features like a search tool that tailors results to the user's specific vehicle. However, the selection for non-European car models is more limited, and recent customer reviews have raised concerns about parts not matching cars upon arrival. Despite offering a generous 3-year warranty and no restocking fees, Autohaus AZ's reputation has been affected by these issues.
Pep Boys
Pep Boys, a well-established auto parts retailer with a strong focus on service and tire centers, isn't a top competitor for auto parts shopping. It's a little hard to find what you need. You need to select your local Pep Boys location and enter your car's information to shop, which can be cumbersome. Unfortunately, they also have missing inventory for common items like brake pads, shocks, and motor oil for a standard car, which makes price comparisons difficult. While they offer a 30-day return policy, it just doesn't stand out of the pack in any positive way.
Get All Parts
Get All Parts, established in 2010, focuses on aftermarket auto parts but doesn't offer OEM components. The website is somewhat slow and lacks essential items like brake pads, shocks, and engine oil. While they provide a price match guarantee and have a 60-day return policy, the absence of comprehensive reviews and missing standard inventory items may make them less appealing compared to other auto parts suppliers with larger inventories and positive customer feedback.
Auto Barn
Auto Barn, an auto parts retailer established in 1957, offers a range of car accessories, auto parts, and car care products. However, its website is old-fashioned and lacks features for easily browsing and finding parts for specific vehicles. The pricing information for replacement parts and performance parts is not readily available on the website, and customers are directed to an eBay store, raising concerns about authenticity and reliability. While some items are competitively priced, the overall shopping experience, reputation, and limited local shopping options make Auto Barn a less favorable choice in this review.
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Visiting an auto parts store online lets you find and check that you're getting the right parts for the right car. Using features like VIN number searches and helpful online search tools, you can take the frustration out of auto parts shopping and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're just looking for a new set of tires, a turbo kit for your already over-taxed hatchback, or the perfect wrench in metric sizes for those Euro cars, you can find it now at the click of a button.
You might be surprised to know that the auto parts you find online are often less expensive than the ones you find in a store - even if the website and store are the same company. That's because there's more competition online, and less overhead attached to the individual car part. And not only are the prices cheaper, you can have them delivered straight to your door.
Armed with your car parts, and your favorite car repair YouTuber, you can be on your way to DIY car repair in no time. However, it's important to recognize that not all auto parts stores are the same.
You want to make sure that you can find the best auto parts, whether you're looking at new "from the factory” or certified pre-owned items. You can find tons of deals online too, but making sure you can trust an auto parts store is important - both for your wallet and your safety.
Not sure where to start your online search for auto parts? Don't worry - we've completed a full review and ranking of all the best auto parts stores out there today. Here are some basic criteria that might help you narrow the field:
- Price. The first way to narrow your decision is pretty obvious: price. Different auto parts stores offer different kinds of deals or price match guarantees, so making sure that the store you choose fits your budget is important to get the parts you need.
- Return policy. What is the return policy like? Does the retailer you're looking at offer a warranty for their parts? Finding a company that stands by the auto parts they sell is as important as finding the parts themselves. You don't want to be paying even more for maintenance (or returns) in the future, so keep an eye on the return policies.
- Selection. Do you only want to buy OEM parts? Are you looking for something specifically for a European car? Making sure that the retailer has all the parts you need in stock, or has a decent selection of part types, can help you make sure you're getting the best deal. Plus, if you're looking to upgrade, you might need a wider range of parts and tools than the average driver, so selection is a huge deal.
- Customer satisfaction. The final piece of the puzzle relates to the experience of past customers. Checking into reviews and feedback can help you get a clear picture of a company's track record. Are they improving or getting worse over time? Do customers feel like they had good service from a particular company? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can also serve as a valuable resource for gauging a company's reputation.
To make sure your car stays running smoothly, Top Consumer Reviews is here to give you all the insights on the best auto parts stores on the market. We hope this helps you get started with your DIY mechanic shop right in the safety of your own garage. Soon, your friends will be coming to you for the quick fixes, since you'll be an auto parts expert. Happy driving!
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