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!).
Best Option
AutoZone, a household name to many, is widely recognized for its iconic jingle and commercials. Established in 1979, this auto parts giant has been a reliable source of automotive components for over four decades.
Over 6,000 physical stores
AutoZone provides both online and in-store shopping options, with over 6,000 physical locations across the United States. Their prices vary for different types of car parts, and they offer regular discounts and changing promotions. Many customers might confuse this store with Advance Auto Parts simply because the brick-and-mortar locations for these two competitors are often built next to or very near one another. On the bright side, this means you'll never struggle to find an AutoZone store if you're in a mechanical pinch.
Solid selection and great search features
Sporting an extensive catalog housing thousands of auto parts, AutoZone offers customers a streamlined online shopping experience. The company provides instant online chat support, ensuring that customers who may be uncertain about their part requirements can easily seek guidance. The online store further simplifies the shopping process by featuring a "Check the Fit" option for most products. This tool enables customers to specify their vehicle's year, make, model, and engine to confirm that the chosen part aligns perfectly with their automobile. If you want, you can begin browsing that way too, so your results are limited only to those that will fit in your car. This feature makes it super easy to shop without doing any extra research. Plus, they offer OEM parts, so you know you're getting the real thing.
Wide range of prices
To get an accurate price comparison among all auto stores we decided to look at their price ranges for three areas of auto repair: replacement parts, performance parts, and oil and fluids. For these categories, we narrowed it down to three key items. These are brake pads for the replacement parts, struts for performance parts, and standard engine oil for the oil and fluids search. Notably, we found a wider range of prices (both low and high) with AutoZone compared to some other companies in our review.
Great price range for low- and high-cost items
Starting off with brake pads, the prices at AutoZone range from $15.49 to $766.99. For shocks, you can find prices from $14.99 to $6,001.99. Finally, for motor oil, you can find options from $2 to $199.99. If you're wondering how prices change for specific cars, we decided to search through those same price ranges with a "test car". We selected a 2019 Toyota Camry for its average customer base and new-ish manufacturing date. The prices for each category changed slightly:
Local or online shopping options
AutoZone's widespread presence extends to more than 6,000 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States. This extensive network allows customers to choose between their shopping methods. Whether you want the convenience of online purchasing or the in-person experience, AutoZone is there for you. Plus, this allows customers to pick up their online orders in-store which can reduce shipping costs and timelines. This approach eliminates the need for extensive searches, so that customers can acquire precisely the parts that their vehicles demand.
In-store assistance for DIYers
For some things that are harder to do yourself, you can also take your car to an AutoZone and they'll do the work for you. For example, if your car is throwing codes (your dash lights for the engine or tires, maybe), you can get your codes read for free at AutoZone. They'll also help with basic tasks like changing your battery.
Regular and changing discount options
AutoZone offers both a clearance page and a page specifically for deals that change from time to time. At the time of this review, the company offered 15% off dual shocks and struts. The site was also offering 20% off all orders over $125 with free shipping added. On top of that, signing up for AutoZone's email list unlocks a $10 discount for future purchases totaling $50 or more. It's clear that savings is part of the design of this retailer and customers can expect to find solid deals regularly at AutoZone.
Generous 90-day returns
AutoZone understands that return needs can arise, and they provide hassle-free solutions. Customers have the flexibility to initiate returns either in an AutoZone store or via mail. In-store returns are no problem with eligible items, accompanied by a receipt and the original packaging, within a generous 90-day window from the date of purchase. When opting for online returns, customers will find the form within the original invoice, which should be included in the return shipment.
Top site, but some complaints from in-person shoppers
Notably, AutoZone has earned an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, which underscores its commitment to excellence. The review scores are a little lower than we'd like, but still higher than AutoZone's top competitor. Reports of customer frustrations have been largely regarding the in-store experiences. It's important to note that many of these depend on local staff problems (like rude staff members or inappropriate comments). However, if you're looking to shop online, you will find much more praise for AutoZone. For those seeking to bypass in-person shopping, AutoZone remains a commendable choice for getting essential auto parts with ease and convenience.
Top option for inventory and pricing
Given the benefits of shopping at AutoZone, specifically its huge inventory and wide price range, AutoZone comes out as a top competitor in the industry for auto parts. It beat out its closest competitor, our second-place pick, by having better prices for key items in automotive repair. Plus, with a generous return policy, options for in-person shopping if you're more hands-on, and better reviews than our other top contender, AutoZone clearly comes out in first place. Whether you're upgrading your vehicle, doing routine maintenance, or just want to tune up your performance, you can find exactly what you need at AutoZone and tailor the shopping experience to your car. For us, it's a win hands-down.
Continued from above...
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.
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:
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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