Where is the best place to buy auto parts? If you're a motorhead like we are, you know the struggle that comes with working on cars. Whether you're a professional mechanic hunting for a new supplier or a weekend enthusiast who prefers turning your own wrenches, buying auto parts isn't cheap. Picking up the parts yourself can definitely help you avoid those painful mechanic markups (we're looking at you, dealership service departments), but tracking down quality components at a fair price is where things get tricky.
Fair
Auto Zone is a well-known auto parts store that offers both in-person shopping at local branches as well as a full online inventory to browse. The site allows you to put in your specific car, so that results for your auto parts searches will only be those that are meant for your vehicle. However, keep in mind that many of the parts at Auto Zone are considered aftermarket parts. While there are some OEM parts available, you have to do the research yourself by knowing precisely what brand your original parts were and comparing them to the listing for the same part on Auto Zone.
Plenty to choose from in the inventory
Auto Zone has a solid inventory to choose from. There is a range of auto parts, tools, interior replacements (like rugs or seat covers), and more. For auto parts, you can find general items like batteries, brake pads, electrical and lighting, and more in-depth repair items like spark plugs, brake rotors, ignition coils, and more. You can also find items for towing, a range of helpful tools from single wrenches to full sets, and performance parts like brakes, air intake systems, air filters, and more at this auto parts store.
Pricing from $26.99 to $62.49 for parts
To do our price comparison at each store, we used a test vehicle to make sure we were looking at the same parts between different retailers. Our auto parts store test car is a standard 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. For a price comparison, we looked at four items: a regular maintenance item (motor oil), a maintenance item that requires more work (brake pads), a more complex problem (shocks), and a tool set (socket wrench set). Here's what we found at Auto Zone:
Free shipping on $35+
Auto Zone offers free pickup if you order your parts from a local branch to go grab. Sometimes the parts and tools can be ready the same day. Otherwise, to score free shipping with this auto parts store, you'll need to have a minimum of $35 in your cart. If you'd like same-day delivery, the fee starts at $7.49 per order in our area. As for returns, you have 90 days from your date of purchase to request a refund. You can return any defective item within the warranty period listed. You may need to show a valid government ID to make your return. The least costly way to make a return is to take your item to a local branch. If you want to ship it back, you may be responsible for return shipping costs.
May need some work on customer service
Auto Zone currently has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, its ratings on third-party review sites aren't as strong. According to Trustpilot, Auto Zone has just 2.8 stars out of 5 on average. While some customers have a good experience and get what they need quickly, Auto Zone is less helpful for customers who want to make returns. Some noted that they weren't allowed to make returns to this auto parts store "because the package was already opened," which frustrated many. Other customers have problems with shipments being delayed or trouble with the car battery warranties offered by Auto Zone. With many of these negative comments popping up in just the last few days prior to our evaluation, we're a little concerned about the customer service at Auto Zone.
A store that's better for general maintenance
While online shopping at this auto parts store is a breeze, Auto Zone isn't the best when it comes to in-person interactions, returns, or warranties. If you're looking for the most supportive auto parts store, this might not be the right pick for you. Plus, its general lack of OEM parts is a bit disappointing. For this reason, Auto Zone earns a slightly lower score in our review overall. It is still worth a look for general maintenance supplies like oil, though.
Continued from above...
If you're a motorhead like we are, you know the struggle that comes with working on cars. Whether you're a professional mechanic hunting for a new supplier or a weekend enthusiast who prefers turning your own wrenches, buying auto parts isn't cheap. Picking up the parts yourself can definitely help you avoid those painful mechanic markups (we're looking at you, dealership service departments), but tracking down quality components at a fair price is where things get tricky.
Finding the best deals on parts you can actually trust? That's the real challenge. No one wants spark plugs that fizzle out early or brake pads that wear down faster than expected just because you tried to save a few bucks. And sure, sometimes you just need to grab another 10mm socket (yes, we know-it vanished again). Either way, choosing the right auto parts store makes it easy to get what you need without the headache.
Whether you're doing an engine swap for your next YouTube video or just trying to do a little at-home tune-up, finding the right auto parts for your car and for your project is going to make or break your project. Different makes and models can have completely different needs for the same project. For example, if you've replaced the wheel bearings on a Nissan, a Mitsubishi is so different that it can take hours of extra work (and different specialty tools). But the trade-off is saving over $1,000 in labor costs, so if you can do it with the help of a solid auto parts store, you should.
These days, you don't have to rely on your local auto parts store (sometimes with a pretty limited inventory) to have everything you need. Online shopping has made it faster than ever to search for your make and model and grab parts that are designed specifically for your vehicle. And, you can easily find parts that are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), so you know that a Mercedes part was made by Mercedes for your Mercedes model. Then, there's no confusion about fit, and you can generally count on OEM to be high quality, or at least the same quality as the parts that originally came with your car when you bought it. Plus, for auto parts that are made overseas, shopping online can be the only way to get what you need.
If you're ready to get going on your next car project, but aren't sure which retailer to trust as your top auto parts store, we've done the hard work for you - so hopefully the process of getting your auto parts will be simple. There's enough stress when you're working on cars, and auto parts should be the easy-breezy step. Here are some factors you can consider to make sure you're getting the best auto parts from the best retailer on the market:
So, if you're ready to dive into your next project for maintenance or upgrading your ride, you've got the tools at your disposal (literally): Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the best options for auto parts stores available. Now, you can grab your parts, tools, paint, and more. Whether you're restoring an old Camaro (good luck) or just trying to fix your favorite ride, there's an auto parts store out there to help you get the job done. And try not to lose your 10mm this time!
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