Pep Boys Review for March 2021 - Auto Parts Store Reviews

Item: Pep Boys Review
Rating: 3.5

Sunday, March 7th

2021 Auto Parts Store Reviews

Pep Boys

Although Pep Boys has been selling auto parts for almost 100 years, they have more recently been known for their push to expand service and tire centers throughout the United States. If you need to make an appointment for your car to be serviced at a location near you, this can be done directly from their website. They also run an extensive online retail shop for auto parts that is easy to browse with their search function and product categories.

Local pickup available

There are over 920 Pep Boys brick-and-mortar locations where customers can buy online and pick up in store. There are many reports of customers having a poor experience with customer experience via phone or in-person at Pep Boys, so hopefully you won't have to deal much with employees if you do an in-store pickup. Despite this negative feedback, the Better Business Bureau gives Pep Boys an A+ rating. Their online shopping experience is overall satisfactory to most shoppers.

Fewer discounts

There are fewer discounted items sold through Pep Boys than some of their competitors. You'll likely find quality auto parts here, but you might pay a bit more for them. We recommend browsing their savings page to view the current coupons in case one of them matches with the product you are looking for. There is no price match policy like some of our higher-rated auto part retailers, so you pay the listed price for what you find on Pep Boys' online store.

Shipping and returns

Shipping prices are determined based on the dollar amount spent, weight, and length of auto parts. The only way to qualify for free shipping through Pep Boys is if customers spend over $75, have their product weigh less than 75 lbs., and measure smaller than 130". Online orders usually process in 1-2 business days, and shipping typically takes 5-7 days on top of that.

Pep Boys has a fairly standard return policy that gives customers full refunds if they return their new, unused items within 30 days with the receipt. Returns without a receipt are only eligible for exchanges. Some items are non-returnable, and these products are listed on the website including items like performance accessories, electrical items, sound systems, tire chains, and clearance merchandise.

Overall good experience

Overall, Pep Boys is a good place to shop for auto parts. They don't offer anything that makes them stand out as one of the best retailers we have found, but we wouldn't deter anyone from buying parts here. They have been around so long that we feel confident in them providing a wide variety of auto parts, accessories, and maintenance products that are likely to satisfy most customers' needs.

Visit Store

The 11 Best Auto Parts Stores

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Auto Parts?

Regardless of how old or new your vehicle is, we all experience the frustrations of having to maintain and make repairs. This might mean changing the oil, replacing the brakes, or even something much more complicated like a transmission.

That said, a lot of vehicle owners choose to make their own repairs to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars over the life of owning their car. Like any mechanic, you'll need the right parts to get the job done. But gone are the days of having to go to your local auto parts store hoping they'll have the right parts in stock.

Continue reading below

Auto Parts Store FAQ

What types of auto parts can I purchase online?

You can buy just about every part and product related to the functioning of your vehicle or other machinery from an auto parts store. From alternators to belts, and hoses to gaskets and shocks, you can replace pretty much anything you need in your car from the inside out. Take advantage of the knowledgeable customer service teams, "How To" guides, and other services made available by auto parts retailers to make your online shopping experience successful.

What if I am not sure which auto part I am looking for?

If you're experiencing trouble with your vehicle, but aren't sure what you need to fix it, you have a few options. First, you could take it into your local auto shop and have them check it out. The mechanic will be able to give you the exact part and specifications of what you need to purchase online. Your other option would be to chat with an auto parts representative through an online retailer. They are knowledgeable and helpful in guiding customers in the right direction to get their vehicles fixed.

How do I ensure that I purchase the right auto part?

If you chat online or call the auto parts retailer to describe the part you're planning to buy, they can help make sure it's the one you need. There are also detailed descriptions of each product listed online that should give enough information for customers to make educated purchases. If you realize that you need a different part after you've already submitted an online order, you can usually return or exchange your part for the right one!

Can I order auto parts online but pick up in-store?

Yes! Many online auto parts retailers have an in-store pickup option that is fast and convenient. You'll simply order online and head straight to the store to pick it up. Some auto parts stores will even bring your purchase outside to your car, so you don't have to go into the store! This ensures you get the products you need same-day and as an added perk, you save on shipping costs.

What is a refurbished auto part?

Used auto parts are often referred to as remanufactured or refurbished. This means that it was professionally remanufactured to meet industry standards and work like new. They may be less expensive than a new auto part and often come with warranties.

What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket auto parts?

OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer" . This label means that a part was manufactured by the maker of your vehicle. It was made specifically for your make and model. An aftermarket auto part is equally as effective, may cost less, but was made by a third-party for the purpose of replacing damaged parts.

Should I buy new or used auto parts?

If you have a brand-new vehicle or need a critical part replaced, it is usually recommended to buy a new part. For simple parts with shorter shelf lives, buying a used or refurbished part is a good alternative. It is best practice to consult your mechanic when making this decision and checking the part's price, warranty, and return policy before purchase. As long as you're shopping online from a reputable auto parts retailer, you will be able to get your needs met with confidence.

What do I do with old or defective auto parts?

You can either take old auto parts to a metal recycling center, donate them, or sell them to a used auto parts store. Some used parts retailers will pay cash on the spot for scrap metal. This is a great way to earn a little extra cash to put toward the new auto parts you need to purchase online.

Continued from above...

Sometimes it would even take searching a few different shops before getting your hands on everything you need to begin the project. Online auto part shops make it extremely fast and convenient to search for exactly what you're looking for, at the right price.

But, not all auto parts store are created equal and we're here to help.. With online shopping, you'll be able to view specifications for the auto parts you need and have a much better chance of locating the right part the first time. Many online auto parts stores offer free shipping and quick delivery so that you can quickly get moving on your vehicle repair. Before choosing an auto parts supplier, we suggest you keep the following criteria in mind:

Price. How does pricing on different auto parts compare between competitors?
Return Policy. If you end up buying the wrong part, will you be able to return it for a full refund?
Selection. Does the supplier carry all the parts you're looking for in a variety of sizes?
Customer Satisfaction. Have other customers had a good experience with the company or should you be aware of a long list of BBB complaints?

To help you identify the best auto parts stores, TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked a variety of options. We hope this information helps you find the auto parts you need quickly!