Rcrivolio

I hear a lot of people talk about how rock auto is a great deal and all but I keep doing the math every time I go to buy parts and they are never cheaper by more than a few pennies.

I needed a spring kit and some bleeder screws for my rear brakes. Rock auto had both for a few bucks but shipping was $8.

Advanced has them locally and with the discount they always run online, parts end up about the same price (typically within 5 bucks) and I can get them today when I need them instead of waiting a week.

This is just one example, but it seems like every time I go to buy a part I can't seem to find rockauto cheaper. Their shipping kills any savings.

What am I missing?

Orlo

Sales tax, choice of different quality within a price structure, You can find close out deals, combined shipping costs.

Rock auto is a good option if you have time to wait for a part and the sales tax savings helps make it a good deal.

I don't buy all my stuff there. Only when it makes sense and I can either wait for the part, or I can't get it for a reasonable price or at all otherwise.

HEAP of JEEP

I've found that Rock Auto can have much better prices and sometimes its a wash. Ordered my Monro Shocks for front and rear from them and after shipping, saved about $25 total. Had to replace my headlight switch connector. Cheapest I could find it locally was $30. Rock Auto had it for $15 and only $4 shipping, so saved $11

Then there were the brake parts. Ended up getting everything for the rear brakes, shoes, drums, hardware, and wheel cylinders, from Napa, because after shipping on the drums, it would have actually been more from Rock Auto

Like everything else in life, one size does not fit all. If price is your main factor in choosing a part, then do your homework and find the lowest price. I have not foudn one place that is ALWAYS the cheapest... not amazon, ebay, rock auto, big chain parts stores, or locally owned parts stores...

BUT... shopping price is not always the best thing in the world. You can wind up with some pretty lousy parts that way.

besthaticouldo

Honestly almost everything on rock auto is cheaper on Amazon, if you buy with prime it's free 2 day shipping. I go on rock auto, get the part number and go over to amazon.

In the last 2 years between my two vehicles I've probably saved 200 buying on amazon over rock auto.

But Heap is right, not one size fits all.

kcdt58

This is very true. In the last few months I have also begun to purchase parts on Amazon.

Klutch

Rock Auto is just a drop ship engine. I don't think they stock anything. Typically, they're selling you a part from the same place that sells to the chain auto parts stores. They have lower overhead and can often sell the parts a little cheaper. Sometimes not.

Rcrivolio

Hmm, I never thought to buy from amazon (you'd think a kid my age would). I'll have to start looking there for things I can wait for.

I always shop around when I'm buying parts. I usually look at my local retailers and compare with rockauto trying to find a balance between price and quality.

I've had pretty good luck, even with the low end parts from Advanced in terms of quality and how long they've lasted me (except for some hubs). Just seems like I never really get a good deal from rockauto.

kcdt58

As others have stated, it really depends on the part. Also on the vehicle. Some parts I've purchased from Rock Auto I've saved 30-40% on, others were about the same cost after shipping. So it's definitely hit or miss in my experience.

Fred/N0AZZ

If I wanted something in several days I would have waited 2 days when I needed it.


Why wait for something that's available a few blocks from you when "You Need It" instead of waiting for days to do the job your doing.

Klutch

I was recently looking for a new set of fog lights for my XJ. Amazon has what appear to be very nice examples with glass lenses. I couldn't find anything else like that anywhere.

I've also been shopping for Monroe Sensatrack shocks. So far, Summit Racing appears to have the best price. You just never know.

kcdt58

If someone doesn't have enough time to start and complete a job until a week or two and he can save money by receiving the part in 3-4 days versus today, then why wouldn't you do that?

I would agree with you if it was something critical and the vehicle had to be parked until fixed, etc.

ehall

rockauto or amazon, both are pretty good prices. Shipping on heavy parts usually favors Amazon (prime), but they also charge MD sales tax, so neither here nor there usually. Mostly depends on who is having a sale on the part I want.

Rockauto is structured better for parts lookup. Amazon is awful for reference. I usually lookup the parts or pieces on rockauto and if its a good enough price I will order it from them.

That's incorrect. The stuff comes in their boxes with their shipping labels and fridge magnets inside.

Fred/N0AZZ

And what if you receive the wrong part...............

kcdt58

Then you bang your head against the wall, bite the bullet and go to the local parts store. I have bought a significant amount of parts from them and have never received the wrong part to date. From my experience, I'll take my chances on them sending the correct part.

jdblep

I agree, often Rock Auto is much cheaper, but add the shipping and that discount disappears. Bought a ton of parts on Amazon lately, not sure if/when i need to warranty something how that will work.