AutoZone review.

[gearhead1]

I havent had any issues with Autozone, they’ve been pretty good around here.

Back in the day, I felt a lot of the Napa parts were higher quality. Now, they all have higher quality parts and lower quality parts. At least at Advance, is seems they used to only have the lower quality part in stock.

This not data based, but it seems like Advance had the lowest quality and I got the impression the quality of Autozone was higher. I’d have better experience with stuff lasting longer so I preferred Autozone over Advance.

Another factor is what is convenient. In my town we had a Napa but they are not open past 5:30 PM weekdays and noon on Saturday. Unfortunately when Napa wasn’t open was when I had time to work on stuff so I’d drive to the next town to an Autozone. Eventually an OReilly’s came to my town and they’ve been pretty good. A few years later an Advance came to town (across from OReilly’s of course) and I’ve only been in there once.

Usually what I do is order from Rock Auto unless it’s an emergency. Even with shipping it’s cheaper and I can select what I want. Rock Auto is my go-to, then OReilly’s due to convenience, then Autozone. If there was an Autozone in town, it would be my go to right after Rock Auto.

 

[Mike S.]

I have an Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, Advanced Auto Parts and a Napa near me all within a 1/4 mile stretch of road. The Auto Zone is probably the oldest and roughest looking store, but I find their staff to be the most helpful, so I shop there the most.

The Napa is pretty much closed on the weekends which is when I need to run out and make a quick purchase. The O'Reilly's staff aren't very friendly and it seems like I'm inconveniencing when when I ask to look up a part. I quit shopping at Advanced all together a few years ago when they refused to return/exchange a $5 box of fuses.

 

[Ton ton]

This past Sunday, I was able to take a stranger with a broken down 2017 power stroke to an AutoZone in Ruckersville,VA. They had the part he needed in stock plus I was able to use AutoZone's restroom. Plus they were super fast. So I guess AutoZone gets 2 thumbs up for me.

 

[HaiKarate]

I'm starting to appreciate my local AutoZone. Does anyone else like AutoZone,?

Yes - I like to recommend it to people I despise. They get screwed overpaying for crappy import parts that chances are aren't in stock ("we can have it for you tomorrow" - so can amazon!), and I don't have to risk running into them when I am at NAPA.

Win/Win

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

After years of having to drive across town if I ever needed something from a parts store, an Autozone just opened a couple blocks from where I work. Any recommendations on things that are especially good there? Like any hidden gems from Duralast?

 

[demarpaint]

When I need something fast I find myself using NAPA more and more now that they opened a store closer to me. I found AAP and AZ near me to have clueless help, understaffed, and longer waiting time. With NAPA I order what I need online, go in pick it up, no long waits, no drama, and better prices.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Yeah the couple O’reilly’s in my town have actually been pretty good, workers are really nice and I’ve found a couple tools I really like there like the Titan mini swivel ratchets and Power Torque low profile socket sets, just have to drive 20+ mins from work to get to them.

 

[bwringer]

The stores all **** in very slightly different ways, and they mostly get their parts from the same crappy Chinese suppliers. Service and inventory varies quite a bit by location.

I can say that around here, Autozone is generally the last resort among the chains because they seem to have a serious shrink and shoplifting problem. Advance isn't much better, but with either of these chains, the odds of them actually having the parts they think they have are maybe 50/50. More than once they've shoved a box across the counter containing some thief's greasy old junk, or there's just a blank spot on the shelf where the part usedtabe.

Autozone used to have one store here in Indy that stayed open 24 hours, and that was pretty helpful at times. That store is now open 6am to midnight, which is still pretty helpful but probably a bit less wild and crazy.

Let's just say that a lot of the folks desperately seeking auto parts at 2am are very, very special people indeed. Pure chaos.

Also, there's a large Napa warehouse down by the airport with a storefront tacked onto one end. Their inventory is massive, and the storefront is open extended hours, and that place has saved the day for me more than once. However, I've tried to order online several times for pickup, and they still seem entirely unfamiliar with the concept. "On... line? Inturd-net? Wuzzat?"

Guess you can't have it all. But living in a large-ish city does have its benefits.

 

[Ton ton]

After years of having to drive across town if I ever needed something from a parts store, an Autozone just opened a couple blocks from where I work. Any recommendations on things that are especially good there? Like any hidden gems from Duralast?

Avoid the Duralast scissors. Speaking from experience.

 

[txmechsauto]

The extra long handle (18-24") ratchets ⅜" & ½" available @ O'Reilly's are great. I believe they're either PowerTorque or Titan. I like to use them for breaking loose head bolts, especially in cramped applications like vans, where you can't get a full 90° swing to use a breaker bar. PowerTorque also has a very good 90 tooth ⅜" low-profile locking position flex-head ratchet that is great for really cramped spots.

In my town (Bastrop, TX) O'Reilly's has been the best for me simply because of the customer service. Yes their prices are usually higher but theySide-note

 

[txmechsauto]

The second paragraph of my post was supposed to read:

In my town (Bastrop, TX) O'Reilly's has been the best for me simply because of the customer service. Yes their prices are usually higher but they'll price match any competitor. For the most part I've had better luck with the parts at O'Reilly's too. AutoZone seems to hire the dumbest people the possibly can for the front counter(probably to pay them as little as possible) *Side-note-I am primarily dealing with people in the back as I have commercial accounts with both stores. I must say also that AutoZone has really stepped up their game as far as commercial service goes over the last few years and I have started to use them a little more. O'reilly still has my primary business though for the simple fact of knowing the people already,and having a such a lengthy history with them.

 

[Ton ton]

The extra long handle (18-24") ratchets ⅜" & ½" available @ O'Reilly's are great. I believe they're either PowerTorque or Titan. I like to use them for breaking loose head bolts, especially in cramped applications like vans, where you can't get a full 90° swing to use a breaker bar. PowerTorque also has a very good 90 tooth ⅜" low-profile locking position flex-head ratchet that is great for really cramped spots.

In my town (Bastrop, TX) O'Reilly's has been the best for me simply because of the customer service. Yes their prices are usually higher but theySide-note

Thank you for the ratchet recommendation!

 

[rust in the eye]

I need to know year, make, model, engine size, transmission type, rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive, all wheel drive, air conditioning or not and color before I can answer this question.

 

[Ton ton]

I need to know year, make, model, engine size, transmission type, rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive, all wheel drive, air conditioning or not and color before I can answer this question.

I get it, LOL!

 

[bwringer]

I have to say that all the weird little Titan and Power Torque tools at O'Reilly are pure crack for tool junkies. I'm a frequent visitor for that stuff.

As to parts, their pricing for the exact same Chinese shite with a slightly different label is generally slightly higher than the other two chains, so I rarely end up there for parts unless they happen to be the only ones with stock and I'm desperate.

As far as Autozone, the tool line has certainly gotten a lot better, but there's nothing much different about it.

 

[IRQVET]

I always think of that meme/ joke where the guy goes into Autozone for an air fresher, and the guy standing behind the computer asks him for the make and model of his car.



Personally, I've been using Rock Auto for everything. If I have a question and need to go in-store, I usually go to my local NAPA.

 

[BSWS]

It was probably 10 years ago when I got tired of my Optima batteries failing, and their prices skyrocketing, that I made the switch to Auto Zones Duralast batteries. I now have 8 of them in 6 vehicles and have been very impressed. I still choke a little on their prices but I guess $200 is what a $100 battery costs these days.

 

[IRQVET]

It was probably 10 years ago when I got tired of my Optima batteries failing, and their prices skyrocketing, that I made the switch to Auto Zones Duralast batteries. I now have 8 of them in 6 vehicles and have been very impressed. I still choke a little on their prices but I guess $200 is what a $100 battery costs these days.

Did you ever see Project Farms video on car batteries? The cheap-o Walmart beat out all the brands tested, even the Optima.

 

[BSWS]

I didn't see that but it doesn't surprise me. Once the coolness of the Optima wore off I don't think I was getting anything special for the price I was paying. I don't doubt that the Walmart battery is good, and I don't have anything against WM, but it just wouldn't feel right to me relying on a WM branded battery.

 

[IRQVET]

Here is the video I'm referencing, I really like this guys channel. I remember he tested AA batteries, the Amazon Branded batteries beat EVERYONE. I'm frugal, but I also like quality- so his channel is ideal for me. He's a retired Engineer from the U.S. Air Force if the rumors are true.

Goes by Project Farm on Youtube.

 

[Wrench97]

Did you ever see Project Farms video on car batteries? The cheap-o Walmart beat out all the brands tested, even the Optima.

The problem with rebranders like Walmart, A Zone and the like is the battery sold last month may not be the same OEM as one sold today.

 

[Alcohol]

I went into Auto Zone,,,,I told the counter guy I needed a clutch kit for a 1979 Dodge 1/2 ton 2wd 360 engine,,He said "automatic or standard",,,,I walked out

 

[Wrench97]

Valid question they do sell auto trans clutch kits....

 

[AJHD]

I always think of that meme/ joke where the guy goes into Autozone for an air fresher, and the guy standing behind the computer asks him for the make and model of his car.

Personally, I've been using Rock Auto for everything. If I have a question and need to go in-store, I usually go to my local NAPA.

I've said it before in other AZ threads, but AZ is a terrible company to work for and when I worked at AZ no one else beside me was or was ever a professional mechanic, with only 1 exception and he literally only worked there 1 day a week.

Then again, just because you work at HD doesn't mean you're a professional plumber, electrician, carpenter or contractor, etc...

That being said, what I don't understand is if you buy parts on the RockAuto website, you literally have to choose the vehicle year, make, model, trim level, etc. to find parts for that vehicle. The computer system at AZ is no different.

If you won't answer basic questions about your vehicle and if the guy behind the counter doesn't know the exact part you're looking for without that information, you're SOL.

 

[Torque&Recoil]

1. RockAuto
2. Napa
3. O'Reileys
40. everybody else

 

[Buckaroo5]

I try and allow the time to order from Rockauto. If I need it in a pinch, I prefer to go to NAPA. I think the quality of the house brand parts at Advance and Auto Zone can be sketchy. Oh, and I never rely on the parts counter guy to find the part number - that feels like playing Russian Roulette.

 

[AJHD]

I try and allow the time to order from Rockauto. If I need it in a pinch, I prefer to go to NAPA. I think the quality of the house brand parts at Advance and Auto Zone can be sketchy. Oh, and I never rely on the parts counter guy to find the part number - that feels like playing Russian Roulette.

In my experience some parts **** and some of them are good, regardless of whatever "in-house" brand name or OEM brand name is on the box. I guess the trick is knowing which is which.

Watch Eric O' at SMA, his primary parts supplier is Napa and he shares his experiences with their "in-house" brand(s) and OEM brands in just about every video.

 

[Just_Steve]

My first stop is a local independent old school parts store. Parts guys are great. If it's early in the day and they don't have the part most of the time they will have by end of day or first thing next day. They deal with mostly shops but treat me right.

 

[Wrench97]

Autozone is our third go to on the list when looking for instock parts, they are good when the part in in the store, but for some reason if they have to pick it up or have sent from the mothership it always becomes a problem from the ticket changing from charge to cash, or showing the part delivered at 7:00 pm(we've been closed for 2.5 hrs by then) then they tell you they can't find the part yet the one they delivered now shows in their inventory.....we asked about a house account once and they told us usually they only do that for shops that have been around for awhile....shop has been in the same spot owned by the same family since 1926...........so I'm not sure how much older a shop can be unless you count working on horses and carriages...

 

[tyromeo55]

Autozone (a true story)

ME:
Howdy, Can I get a single wire alternator? Exact details don't matter for my use, Something like a 60/70s GM would be fine.

Annoyed I'm bothering him during nap time AutoZone employee:
Whats it going in?

Me:
Not relevant to my needs. Just need the alternator. Search for something like 69 Chevy truck alternator.

AutoZone employee:
Sir, You need to tell me what its going into. I have to put it into the computer.

Me:
its going in a 60's mfg Clark forklift but...... (I get stopped short)

AutoZone employee:
Sir we don't sell forklift parts what does this look like? The forklift store?

Me:
I didn't ask for a .... ya know what. Never mind.

Orilleys maybe 10 min later..

Me:
I need a single wire alternator

Orilleys employee who immediately greeted me when I walked in the door.:
will something like 55 amps work ok?

 

[AJHD]

Autozone (a true story)

ME:
Howdy, Can I get a single wire alternator? Exact details don't matter for my use, Something like a 60/70s GM would be fine.

Annoyed I'm bothering him during nap time AutoZone employee:
Whats it going in?

Me:
Not relevant to my needs. Just need the alternator. Search for something like 69 Chevy truck alternator.

AutoZone employee:
Sir, You need to tell me what its going into. I have to put it into the computer.

Me:
its going in a 60's mfg Clark forklift but...... (I get stopped short)

AutoZone employee:
Sir we don't sell forklift parts what does this look like? The forklift store?

Me:
I didn't ask for a .... ya know what. Never mind.

Orilleys maybe 10 min later..

Me:
I need a single wire alternator

Orilleys employee who immediately greeted me when I walked in the door.:
will something like 55 amps work ok?

Sorry to break the bad news, but you got lucky. With the people these parts companies hire, you're expecting way too much.

They don't hire parts specialists or former mechanics, they're more interested in warm bodies and preferably someone who has some selling skills. Especially at O'Reilly, since they are heavily based on commission. I think Napa is as well.

They all heavily lack any form of actual training beyond reading whatever is on the screen. There is some training, but it's super basic and it's not mandatory.

Anyway, if you asked me that question when I worked at AutoZone, I would likely have the same reaction. There is no "single wire alternator" shelf or option in the computer system for that, from what I remember.

I've said it 100 times, the computer system needs a year, make, model, trim level, etc to find parts. That's just the way it's programmed. Anything beyond that and you have to use Google, RockAuto or try a general search on the website. You could also try a part number cross search if you have or find a part number.

 

[WildBill]

I buy alternators and starters at Autozone or O'Reileys and have them tested at Napa before I install them. Napa has a much better tester.

 

[MarineScott]

Not a fan of Auto Zone. Working professionally on cars, and trucks,they could never deliver on time, and people that couldn't do their job. OReilly, delivered within 30 minutes when I ordered parts. I really like Federated auto parts.

 

[cody1325]

Autozone (a true story)

ME:
Howdy, Can I get a single wire alternator? Exact details don't matter for my use, Something like a 60/70s GM would be fine.

Annoyed I'm bothering him during nap time AutoZone employee:
Whats it going in?

Me:
Not relevant to my needs. Just need the alternator. Search for something like 69 Chevy truck alternator.

AutoZone employee:
Sir, You need to tell me what its going into. I have to put it into the computer.

Me:
its going in a 60's mfg Clark forklift but...... (I get stopped short)

AutoZone employee:
Sir we don't sell forklift parts what does this look like? The forklift store?

Me:
I didn't ask for a .... ya know what. Never mind.

Orilleys maybe 10 min later..

Me:
I need a single wire alternator

Orilleys employee who immediately greeted me when I walked in the door.:
will something like 55 amps work ok?

One reason I'm a big fan of O'Reilly of all the auto parts stores I go to--they tend to sell lots of stuff for ag, industrial, and lawn+garden when others don't. Only place in town on a Saturday evening that had a fuel pump to my riding mower. Expensive, but when I absolutely have to have it right now, they pull through.

 

[tyromeo55]

Anyway, if you asked me that question when I worked at AutoZone, I would likely have the same reaction. There is no "single wire alternator" shelf or option in the computer system for that, from what I remember.

I've said it 100 times, the computer system needs a year, make, model, trim level, etc to find parts. That's just the way it's programmed. Anything beyond that and you have to use Google, RockAuto or try a general search on the website. You could also try a part number cross search if you have or find a part number.

First sentence that came out of my mouth had a couple of key words "Alternator" "60/70 GM"
Second set of words that came out of my mouth had the key words "69 Chevy truck alternator"

The AZ guy had all the info needed. I had only been in the store a couple times and I think I could have found one without too much effort. Orilleys guy had way less info and had it in two snaps. Maybe AutoZone only hires the rejects who like tell people 100 times about the all powerful computer and without exact and proper input the associate must immediatly argue with the customer. Some sort of company policy maybe.

 

[gearhead1]

Exactly. He had the info needed.

 

[AJHD]

Maybe AutoZone only hires the rejects

Can't argue with you there, based on my experiences of working with the people I did, and I suppose the fact they hired me.

The store manager of the 1st store I worked at was literally a bi-polar drug addict. He actually knew parts, but my god was he a terrible human being. It didn't really get any better from there.

Overall it was a bad experience, some of the worst people I've ever worked with and frankly a horrible company to work for.

But despite the hatred and complaining, AutoZone stock is over $3,600 per share and is within the top 4-5 highest stock prices in the US (from what I can see). They've also grossed $18+ billion dollars in revenue over the last 12 months.

I would also like to note that most of their sales comes from commercial accounts. The average person walking into the store is just a bonus and not their actual target customer.

The 1st store I worked at was noncommercial and $2,500 a day in sales was a good day. The 2nd store I worked at had commercial and they made over $5,000 by lunch every day just on the commercial side.

 

[rust in the eye]

Sorry to break the bad news, but you got lucky. With the people these parts companies hire, you're expecting way too much.

They don't hire parts specialists or former mechanics, they're more interested in warm bodies and preferably someone who has some selling skills. Especially at O'Reilly, since they are heavily based on commission. I think Napa is as well.

They all heavily lack any form of actual training beyond reading whatever is on the screen. There is some training, but it's super basic and it's not mandatory.

Anyway, if you asked me that question when I worked at AutoZone, I would likely have the same reaction. There is no "single wire alternator" shelf or option in the computer system for that, from what I remember.

I've said it 100 times, the computer system needs a year, make, model, trim level, etc to find parts. That's just the way it's programmed. Anything beyond that and you have to use Google, RockAuto or try a general search on the website. You could also try a part number cross search if you have or find a part number.

This^. A week ago the same guy would be asking you if you wanted fries with your single wire alternator.
As a customer I assume the guy behind the counter knows little (not his fault) so if I need a single wire alternator I'll specify a known application to save all the grief.
FWIW: a '69 Chevy truck would call for a DelcoRemy 10si which is a three wire alternator.

 

[Wrench97]

This^. A week ago the same guy would be asking you if you wanted fries with your single wire alternator.
As a customer I assume the guy behind the counter knows little (not his fault) so if I need a single wire alternator I'll specify a known application to save all the grief.
FWIW: a '69 Chevy truck would call for a DelcoRemy 10si which is a three wire alternator.

It was upgraded to a single wire in the early 80's....

 

[tyromeo55]

FWIW: a '69 Chevy truck would call for a DelcoRemy 10si which is a three wire alternator.

Ha! Shows ya how little I know about chevy truck alternators. I don't feel too bad considering the Autozone guy didn't seem to know either. If he would of looked up what i was asking for and handed me the 10si I could have made that work (as long as he could have dound me the plug to go with it)

Kudos to the Orileys guy for not calling me out and just getting me the part I needed