Damn You NAPA

[FAW3]

hmm.... I found my Napa to be pretty good, then again it's the eastern Canadian main office / warehouse.
I hit them with a Dana 44 parts list... bearings and seals, calipers, pads, rotors, u-joints.. they had them all.
I usually research part numbers and ask them to dig them up.
There was one instant where Bucky (my name for the pimply kids behind sales counters) looked at me, like a deer in headlights, when I said Jeep Wagoneer, no reaction, then blinked when I said K-10 truck... LOL. I asked for the manager.
I got to know the parts manager, so I don't screw around, I'll walk right up to him, or demand to deal with him directly.

As for replacing Toyota parts, I go OEM all the way.

That's funny...I get that too, not so much on the Jeep Wrangler or the Chev P/U 4x4...but every time I need a part for our BlueBird RV bus. If it ain't in the computer - it does not compute! Often I have to beg to let me look through the stock in the back (relays, solenoids, etc.) and then I find what I need.

 

[TacoDell]

in my experience's with Napa purchases...

I have found that if you buy the cheap $ crap...
you'll get exactly that...

I always request the "premium" products/parts...

and have no complaint whatsoever

these folk are great for OEM stuff and usually offer competitive OEM pricing...
as well as helpful and friendly service. trdparts4u dot com <-- Toyota of Dallas

ask for Jacque or Barb for personalized service. JM 2 cents

 

[alexrex20]

i've only ever had good experiences with NAPA (here in Houston). my only complaint is that there aren't enough locations close enough to me. in my experience, Advance Auto and (some) AutoZone have the worst service, in terms of know-it-all salesmen that look like they just got their driver's license.

 

[4307]

in my experience's with Napa purchases...

I have found that if you buy the cheap $ crap...
you'll get exactly that...

I always request the "premium" products/parts...

and have no complaint whatsoever

X2, the Premium products are the way to go.

 

[Antichrist]

That's funny...I get that too, not so much on the Jeep Wrangler or the Chev P/U 4x4...but every time I need a part for our BlueBird RV bus. If it ain't in the computer - it does not compute! Often I have to beg to let me look through the stock in the back (relays, solenoids, etc.) and then I find what I need.

I feel spoiled by the one here. Yeah, they may look in the computer first, but if it's not there it's off to the catalog rack.
Of if I go in with, say, a solenoid and want to match it up, out comes the catalog with all the solenoids pictured with pin outs and function.

Autozone, etc., are an entirely different story. LOL
Though O'Reilly is next best to NAPA for local customer service. But I think that's just because a couple of the people there think it's cool a guy with Land Rovers comes in to buys stuff.

 

[Applejack]

Update

Okay, so yesterday I picked up my Toyota filter and was able to get it for $27.67 (the mechanic price) roughly $6 more than I paid for the Napa Gold. Here's the difference. The Toyota one actually comes with a new bracket, not sure if that would be worth the extra $19 if you were to pay the normal price of $39 and change but, hey at least your getting something for that extra price.

I also had mentioned my troubles to the parts clerk, and he said that he had heard my story numerous times and while he claimed to be no expert he did offer this suggestion. The Toyota filter threads are purposely masked off when the filter is painted to ensure an exact seating of the pressure fittings. The Napa and other brands are not masked off and the threads are completely painted. Sometimes there can be a larger built up of paint on the threads and mating surface and under the pressure of the fuel system fuel can easily leak past anything but a perfect seal.

When I bolted it up and tightened it down it still leaked and had to snug it up 2 extra times before I got it to stop leaking fuel but still it was less cranking than I did on the Napa filter and now it's good to go. With the Napa filter I cranked it until it was about to break. I guess I may have an extra finicky inlet pressure fitting. It requires a lot more torque to seat than you would ever imagine it should.

 

[Antichrist]

Just out of curiosity I looked to see what the Wix box sold for.
I'm just assuming you have the 6cyl.
The Wix is available with and without the bracket. With the bracket I was surprised at the price range. From $26 down to $4 at Amazon :Wow1:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Wix-33921-Fuel-Filter-Pack/dp/B001DRHNT0"]Amazon.com: Wix 33921 Fuel Filter, Pack of 1: Automotive[/ame]

Now you have my curiosity piqued. I'm going to stop in O'Reilly this week and see if the one in the Wix box is made in China or not.

The guy's explanation about the paint makes sense.

 

[Applejack]

Just out of curiosity I looked to see what the Wix box sold for.
I'm just assuming you have the 6cyl.
The Wix is available with and without the bracket. With the bracket I was surprised at the price range. From $26 down to $4 at Amazon :Wow1:
Amazon.com: Wix 33921 Fuel Filter, Pack of 1: Automotive

Now you have my curiosity piqued. I'm going to stop in O'Reilly this week and see if the one in the Wix box is made in China or not.

The guy's explanation about the paint makes sense.

Yeah I have the 6cyl. Personally I wouldn't bother with a new bracket but, i could see how one might want to. If the 10mm bolt that clamps the filter is rusted in place, then yeah it might make sense to buy the new bracket.
Funny thing, I was given no choice and Napa nor Toyota.
Let us know what you find.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised to find a mix of foreign and domestic manufacturing. My parent company manufactures antenna's (broadcast, cable, cell etc.) and I have watched them transfer more and more of the manufacturing to China. First it was just the casting, then machining and now we only make a few here, mainly it's just engineering stateside. Sad to see it go that way.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I'm at a point where I check prices/availability etc from different manufacturers and companies online before I go anywhere to save myself the time. There are certain thing that NAPA is great for and they also carry lots of decent quality American auto parts. Same with Carquest and Parts Plus (three variants of very similar products).

 

[runrunner]

When I replaced mine I checked with a few dealers (just happened to be at two different ones when I bought my truck) and both looked at me like I was from a different planet when I asked for a fuel filter. Neither carried them in stock and advised that the filters are a lifetime part and should not be replaced.

I ended up ordering one from Amazon as it was so cheap I figured if it didnt work I would toss it. It was a MANN filter which I believe are pretty good. Anyhow, $12 later I had my filter.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-MF-1016-Fuel-Filter/dp/B001DRHMZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1295283604&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Mann-Filter MF 1016 Fuel Filter: Automotive[/ame]

I installed it and it leaked at the outlet fitting. Tightened that sucker down and it was good to go.

As far as the autoparts stores, NAPA is the better one in my opinion. The worst is Knechts. Junk parts and a bunch of idot kids working there. I avoid it like the plague. Autozone also sucks. Carquest and Schmucks (Orielly's) are ok.