Question about buying parts form local stores comparied


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Question about buying parts form local stores comparied to amazon.com

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Auto Repair Home>> Truck Repair>> Truck Repair Advice

dawnstruck
New User

Sep 9, 2016, 7:57 AM

Post #1 of 4 (2831 views)

Question about buying parts form local stores comparied to amazon.com	Sign In

I hope I'm asking in the correct place. I just found out yesterday about the work my pickup truck needs. I have not yet personally driven it. My uncle drove it yesterday for the first time.

He told my aunt and she told me what it needs. It needs a alternator and new brakes. I have not dricen it and don't plan to till the brakes and alternator are both fixed. I found a alternator that will match up to my truck on amazon.com for under 90.00 dolalrs and it has a 1 year warrenty and for 16. dollars and some odd cents I can add another 3 year warrenty. So for under 100 I can get a brand new alternator from amazon but if I order from a local store even with the core charge its still over 100.00 and I don't know what kind of warrenty ether from the local stores.

So here's the question? is it just as good going cheaper from a online store like amazon. Or should I spend more and get it through a local auto supply store. I want to save alittle money but I also want to make shore its going to work for me.

I only know of one person that has bought a car part from amazon.com and as far as I know it worked out fine for them.

But I am asking on here because I want a actual comment back on someone elses purchases. I have only ever bought music cds and dvd movies from there.

So which way would work out for the best?

kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Sep 9, 2016, 8:13 AM

Post #2 of 4 (2825 views)

Re: Question about buying parts form local stores comparied to amazon.com	Sign In

sorry not a simple yes no answer.
What type of vehicle is this - What is alternator issue. Brakes what - details will help us help you.

Shop local - returns and swapping for correct part - part and shipping is often the same as local price and its in hand NOW

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 9, 2016, 8:15 AM

Post #3 of 4 (2825 views)

Re: Question about buying parts form local stores comparied to amazon.com	Sign In

Me again. Your call when you are sure you need a part - applies to any purchase for vehicles more sometimes than other things. Who pays all the shipping if defective and core charges which would/could require a return? Figure that out and factor that in.

IDK - I still like to see parts in hand prior to purchase and make sure it's the right one(s) for anything I'm up to. No doubt cost more but saves on mistakes right at a counter usually.

BTW - you could have this alternator tested I think for free if you took it in to a place like Autozone + others that offer to do that for free. Doesn't mean you have to buy anything I hope just the testing.

I'll let you "google" it out and look for a rebuild kit for this alternator and if it doesn't show a voltage regulator it's probably controlled by the ECM supply ground to alternator to make it work and isn't necessarily the alternator at all - fools lots of folks as alternator will bench test good but doesn't work in the vehicle!

Check that - I'm tired if you don't mind or would myself and have to go right now,

Tom

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 9, 2016, 1:18 PM

Post #4 of 4 (2819 views)

Re: Question about buying parts form local stores comparied to amazon.com	Sign In

My opinion is that it's not a great idea to get auto parts from the Internet.

There are so many issues that can occur that having a local supplier to help sort out can make all the difference in the world. Defective or incorrect parts is not uncommon and can be a real hassle when purchased 5 states away. The shipping back and forth with defects and cores can cause severe delays and additional expense.

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(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Sep 9, 2016, 1:19 PM)

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