anyone use rockauto.com for car parts

[cookiedough]

anywhere else besides there to get struts and other suspension/body parts?

I found amazon.com has a few parts I need, but seems www.rockauto.com  has what appears to be the cheapest front struts for my SUV having 69K on OEM ones.  I took to tire place and they were nice enough to put on a lift for 5 minutes to take a look after I could not see anything bad like sway bar links bad, etc. taking off my left front tire, but once on the lift can see the left front strut is leaking oil out the top running down causing a THUNK over large bumps in the road the last 5-10K miles or so. 

the reason I am asking about rockauto  website is there monroe struts (vs. kyb ones) are only like 75 bucks each vs. local farm and fleet for apparently the same monroe struts are 155 bucks each.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/hyundai,2014,santa+fe,3.3l+v6,3300346,suspension,strut,7584

If the part numbers are the same which I think they are,  how can rockauto have the same strut for 75 vs. 155 at local auto repair place?  double the price seems like it cannot be the same monroe struts, can it?

Of course the Hyundai dealer wants 230 bucks EACH for their overpriced 'hyundai' strut plus another 50 bucks per EACH hour labor for 2 hours of work - no thanks!

[f6john]

I have used amazon and rock auto for parts and they are both pretty good. I lean towards rockauto as a preference but sometimes price and shipping becomes the determining factor.

[gastay]

 Rock Auto is my first choice when ordering online. Always gets to northern MN in 2 business days (so far).

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've never used them. But I know they have the most annoying TV commercials.

[cookiedough]

just went onto advanceautoparts.com and although my front monroe struts (same part#s as rock auto) are 115 bucks vs. 75 at rock auto,  they have 50 dollars off coupon code any orders over 100 bucks free shipping to home ending up being then 90 bucks per strut vs. 75 at rock auto.  Plus,  online can use monroe strut having 30 bucks off rebate if buy 2 qualifying struts before Sept. 30th so ends up being same price as rock auto at 75 per strut.   Going to call local advancedautoparts dealer in my area to see if they have in stock the struts I need and opinion on the monroe struts vs. kyg brand costing more.

Only issue then is finding a repair shop willing to install struts I bring in since am sure they will not stand behind any warranty which is fine with me since I can always go back to monroe mfg. myself or advanced auto parts and know for a fact labor is not covered no matter what on a warranty claim having to pay again if they fail.

[old2soon]

              Neighbor has a V-6 Ford Ranger pick up and he needed an exhaust manifold. Ford had the part but way TOO expensive. O'reilly was a bit better but not THAT much better. Rock Auto was the least expensive even with shipping. And B T W-ALL the replacement exhaust manifolds mfg in china. RIDE SAFE.

[signart]

I use them often. Also belong to Olds forum and they keep us up to date on R.A. discount code.
For your use only, everybody else click away

For 5% off till Sept. 30 use code: 8881312480203528

[3fan4life]

When I needed new struts this place was cheaper than Rock Auto:

https://www.am-autoparts.com

I don't see any listed for one newer than 2012 though.

[Gavin_Sons]

I have bought from rock auto several times. Last time was for a radiator for my old 05 Tundra. Advanced auto wanted 278 bucks and I got it from rock auto for 65 bucks. Got it in 2 days and took 2 hours to take old one out and install new one.  

[cookiedough]

When I needed new struts this place was cheaper than Rock Auto:

https://www.am-autoparts.com

I don't see any listed for one newer than 2012 though.

thanks for the link but as you said, very odd no 2013 and newer struts for a hyundai santa fe on the link, good to know though will keep in mind for next time around.  Sounds like most have used and get the correct parts using RockAuto website though with no botched orders of faulty or not as expected parts from them.  Also appreciate the 5% off discount just cannot believe the same Monroe strut is 75 from Rock Auto vs. other 2 places 115 and 155.  Markup must be insanely high for auto parts?

 How can Rock Auto be so cheap though???????  I know they have no customer service only online only with not much overhead being stores to manage and I tried contacting their headquarters in Madison WI 30 miles away from me, but no luck getting a LIVE PERSON though even though I know where they are located so close by.

I prefer LIVE in person store orders since usually a much easier return policy if not used, but for that much difference in price,  might give rock auto a chance over say advanced auto parts which is also local but a LIVE store.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I've worked as a dealership tech for the last 24 years, and I buy 98% of my parts from RockAuto. I like that I am able to pick what brand/type/price range I want. Even with the employee discount, a dealership can't even come close to RockAuto, in most cases anyway.

If you know what the factory parts are, you can sometimes buy the same thing as factory as well.  For example, many Toyota parts are made by Denso. I often find Denso to be one of my options when I need something. For me, it just re-affirms that there is a huge markup at every level.

[JimBob]

I have used RockAuto a dozen or so times over the last year, and I am happy with their service.
As OilBurner mentioned, RockAuto often carries several brands and quality of part, from 'Economy' to 'Daily Driver' to 'Premium'. 
Often RockAuto has the lowest cost, sometimes the local suppliers are comparable. 
As with all mail-order stuff, watch the shipping cost.
Delivery to south Mississippi is usually in the 3-to-5 day range.

As the old song says:
"It pays to shop around."

[Atl-Jerry]

My mechanic uses Rockauto and amazon, then Autozone when time dictates.  The latest order was for a pair of KYB struts for my sons Mazda that were cheaper on Amazon than OEM struts from Rockauto.

[RDKLL]

I have used them before and I have been pleased. I needed a difficult piece when bringing the Fox back into emissions compliance and they were the only ones that had it. The found out they were started by a couple of alumi from where I went to college, Kettering University formerly GMI

[Jersey mike]

I've used rock auto on several occasions with good experience.

I like their prices and their products are of good quality from well known companies.

only one time I had an issue with a side mirror for a Ford van which came with 2 of 4 mounting studs broken. it was difficult to find a customer service number and had to fill out an online complaint.

once I got the number, they made good on the broken mirror and did not want the old one returned. the service rep said I had a good account with purchases I made and no other complaints or return issues, so I guess they keep a record of your purchases.

all in all I trust them and use them when I need something and don't have to have it same day. their shipping costs are not that bad either.

if you order multiple items they may ship from different warehouses and arrive at different days.

[hubcapsc]

I hang out over on the Tacoma forum a lot, and they like
to use rockauto over there...



-Mike

[¿spoom]

Only used Rockauto 2x and had a problem with customer service the second time (they gave ME attitude when they sent the right pads and wrong rotors, with a different part # than on my order.

I have been using these guys since https://www.1aauto.com/ and I believe they have a Canadian connection/location also, for those of you who don't need the customs delays. Like many places, they have GREAT installation videos online, which is worth $$$ to me. 

[cookiedough]

I use them often. Also belong to Olds forum and they keep us up to date on R.A. discount code.
For your use only, everybody else click away

For 5% off till Sept. 30 use code: 8881312480203528

on rockauto website cannot find anywhere to enter a coupon code of the one number above, any ideas? to get an extra 5%?  that 5% will help pay for the shipping charges for struts/sway bar links needed.

[Tx Bohemian]

 Have used Rockauto many times over the years (old auto mechanic here, and a Cheap Bohemian) and mostly had good luck with them and the parts bought from them.

One job I did was replace the struts and mounts on my ’99 Sentra (work car) similar to your venture.


I’ve had one bad dealing with them, although it wasn’t their fault as much as it was the manufactures (Cardone).
I bought a rebuilt distributor for the Sentra (the old one worked good but had an oil seal that leaked and the seal was not serviceable).

I received it, 2-3 weeks later I installed it and went on. About 2 months later it craps out on me!

Now it has been about 3 months since I received it and Rockautos return policy to get a full refund is 30 days (or it was back then, 4-5 yrs ago).
This is where I thought Rockauto failed, not standing behind a part they sold.

So I contact Cardone and after arguing with them they would not refund anything because it was not installed by an “ASE certified” mechanic.
If anyone's familiar with these dist. there is only one way to install them, and since the car ran good for a couple of months obviously it was done correctly.

I was not only an “ASE certified” mechanic but an “ASE MASTER certified” mechanic when I did auto mechanic-ing work many years ago. But I’m not current (don’t need to be in my job now).

The car was wreckered to a garage (it played out on my way to work) and they replaced the distributor with ANOTHER CARDONE REBUILT!!!
AND although this one WAS installed by an “ASE certified” mechanic at the garage it lasted about 8 months and crapped out again!
So the garage installs a different brand re-built dist and it’s been zipping down the road ever since!

So I go back to Cardone and argue with them to see what they say now about their crappy stuff since this last dist WAS installed by an “ASE certified” mech, pretty much figuring I wasn’t going to get anything back but mainly just to vent and let them know what crappy stuff they sell. 
 
And I was right, I’m still waiting for the reimbursement check in the mail.

Sorry for the lengthy "venting" post but the gest of this is be aware of Rockautos crappy "return policy" and don't wait too long before installing incase you need to send the parts back.

[¿spoom]

Have used Rockauto many times over the years (old auto mechanic here, and a Cheap Bohemian) and mostly had good luck with them and the parts bought from them.

One job I did was replace the struts and mounts on my ’99 Sentra (work car) similar to your venture.


I’ve had one bad dealing with them, although it wasn’t their fault as much as it was the manufactures (Cardone).
I bought a rebuilt distributor for the Sentra (the old one worked good but had an oil seal that leaked and the seal was not serviceable).

I received it, 2-3 weeks later I installed it and went on. About 2 months later it craps out on me!

Now it has been about 3 months since I received it and Rockautos return policy to get a full refund is 30 days (or it was back then, 4-5 yrs ago).
This is where I thought Rockauto failed, not standing behind a part they sold.

So I contact Cardone and after arguing with them they would not refund anything because it was not installed by an “ASE certified” mechanic.
If anyone's familiar with these dist. there is only one way to install them, and since the car ran good for a couple of months obviously it was done correctly.

I was not only an “ASE certified” mechanic but an “ASE MASTER certified” mechanic when I did auto mechanic-ing work many years ago. But I’m not current (don’t need to be in my job now).

The car was wreckered to a garage (it played out on my way to work) and they replaced the distributor with ANOTHER CARDONE REBUILT!!!
AND although this one WAS installed by an “ASE certified” mechanic at the garage it lasted about 8 months and crapped out again!
So the garage installs a different brand re-built dist and it’s been zipping down the road ever since!

So I go back to Cardone and argue with them to see what they say now about their crappy stuff since this last dist WAS installed by an “ASE certified” mech, pretty much figuring I wasn’t going to get anything back but mainly just to vent and let them know what crappy stuff they sell. 
 
And I was right, I’m still waiting for the reimbursement check in the mail.

Sorry for the lengthy "venting" post but the gest of this is be aware of Rockautos crappy "return policy" and don't wait too long before installing incase you need to send the parts back.

Interesing. Have you updated Rock Auto on the whole situation and asked if NOW they like to consider a refund, and/or dropping that item from sale, since it's crap with a long fuse?

[signart]

I use them often. Also belong to Olds forum and they keep us up to date on R.A. discount code.
For your use only, everybody else click away

For 5% off till Sept. 30 use code: 8881312480203528

on rockauto website cannot find anywhere to enter a coupon code of the one number above, any ideas? to get an extra 5%?  that 5% will help pay for the shipping charges for struts/sway bar links needed.

There is a box that says "how did you hear about us?"  Just type the number, and only the number in that box. It will automatically take 5% off.

[Tx Bohemian]

Interesing. Have you updated Rock Auto on the whole situation and asked if NOW they like to consider a refund, and/or dropping that item from sale, since it's crap with a long fuse?

Like I said, it's been 4-5 yrs ago and I truly do not remember if I re-contacted Rockauto, but knowing the way I am it'd be unusual that I wouldn't have at least informed them.

Unless at that time I was just so fed up with them I figured "I'll show 'em" and not buy anything from them again!! (that really worked out well, right?)

I have put that interaction behind me (after a couple of years) and have purchased from or at least looked at Rockauto to check prices.

But, as we all know, there are many, many parts stores online to buy from.
And, at least in my experience, they are very good to deal with if there is a problem (wrong part ordered, wrong part sent, etc...)

[¿spoom]

Interesing. Have you updated Rock Auto on the whole situation and asked if NOW they like to consider a refund, and/or dropping that item from sale, since it's crap with a long fuse?

Like I said, it's been 4-5 yrs ago and I truly do not remember if I re-contacted Rockauto, but knowing the way I am it'd be unusual that I wouldn't have at least informed them.

Unless at that time I was just so fed up with them I figured "I'll show 'em" and not buy anything from them again!! (that really worked out well, right?)

I have put that interaction behind me (after a couple of years) and have purchased from or at least looked at Rockauto to check prices.

But, as we all know, there are many, many parts stores online to buy from.
And, at least in my experience, they are very good to deal with if there is a problem (wrong part ordered, wrong part sent, etc...)

Understood, I was just curious. When I got static over their treatment, I just made 1aauto.com my go-to place, and swapped Rockauto.com to the place to go if needed. So far it hasn't been needed, but I wouldn't harm myself by not using them if they had what I needed. 

[cookiedough]

thanks for the info. all and the discount which nearly paid for shipping.

Hard to believe a front strut supposedly same item is 75 bucks vs. 135 bucks elsewhere.  Then again,  I know (since was told) by a few auto repairs shops they markup the parts to order them in.

Just sure hope I get the EXACT same part when it comes in next week since guessing return policy is harder online than at a store in person. 

Now to find a repair shop local that will not markup the labor rate of 2 hours since bringing in my own parts.  I contacted Pomps tire local and they will up the labor rate 21 bucks more per hour if bring in own parts  -  Argghhh!!!

[Tx Bohemian]

thanks for the info. all and the discount which nearly paid for shipping.

Hard to believe a front strut supposedly same item is 75 bucks vs. 135 bucks elsewhere.  Then again,  I know (since was told) by a few auto repairs shops they markup the parts to order them in.

Just sure hope I get the EXACT same part when it comes in next week since guessing return policy is harder online than at a store in person. 

In my experience, if the return is done within Rockautos timeframe, it's just as easy as in person if not easier, depending how far away your nearest UPS is.
I returned a Primary catalytic convertor for my Sentra because the Doof at our local Nissan dealership gave me the wrong info, long story for another time.
My suggestion is to keep the box it came in and all the paperwork.
If there isn't a return shipping label that comes with the initial order call them and they will email you a label and then take it to the local UPS. I think that's the way I did it last time.

Now to find a repair shop local that will not markup the labor rate of 2 hours since bringing in my own parts.  I contacted Pomps tire local and they will up the labor rate 21 bucks more per hour if bring in own parts  -  Argghhh!!!

That SUX!
I've got an advantage here with this.  There is a local independent garage here that WANTS you to bring in your own parts. I guess it saves them the time of ordering and waiting for the parts to arrive. And as far as I know they don't mark up the parts if they order.
Plus they do EXCELLENT work at a very reasonable price.

[98valk]

I always do searches for parts I need. rarely does RA come in cheaper.

Lately I've buying more larger parts from NAPA.  Higher quality compared to all of the junk rebuild outfits out there. They deal with larger well known rebuilders and manufacturers. Plus they have lifetime warranty of many of their parts that they stand behind.
Had a rear caliper on my F250 from advance auto, lifetime, 1 1/2 yrs later it fails. AA, well we don't carry that brand anymore so not really covered under the warranty (this is what a lot of companies are doing). Had to deal with manager, he honored it and gave me a new one which lasted 1 yr. Napa is what is on there now.

[signart]

As far as labor, look for an installer very experienced with installation of struts. You don't want to pay for a learning curve on these. Experienced guy should be able to give you a per strut quote.

[¿spoom]

thanks for the info. all and the discount which nearly paid for shipping.

Hard to believe a front strut supposedly same item is 75 bucks vs. 135 bucks elsewhere.  Then again,  I know (since was told) by a few auto repairs shops they markup the parts to order them in.

Just sure hope I get the EXACT same part when it comes in next week since guessing return policy is harder online than at a store in person. 

Now to find a repair shop local that will not markup the labor rate of 2 hours since bringing in my own parts.  I contacted Pomps tire local and they will up the labor rate 21 bucks more per hour if bring in own parts  -  Argghhh!!!

Repair businesses figure in a profit on labor AND parts. Cut out their parts profit and they have to raise the labor. Try bringing your own steak to a good restaurant and asking them to cook it.

[cookiedough]

thanks for the info. all and the discount which nearly paid for shipping.

Hard to believe a front strut supposedly same item is 75 bucks vs. 135 bucks elsewhere.  Then again,  I know (since was told) by a few auto repairs shops they markup the parts to order them in.

Just sure hope I get the EXACT same part when it comes in next week since guessing return policy is harder online than at a store in person. 

Now to find a repair shop local that will not markup the labor rate of 2 hours since bringing in my own parts.  I contacted Pomps tire local and they will up the labor rate 21 bucks more per hour if bring in own parts  -  Argghhh!!!

Repair businesses figure in a profit on labor AND parts. Cut out their parts profit and they have to raise the labor. Try bringing your own steak to a good restaurant and asking them to cook it.

I have a few local more mom/pop private repair shops that I am unfamiliar with for service to yet call.   personally, I do not buy it marking up the labor simply because they normally markup the parts if ordering them themselves. 

I just ordered from Rock Auto the struts yesterday and got confirmation they should be at my front door step by end of day tomorrow only taking 2 days to arrive.  If that is the case,  that is VERY quick shipping IMO.  One place wants to charge me another .20 of an hour labor to replace the sway bar stabilizer links which I also am replacing but think that is not right since they have to come off anyways to replace the struts since are attached to the struts.  That is not a biggie to me, but marking up say 2.0 hours labor time is not right labor is labor regardless of where the part came from.