To me that is like comparing apples to oranges. Comparing cheap parts, which may last a couple years to the more expensive OEM part that may go 10-15 years? Which would you rather have?

I had a friend that replaced his starter four times in two months, he was getting them from Auto Zone, I finally talked him into getting a rebuilt one from the dealer and it was still working great four years later when he sold it. He did not go to the dealer in the first place because it was seventy-five dollars more. In his words ôwhatÆs the difference, they are both rebuiltö. It comes down to the quality of the rebuild. I can go on and on about aftermarket parts compared to OEM parts but I think you get my point.

It makes sense, you get what you pay for. But I'm a poor college student and I really only need this truck to last another year or so. I could pay $40 at Napa or AAP, or $200 at Toyota. If I can actually find a $40 part that works, I'm sure it will last a year or two. For me $200 for a part is just out of the question. That's a payment on a new truck. I feel I have a right to be troubled by the fact that time after time I have to re-buy parts. If you buy a cheap tv, you get crappy picture quality and it might only last 2 years, but I guarentee you won't have a 50% failure rate out of the box. What is the problem with auto parts? My problems with the local toyota dealer go waaaay beyond the price of parts.

After market parts are getting more expensive, and Toyota dealership prices are going down. To the point that I keep finding dealership parts for less than after market parts.

I've no preference for stores, but I'll follow a good parts man anywhere. A clueless kid on the computer is of no use to me.

I guess my semi-favorite store is bumper to bumper. They tend to have the best parts counter. Prices aren't the cheapest, but the quality is usually ok to good, and the people on the counter are genuinely helpfull.

Napa would be my biggest disapointment. For years they were fine. But recently they jumped onto the trash bandwagon with both feet. Now they sell some of the worse stuff on the market.

It's not price for me at all.

For example, I got some wheel bearings from advance auto and they were garbage. I mean just china made stamped sheet metal is what made one side of the bearing. Would it work? Sure. Compared to what other places offer for about $5 more, no thanks.

For parts I go with Toyota either from a dealer or an online distributer. That way I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever the part is it will easily last 10 years. To me it is well worth the extra money to have such fantastic marvels of engineering in my vehicle.

If I have time to order stuff I like engnbldr and Marlin for the areas they cover, but for everyday repairs NAPA parts have held up well and they give most everyone a 15% discount.

Had very bad experiences buying aftermarket U-joints at Chkrs and Azone. Napa did me right.

Toyota dealers are certainly a good choice. My only bad experience from Toyota is their REBUILT waterpumps. They told me they no longer sell NEW ones. I went through two in a VERY short amount of time. Bought one from Enginebldr and it has lasted 30k so far.

I have been buying most of my stuff from 1sttoyotaparts.com. The have good prices and are easy to deal with and the shipping is always reasonable.

locally I go to NAPA, most of the guys at the store in town have been there for awhile and know there stuff. Although there is one goofy kid I do avoid. If i'm next in line and he offers to help me I let the person behind me go <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> .

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I have the same problem where I live. I avoid the kid like oil in water. Even though I'm only 21 myself. This kid has steered me wrong in everything! NO JOKE...EVERYTHING!