I'm not all that familiar with NAPA but I do know that the local parts chain that I use generally has about 3 grades of parts readily available. You can get cheap, better or pretty good. The cost differential is big between the cheapest junk and the good stuff. If you ask for the good stuff they are happy to sell it to you. I think the problem is that many places are so accustomed to people wanting the best price that they don't always ask if you want something better and if you don't tell them so, you get the cheap junk. I helped a nephew fix his S10 Chevy truck a couple of years back and he got ball joints that I was reluctant to install. It is a bit frightening to think what might be coming down the road at you.
randy -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Rick Knoble Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 12:14 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] surprising experience at autozone > You hit on something with NAPA. They sell higher quality parts than the > others, probably as a quality as the parts Rusty sells. I just hope that > competition does not bring down their quality. In the mean time, I'll > happily pay 2X, 3X or 4X the other guys price for a hose or belt, with the > understanding that I will not be replacing the part next year. I thoroughly agree. Several years ago I needed to rebuild the front end on a 3/4 ton Chevy truck. I bought the AZ lifetime warrantee crap. China junk I 'spose. Lasted a year. Never again. I lothe front end work, even with free parts. Sadly, the NAPA in my town has closed. For all my domestic auto parts needs I buy from www.rockauto.com . OEM quality parts, delivered quickly. Obviously, for all of my foriegn auto needs, I turn to Rusty. He can get OEM quality parts for Asian and European makes. Rick Knoble 190 dt 300 cd _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com