NAPA Filters

[buddydawg]

I was pricing filters at my local NAPA a few weeks back and they wanted $70 for an air filter (Part No. 2966).  I decided to look around and found one online from Global Fleet Filtration for $40.40 which was a much better deal.  Now the website wasn't the most impressive and I was a little skeptical at first but I went ahead and placed an order for the air filter, 2 sets of fuel filters and an oil filter.  Saved about $30 total, including shipping.  Order arrived in about 3 days.  Just thought I'd pass it on.

[jjrbus]

Thanks Buddy, I'm always interested in new and better sources.  Jim        OK, you got me cheaper!!

[Busted Knuckle]

Buddy,
Hey it's great to save $. Trust me I love to do it all the time! But also remember that sometimes more than $ counts!
At least in my case it does. When we need something RIGHT away NAPA is ALWAYS there to help me! And if they don't have it in stock, theyusually get it that afternoon or by morning for me! Also I can call them, and tell them what I need and shortly after a cute delivery girl shows up hands me my parts, and has me sign a ticket! Once a month mom gets a bill and I'm happy! LOL!

All said though you are absolutely correct is great to save $ anytime you can!
And for you and most other bus nuts it doesn't pay to patronize the local parts house.
But if I intend for the local parts guy to survive to be there when I really need him (which is like ASAP most of the time), then I have to bite the bullet and pay some mark up from time to time when I know I could wait and get it cheaper!

But then again if "I need it next week I'd call next week, but since I'm calling today it means I needed it YESTERDAY!" ! LOL!

Trust me my local NAPA guys know this about me and that's why they love me and all fight to see who HAS TOO deal with me when I walk in! Not to mention they know if I'm walking in it ain't no simple enter in the computer part and find it sitting on the shelf! It means scouring through parts book after parts book and finding the right part comparing specs and ORDERING it! LOL! By the way they really love it when I walk in 5 mins before closing time! Looking for a cross match part for a GERMAN spec SETRA! !
  BK 

[buddydawg]

BK

I agree you should try to patronize the local business.  When I lived in Sandersville GA the NAPA guys were always helpful, not so much the case where I am now.  I guess it is the difference between a small town and big city.

[Busted Knuckle]

BK

I agree you should try to patronize the local business.  When I lived in Sandersville GA the NAPA guys were always helpful, not so much the case where I am now.  I guess it is the difference between a small town and big city.

So SAD, but TRUE!    BK   

[jjrbus]

When I was in Arcadia FL, I loved going to Fenders the local parts house, not NAPA.  I would gladly pay more for my parts there. They were knowlegable, helpful, very service orientated. Would spend 30 min cross referencing a $2 part. for a couple nuts, bolts would not even bother charging for them!!
With all these other AutoZone type places if I can save a nickle, I will mailorder!!!  Jim

[kyle4501]

When I find a good parts man, I find it's cheaper in the long run to pay his price, even if it is a bit higher.
There are different quality suppliers. Even if they all have a 'lifetime' warranty, I tire easily at replacing the same part over & over - even if it is under warranty. Often, a little more up front saves.

That said, I'm seeing more & more of the good parts guys venture onto the web & go 'on-line' with their services. When that happens, we all win! 
Sharing on-line experiences helps the good sources stand above the crooks & crap. 

[TomC]

On my last trip, I needed to replace the air filter element on my Donaldson.  I ordered one through NAPA that was made by Baldwin.  It looked exactly the same, except Baldwin put just slightly thicker gaskets on it that made sealing the air filter almost impossible.  Next time, I'll specify a Donaldson replacement element.  Good Luck, TomC

[pete81eaglefanasty]

You are right, Napa is a great place to get parts, but like you said most of the time you have to order them.  I've come to the conclusion that Napa stands for:

N never
A any
P parts
A available

Do you think they stand up to their name?  Still a good place to get parts if your not in a hurry.

                 Pete

[gus]

NAPA is almost always higher priced than anybody else in my experience.

I just recently had to buy a clearance light for my 4104. NAPA price was $40, my local Bumper-Bumper was $32, I ordered them from Truck Parts in NC for $19.95 + shipping. Since I ordered three of them I ended up paying around $25 each.

[Busted Knuckle]

NAPA is almost always higher priced than anybody else in my experience.
I just recently had to buy a clearance light for my 4104. NAPA price was $40, my local Bumper-Bumper was $32, I ordered them from Truck Parts in NC for $19.95 + shipping. Since I ordered three of them I ended up paying around $25 each.

Try ordering from MCI, SETRA, PREVOST, NEOPLAN, ETC!
FWIW   BK 

[Len Silva]

Heck, try ordering from General Motors

[bobofthenorth]

NAPA is almost always higher priced than anybody else in my experience.

Try ordering from MCI, SETRA, PREVOST, NEOPLAN, ETC!
FWIW   BK 

Gotta disagree with you on that one BK.  I have found Prevost Parts to be very reasonably priced and actually less than NAPA on every occasion that I have actually compared prices.  I agree with you though that you need to support your local businesses whenever possible.  In the long term cheaper isn't always.

You wanna see expensive though try buying something with a "Marine" stamp on it.  Those guys are really proud of their parts.

[Gary '79 5C]

Guys, am I spoiled in driving by US Coach on my way to work. Purchased my last Air Filter for $ 55 (Baldwin). If I could buy cheaper, I could not afford the experience and kindness extended @ US Coach.

Stopped by today to yap for a while. Luke and Bill look great.

Gary

[Busted Knuckle]

Gotta disagree with you on that one BK.  I have found Prevost Parts to be very reasonably priced and actually less than NAPA on every occasion that I have actually compared prices.  I agree with you though that you need to support your local businesses whenever possible.  In the long term cheaper isn't always.

You wanna see expensive though try buying something with a "Marine" stamp on it.  Those guys are really proud of their parts.

Bob down here in the states buying from PREVOST is just like buying from any other dealer whether it be chevy, ford, MCI, etc! FWIW
  BK