Kait ScirriNAPA Auto Parts, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts all sell car parts, but their store policies and services differ. AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly offer free in-store pickup and free shipping on online orders, but offer limited in-store services; meanwhile, NAPA has affiliated service centers that offer a Peace of Mind Nationwide Warranty. Below, we have more details of how Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts compare in terms of inventory, pricing, services, and customer reviews.
Table of Contents
What We Recommend
As mentioned above, each auto parts store has different specialties. If you need to have your car serviced, NAPA is likely your best option, since it offers full-service repair centers. However, if you are looking for the widest selection of auto parts that you can find in stores or have them shipped to a store on the same day, AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts have comparable offerings in this area. If you need a combination of basic repair services and retail shopping, O’Reilly’s stores offer several free services as well as a wide selection of parts and products.
Comparison Table
We’ve reviewed the following categories to point out the differences and similarities between NAPA, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly: inventory and pricing, service centers, and customer opinions. See the table below for a quick comparison, then click any company or scroll for more details.
| Company | Inventory | Price Matching | Services | Ways to Save | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAPA Auto Parts | Varies by location -- each store is independently owned | No companywide policy; varies by location | Full-service repair shops; 2-year warranty | Monthly specials, rebates, and rewards | A- |
| AutoZone | Consistent across most stores, and you can choose in-store pick-up | In-store with proof of competitor's price | No repair shops, but it does have a Shop Referral Program; typically replaces brake lights and installs batteries | Deals and savings, in-store rebates | A+ |
| Advance Auto Parts | Consistent across most stores, and you can choose in-store pick-up | In-store with proof of competitor's price | No repair shops, but it does offer battery testing and installation, check engine light scanning, wiper blade installation, etc. | Coupons and Speed Perks savings | A+ |
| O'Reilly Auto Parts | Consistent across most stores, and you can choose in-store pick-up | In-store with proof of competitor's price | Battery testing, bulb installation, check engine light testing, battery and fluid recycling, alternator testing, etc.; select stores offer things like paint mixing, rotor resurfacing, etc. | Discounts, rebated, and member rewards | B- |
NAPA Auto Parts
Inventory and Pricing
NAPA Auto Parts stores are individually owned and operated, so product inventory may vary by location — and parts listed online won’t necessarily be available at your local NAPA Auto Parts. You can, however, search for parts by entering the year, make, and model of your vehicle on its website. You can then order online or contact your nearest NAPA Auto Parts to see if it has the item in stock. For online orders, there is a flat-rate shipping fee of $7.95.
Price Matching and Savings
According to our communications with the company, the auto parts retailer does not price match, but, locally, some NAPA Auto Parts stores may price match with local competitors (as previously reported). This policy will vary by location. Other NAPA savings opportunities include monthly specials and rebates.
Service Centers
NAPA Auto Care Centers are full-service repair shops. The advantage of using a NAPA Auto Care Center is that it offers a free Peace of Mind Nationwide Warranty. The warranty covers qualifying parts and labor for 24 months or 24,000 miles and is honored at every NAPA Auto Care location nationwide; there are more than 12,000 locations in North America. To find your nearest NAPA Auto Care Center, use the shop locator.
Consumer Ratings
NAPA Auto Parts has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with a mix of positive and negative customer reviews and more than 25 complaints. The complaints range from advertising/sales and billing/collections to problems with products/services. NAPA has responded to and resolved most of the complaints listed.
AutoZone
Inventory and Pricing
You can search for specific parts for your car on AutoZone’s website when you click “Add a Vehicle.” AutoZone offers same-day, in-store pickup for parts that are available at your nearest AutoZone. For online shopping, AutoZone offers free shipping on ground orders of at least $25. Some items are even eligible for free next-day delivery.
Price Matching and Savings
AutoZone does not price match online pricing, but AutoZone will price match any competitor that has a physical store location (as previously reported), as long as you have proof of the competitor’s price.
AutoZone also offers regular deals and in-store rebates.
Service Centers
AutoZone does not have its own repair shops. It will do things like replace brake lights (most of the time) and install batteries but AutoZone will not change your oil. It does, however, refer customers to local mechanics in its Shop Referral Program. Individual repair shops will have their own warranty and protection policies, an AutoZone customer service representative said. To find a referred repair shop near you, use AutoZone’s Find a Repair Shop tool.
Consumer Ratings
AutoZone has an A+ rating from the BBB, but all of the customer reviews are negative. AutoZone also has more than 25 complaints ranging from advertising/sales and billing/collections to problems with products/services. Most complaints were responded to and resolved by AutoZone.
AutoZone also has customer testimonials on its website. The most common customer testimonials mention knowledgeable employees, prompt and courteous customer service, and recognition for individual employees who went above and beyond.
Advance Auto Parts
Inventory and Pricing
The Advance Auto Parts website allows you to add a vehicle when searching for products online; you’ll need to enter the vehicle type (car/truck or motorcycle), year, make, model, and engine. Store pickup is available as soon as 30 minutes after you reserve the item online, as long as it is in stock at your local store. Additionally, free shipping is available for orders over $25 to any address in the continental U.S.
Price Matching and Savings
Advance Auto Parts does price match as long as the product is identical or highly similar and in-stock from the competitor. Advance Auto Parts stores cannot match online competitors, only brick-and-mortar stores. Additionally, price match items at AdvanceAutoParts.com must be available for same-day pickup from the competitor if they are available for store pickup. For any price match in-store or online, you must provide proof of the competitor’s current, valid lower price for approval by an Advance Auto Parts team member.
Advance Auto Parts’ savings opportunities include coupons and exclusive savings for Speed Perks members.
Service Centers
Advance Auto Parts does not operate repair shops, but it does offer a mechanic locator on its website. You can enter your vehicle make and filter to the exact service you need to find a local mechanic that can service your vehicle.
Advance Auto Parts also offers in-store services, including battery testing, battery installation, check engine light scanning, loaner tools, starter and alternator testing, oil and battery recycling, and wiper blade installation. These services are available at most Advance Auto Parts locations and are free of charge, though installation services do require you to purchase your battery or wiper blades from Advance Auto Parts.
Consumer Ratings
Advance Auto Parts is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating. It does have negative customer reviews on its BBB profile, but actively responds to and resolves complaints. Though some of the criticisms refer to limited warranty coverage and online payment issues, the majority of the complaints are related to defective products. Advance Auto Parts’ BBB profile shows a history of resolving these claims by offering full refunds.
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Inventory and Pricing
O’Reilly Auto Parts allows you to search its inventory online by product, category, brand, or part number. You can browse by category, too, and filter the category or search results to fit your vehicle.
Most items listed on the O’Reilly website are available for free store pickup; if the item is not in stock, O’Reilly can ship it to the store within 24 to 48 hours. If you prefer to ship the item to your home, O’Reilly also offers free shipping on online orders over $35.
Price Matching and Savings
O’Reilly does price match in-store purchases with identical items from brick-and-mortar competitors. See our related article for more about the O’Reilly Low Price Guarantee and other ways to save.
Service Centers
O’Reilly Auto Parts offers a selection of free services at its stores: battery testing, bulb installation, check engine light testing, fluid and battery recycling, starter and alternator testing, and wiper blade installation. Select stores offer the additional services of custom-built hydraulic hoses, custom paint mixing, drum and rotor surfacing, and tool rental for a fee. To find a repair shop near you, use the Find an Automotive Service Professional tool.
Consumer Ratings
O’Reilly Auto Parts is not BBB-accredited and has a B- rating. The retailer does answer and resolve issues through the BBB, but has several unresolved complaints which are contributing to its lower rating. Common complaints include denial of warranty claims and defective parts. The company’s profile shows that these issues are often resolved through exchanges and refunds.
In Summary
While NAPA, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly are all popular national auto parts retailers, they have a few distinct differences. NAPA Auto Parts stores are individually owned and operated, so inventory will vary by store. AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts offer same-day, in-store pickup when you order online and free shipping for online orders over $25, while the minimum purchase for free shipping with O’Reilly is $35. NAPA Auto Parts has its own affiliated service centers, whereas AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly may offer basic services, but will likely refer you to a mechanic in your area. The decision of where to shop will depend on which products or services you are looking for, as well as your personal preferences for how to shop.
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