gamiller
07-30-2007, 03:39 AM
I was a parts runner for Dan G every day last week, and I've figured out who has what at the best prices.
Car Parts
The items required to perform routine maintenance on your car are cheapest at chain stores such as AutoZone. This includes fluids, filters, plugs, and wipers.
For larger ticket items, including alternators, visit Fairfax Auto Parts (a.k.a. Economy Auto Parts). They were consistently cheaper than both AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. For example, a water pump was $53 at Fairfax but $72 at AutoZone. Although they don't have a website, they have a dozen locations, and they have more employees in each location than either of the chains previously mentioned. Moreover, Fairfax Auto Parts still has a machine shop in operation. You can get your rotors turned there for ~$18 or have a flywheel resurfaced or even get an entire 3L rebuilt.
If you need parts that are only available from the manufacturer, Steve at Tousley Ford has better pricing than either Bill J or BAT. Shipping is pretty darn quick, too! I hear they will have an upgraded website soon.
Car Audio
Most stores that sell amps and speakers for your car also try to sell you installation services. If you decide to do the installation yourself, there aren't many options for acquiring the necessary hardware, such as battery terminals, fuses, distribution blocks, and the like. I hear there are some shops in Springfield and Alexandria. For those of us further west, the best option is Safe and Sound in Manassas. They stock just about every possible widget you need to complete your audio setup, and they offer them in both gold and platinum. The clerk was quite helpful as well.
Car Services
There are many reputable repair facilities around, but not many perform custom work. If you want to have an aftermarket exhaust installed or a custom exhaust fabricated or even a turbo setup assembled, I recommend Hi-Flo Custom Exhaust in Manassas. Although I did not have them assemble my turbo, there are very few shops around that have done that sort of work before and not charged an arm and a leg. I met the owner Scott when I bought a hi-flo catalytic converter from him. He manages the shop and also does the work. He was helpful and even invited me to a party at the shop.
I hope my research helps someone. :wave: Feel free to add your own reviews to this thread.
Car Parts
The items required to perform routine maintenance on your car are cheapest at chain stores such as AutoZone. This includes fluids, filters, plugs, and wipers.
For larger ticket items, including alternators, visit Fairfax Auto Parts (a.k.a. Economy Auto Parts). They were consistently cheaper than both AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. For example, a water pump was $53 at Fairfax but $72 at AutoZone. Although they don't have a website, they have a dozen locations, and they have more employees in each location than either of the chains previously mentioned. Moreover, Fairfax Auto Parts still has a machine shop in operation. You can get your rotors turned there for ~$18 or have a flywheel resurfaced or even get an entire 3L rebuilt.
If you need parts that are only available from the manufacturer, Steve at Tousley Ford has better pricing than either Bill J or BAT. Shipping is pretty darn quick, too! I hear they will have an upgraded website soon.
Car Audio
Most stores that sell amps and speakers for your car also try to sell you installation services. If you decide to do the installation yourself, there aren't many options for acquiring the necessary hardware, such as battery terminals, fuses, distribution blocks, and the like. I hear there are some shops in Springfield and Alexandria. For those of us further west, the best option is Safe and Sound in Manassas. They stock just about every possible widget you need to complete your audio setup, and they offer them in both gold and platinum. The clerk was quite helpful as well.
Car Services
There are many reputable repair facilities around, but not many perform custom work. If you want to have an aftermarket exhaust installed or a custom exhaust fabricated or even a turbo setup assembled, I recommend Hi-Flo Custom Exhaust in Manassas. Although I did not have them assemble my turbo, there are very few shops around that have done that sort of work before and not charged an arm and a leg. I met the owner Scott when I bought a hi-flo catalytic converter from him. He manages the shop and also does the work. He was helpful and even invited me to a party at the shop.
I hope my research helps someone. :wave: Feel free to add your own reviews to this thread.