where to buy parts?

[mrtwo]

Do ur guys know a good place to buy camry parts, either store or web site?

[Brian R.]

I buy all my parts (with the exception of some dealer-only parts) at NAPA. They ususally have a choice about what quality part you want to pay for: Relatively cheap for the car you don't play on keeping a while, and more expensive with a better warranty for longer-lived cars.

[lgrouper03]

I usually buy my parts from parts.com. It is a nationwide network of car dealerships who are willing to sell OEM parts at discount prices. The parts will still be more expensive than if you go down to the corner automotive parts store, but considerably less expensive than if you walked into your local Toyota dealer. Like the person who posted before me mentioned, it depends on if you want to stay with OEM parts or not. As far as the "corner automotive store", NAPA is one of the best ones out there.

[WickedLexus96]

are u going for OEM or Performance?

[mrtwo]

Originally Posted by WickedLexus96

are u going for OEM or Performance?

OEM, any suggestion?

[yotatechie04]

http://www.toyotaandlexusparts.com/ -- Where I get all of my OEM parts.

[Brian R.]

NAPA is there when you need it. The web stores are fine if you need something that can wait.

[yotatechie04]

Another good point made by you Brian. Any auto parts store that is local will be much quicker than a web store. A must if your Camry is your only means of transportation and it's broken down...

[Brian R.]

Thanks. Often you will be in the middle of a repair job and you will damage the only gasket you have that works, your gasket goop has dried out, or other silly nonsense that makes the work unfinishable. That is one time it pays to keep an eye on the clock so that your local parts dealer is open the whole time you are working on the car.

[yotatechie04]

I agree. I never actually gave it all that much thought, although that would probably explain why my work on our car always seems to take at least two days longer than what it's supposed to... But it's a really good thing to keep in mind when it comes to working on something that can be complicated.

[Brian R.]

My NAPA is open until 9:00 pm and 6:00 pm Sunday. It is a saver sometimes.

When I lived in Chicago, I lived by a part store open 24/7 (except Sun evenings). Those were the good old days...

[mrtwo]

Can u always get what u want at the store? Or they have to order it for u?

[Brian R.]

I end up special ordering from NAPA for alot of more expensive parts, but they have the emergency stuff (gaskets, cleaners, bolts, tools, goop) that I overlook needing before I start or damage during repair. For the more expensive parts, they offer such a selection that they can't possibly stock everything. I think they have alot more parts in stock for domestic car brands than for Foreign cars.

[calvic]

I buy as many body parts, tail lights, etc. off of E-Bay. Of course my Camry is 16 years old, I also buy as many used parts as I can. I'm cheap I guess.

JJ

[Brian R.]

Good idea if you know what you are buying. Also, body parts don't wear out like alternators and such. If they aren't rusted or too badly bent, they are good. I'd hate to buy a used alternator on Ebay.