Why the difference in parts PRICES?

[yahoo1]

Does anyone have any idea why there is such HUGE price differences between competing companies?

I'm thinking about an Escort (1999-2001) Idle Air Control Valve. Autozone's price for one (# TV264) for an SOHC engine, is $57.99. Napa's price, apparently for the same part (#CRB220256), is $199.

Napa's price is apparently well over 3 times as much as Autozones price.
That doesn't make any sense at all, does it? Could anyone please enlighten me about this matter?
Thanks MUCH!!!
yahoo1

[Davescort97]

NAPA is high on all of their parts. I think NAPA has a higher quality product, but there shouldn't be that much difference in price. I always go to Advance or Autozone. NAPA carries parts that other outlets don't. If I can't find a part at the discount parts I usually can get it at NAPA. I think low volume on some parts is offset by higher prices on everything they sell..

[yahoo1]

Thanks for your post, Dave! I still can't believe that there could possibly be a reasonable explanation for one company charging more than 3 times as much as another company. But anyway, thanks for writing!
You might remember me. I posted about the terrible shaking with my 2002 Escort when it's idling. I never got the damn thing working better, even tho' you tried hard to help me with the problem. I've often dreamed that I could take the car to where you are (Arkansas?), and have you do the "Neutralizing" thing with the Motor Mounts.

Oh well, maybe someday I'll break down and try the "new Idle Air Control Valve thing.
regards,
yahoo1

[tripletdaddy]

Napa is good to get those hard to find parts, but I've been surprised a few times when they don't and one of the others do. Lately, I have been finding Napa to be a little more competitive with their pricing. Historically, they will have a better product. But even they have some substandard parts. Most recently I bought an alternator for my Taurus. It was quite expensive though competively priced with the cheaper stores, but after 2 years and 10k, the front bearing is noisy. These things should or at least can last longer. I own a pickup with the original alternator that is 20 years old and 140k. I think this price thing just depends, buyer beware and you get what you pay for, mostly but not always. I have been served well by the cheaper parts stores, and I've not been happy with some of their stuff. I think the cheaper stores can provide their parts cheaper because of several reasons, they cut corners on the part quality, they have volume, cheap foreign manufacturing. Their warranty gimmicks help with sales too. I think their cheaper parts are more for those who don't plan on having the car for long or are willing to take a chance on them like me. Whereas, you want to pay more for some parts for peace of mind or if you plan on having the car for awhile, like that cheap starter from AA that I have replaced two? times, sigh.

[AzTumbleweed]

I third the motion. NAPA is just plain high. I go there as a last resort before going to the dealer. Maybe try a salvage yard?