Question about NAPA auto parts...

[96ToyoCam164K]

I thought NAPA only sold OEM quality parts? When I bought my plug wires (NGK) and my thermostat it said OEM quality.

Well, this last go I bought an A/C drier and expansion valve. Apparently, they were made in China and when the mechanic started working on it, he said he had to run to the dealer to get o-rings because it was missing some, and that it was a 'universal' fit.

So Im thinking, all this time I've switched to NAPA...but seems like their parts are still aftermarket. Can anyone clarify that?

[LynchburgCSI]

OEM Quality is NOT OEM. NAPA doesn't carry OEM Toyota parts.

/Thread.

[fenixus]

OEM parts can be bought from dealers only either locally or online (much cheaper). "OEM quality" means they are as durable as OEM parts (but are NOT OEM parts). similar about "OE fit", means the shape and other characteristics resemble OEM part, but are NOT OEM parts.

you from Texas ?
there is good online dealer in there, not 100% sure but i think this is the one:
www.toyotapartszone.com
1-877-798-7428

if somebody bought anything from them, they can give you local address from the invoice (yes they are "normal" dealer as all other online OEM dealers).

[JohnGD]

Not necessarily. Some parts are made by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) but others by aftermarket makers to OE specs.

For example, if you were to order Denso spark plugs through NAPA, then they are OEM; but if you order Autolite Iridiums, then they are only made to OE specs, and they're not OEM. However, if you order NGK spark plugs, while listed in Toyota manuals, it's only to OE specs. Because Denso is the OEM for these things (Denso like a bed-fellow company to Toyota; Delco to GM; Visteon to Ford; etc etc). However, IMO NGK plugs are superior to Denso.

If you want a/c parts made by OEM, then select from part numbers listed in densoaftermarket.com. NAPA can probably order them, but usually they stock something like Four Seasons.

NAPA in general is more selective of what they carry than most parts stores. And I actually use them often. And you'll get an idea of who is OEM and who isn't after a while. Like others said, otherwise just pick from one of the online dealers on the cheap.

Originally Posted by 96ToyoCam164K

I thought NAPA only sold OEM quality parts? When I bought my plug wires (NGK) and my thermostat it said OEM quality.

Well, this last go I bought an A/C drier and expansion valve. Apparently, they were made in China and when the mechanic started working on it, he said he had to run to the dealer to get o-rings because it was missing some, and that it was a 'universal' fit.

So Im thinking, all this time I've switched to NAPA...but seems like their parts are still aftermarket. Can anyone clarify that?

[fenixus]

yeah, i forgot that you can atually buy some OEM parts (some Denso parts for sure, Aisin maybe) through chain stores, even at autozone.

best way to easy get original OEM part numbers is put your VIN on this site and get them from listing:
www.toyodiy.com/parts

you may need to pick between Japan made (J) or american models (L) or different chassis version still. then with this part number you can check online dealers (there is a lot of them in different corners of USA).