Is auto Zone a rip off?

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What do you guy’s think about Auto Zone in general and more specifically what do you think of their prices? I for one have always shopped at auto. and just recently bought my oil and filter to do an oil change. they were running a deal so I only spent about $25 dollars for a 5+ gallon jug of gtx high mileage and a Bosch filter and got a $7 dollar mail in rebate for the oil and a $2 one for the filter. So in this case after the rebate ill have spent $16 which is a pretty sweet deal. The oil normally runs between $23-$28 dollars at auto zone. And the filter for about $6 or $7. without the sale or rebate I would have spent $32. But today while at Wal-Mart I noticed the same oil for $18. I didn’t see any bosch filters but they had a Fram tough guard filter for $6 which is what I normally use. So if I would have bought it at Wal-Mart then I would have spent $24. In this case without any sales auto zone would have been 8 dollars more expensive than Wal-Mart. It’s the same way for windshield wipers. Wal-Mart tends to have windshield wipers 3-5 dollars cheaper than auto zone. So it seems that when it comes to maintenance parts for vehicles that auto zone over charges you. At least that’s how it is where I live. Ill purchase parts from them but from now on I’m going to check Wal-Mart’s prices on everything else. So what do you all think? Is auto zone a rip off when it comes to maintenance parts? Is it worth shopping at Wal-Mart to save an extra buck? And where do you guys normally shop for repair and maintenance parts?

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[twiggy]

Lately I’ve been noticing that the automotive selection at Walmart has been declining to the point that it’s starting to be a waste of time and gas to go there just to turn around to go to Autozone or Advance Auto anyways for the basic oils.

Also starting to notice that pricewise on anything not just automotive stuff Walmart is not that competitive anymore.

[mckrishes]

i usually go to the closest parts store which in my area is o’reily. i check the prices and availibility online first and usually there isn’t much of a price difference. i only buy basic stuff at walmart – i.e. – oil, filter, basic tools, tape, etc.

[Trcustoms719]

I have a pretty good super wal-mart by me i buy my oil and filters, brake cleaner, carb spray, and stuff like that.

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