Supercheap Auto, not so cheap anymore?

[uniacidz]

Yeh the boxing day sale advertising was rubbish as said was the biggest sale ever. It wasn't .
Weeks prior they did a 30% roadside members discount that was better.

Autobarn is meh
Bursons is meh
Repco better and this weekend good selective sale and 20% off anything for month of Feb for roadside members

I will always check sales and promotions as using one store would be silly otherwise on most occasions
Even the Supercheap Auto Catalogue is not useful anymore.

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[The Yeti]

Unless you wanted air freshener, seat covers or frangipani stickers it's never been particularly cheap and they've never had much of a range, I've never bothered with purchasing more than a stop light globe on. A Sunday afternoon form there because I overall price cheaper at my local parts store

[commodorenutt]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

.....Even PACCAR (Kenworth truck parts) I've found Toledo tools cheaper than SCA and Repco.

I'm not into trucks, but at work we get the PACCAR monthly catalogue, as we're an OEM supplier to them (and occasionally do some of those specials).

Prices are often very, very good on a decent range of products - some of which cover both automotive and trucks. A much better catalogue than the rubbish from the big-box stores.

[mike_nofx]

Its unusual that people say Repco is well priced.

I have a local Autobarn, Supercheap, Auto one and Repco. Calling around for parts, Repco is almost always the most expensive. Generally Autobarn and Auto one are the best prices for most things, but when supercheap has 20% off then they are cheapest.

Autobarn seems to have the most stock of different oil types, and most range of harder to find parts.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Its unusual that people say Repco is well priced.

I have a local Autobarn, Supercheap, Auto one and Repco. Calling around for parts, Repco is almost always the most expensive. Generally Autobarn and Auto one are the best prices for most things, but when supercheap has 20% off then they are cheapest.

Autobarn seems to have the most stock of different oil types, and most range of harder to find parts.

Couple years back I would have said Repco would be one of the dearest auto spares around but in the last two years their prices have dropped, many discounts & specials, one thing I have noticed lately is they seem to be wanting to break in the Auto accessories side of the market as they were traditionally spare parts only.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by trublu

Couple years back I would have said Repco would be one of the dearest auto spares around but in the last two years their prices have dropped, many discounts & specials, one thing I have noticed lately is they seem to be wanting to break in the Auto accessories side of the market as they were traditionally spare parts only.

My very last call to Repco less than a week ago for a BF Alternator.
$650 from Repco, or $330 for genuine from Ford.

Ball joints were twice the price of everywhere else less than a month ago.

However, they do offer 20% year round for NRMA members.

[.:4:.]

One thing I capitalise on at repco, if I rock up in my work clothes (I'm an electrician not a mechanic) they give me trade prices. As dishonest as that sounds, I don't ask for it, I just choose not to say anything when it's offered.

[Jastel]

I rarely buy at Supercheap unless its something on special, likewise Autobarn.
Bursons and Repco and Independants are similar prices here, whenever one gets a bit high I tell them so and show them the invoice from the others.
It mainly depends on who you get on the counter I find.

Supercheap etc have generally bought the prices down over the last 20 years or so, so I think it's more the others are getting cheaper and price matching more than Supercheap getting more expensive.

QUALITY of all spare parts has really dropped however...along with the price.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by commodorenutt

I'm not into trucks, but at work we get the PACCAR monthly catalogue, as we're an OEM supplier to them (and occasionally do some of those specials).

Prices are often very, very good on a decent range of products - some of which cover both automotive and trucks. A much better catalogue than the rubbish from the big-box stores.

Good quality tools, (car or truck) can be found at Gleemans truck parts in Sydney SW who also produce a great catalogue.

[Dyln.bxtr]

I've read most of the thread. But I've got to agree. Up here in Cairns, supercheap is utter **** and has F all range of stock. And still highly expensive (targeted at dunny whores and the bogans who drive them).
Repco is still my choice of parts, but sadly the one up here is the as good as the one I came from in Brisbane (2nd largest in the country). But, they still seem to have those odd bits and bobs for the XC. And what they don't have, the
Autobarn is for the higher end tools, and specialised gear. Such as braided lines and the gear for them.

But, I probably buy 90% of my stuff online through eBay. Cheaper. Arrives at the door and often better quality than I could actually get in store around here.

I am yet to find a speed shop.

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[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by marty351

Repco FTW!

Yep
REPCO with RACV discount, good value all the time without having to wait for overpriced items to go on special discounts when the moon turns blue.

[tommof]

So Guys, what do you do when you need parts straight away?
My son dropped in on way home from work, on a friday, in his BF duel fuel wagon with a severe case of the staggers - farting, stuttering and obviously running on less than 6 cyls. Car was too hot to touch then. He needed it for work Monday of course.
So bought it back Saturday and quickly diagnose 2 crook coils. All 6 no brand ebay suspects.
Repco wanted more than 50 each but got 2 SCA calibre brand straight away for 25 each with their trade discount. Didn't bother Bursons the thieving ******. Ebay stuff was cheaper but a 5 day wait...
Car fixed with no doubt the rest will fail soon but it got him back on the road.

So if you want parts straight away where do you go?

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by tommof

So Guys, what do you do when you need parts straight away?
My son dropped in on way home from work, on a friday, in his BF duel fuel wagon with a severe case of the staggers - farting, stuttering and obviously running on less than 6 cyls. Car was too hot to touch then. He needed it for work Monday of course.
So bought it back Saturday and quickly diagnose 2 crook coils. All 6 no brand ebay suspects.
Repco wanted more than 50 each but got 2 SCA calibre brand straight away for 25 each with their trade discount. Didn't bother Bursons the thieving ******. Ebay stuff was cheaper but a 5 day wait...
Car fixed with no doubt the rest will fail soon but it got him back on the road.

So if you want parts straight away where do you go?

Get the spare car from the office and leave yours at the mechanics? Other then that I don't know. I do own a car but I never have had to own one.

[tommof]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Get the spare car from the office and leave yours at the mechanics? Other then that I don't know. I do own a car but I never have had to own one.

Good answer

Unfortunately not an answer in the self employed circus....

[Dyln.bxtr]

Originally Posted by tommof

So Guys, what do you do when you need parts straight away?
My son dropped in on way home from work, on a friday, in his BF duel fuel wagon with a severe case of the staggers - farting, stuttering and obviously running on less than 6 cyls. Car was too hot to touch then. He needed it for work Monday of course.
So bought it back Saturday and quickly diagnose 2 crook coils. All 6 no brand ebay suspects.
Repco wanted more than 50 each but got 2 SCA calibre brand straight away for 25 each with their trade discount. Didn't bother Bursons the thieving ******. Ebay stuff was cheaper but a 5 day wait...
Car fixed with no doubt the rest will fail soon but it got him back on the road.

So if you want parts straight away where do you go?

Trade discount is out of reach for the rest of us. I am intending to try and convince the local repco to sign me up on a trade discount, that way I'll go straight through them rather than ebay.

If I need a part in a hurry, I will always go repco and get the name brand. With my RACQ discount, I'm not complaining. Considering the old girl is my forever car.
Supercheap I only ever go to for degreaser and detailing gear on special (or other can't be beat specials).

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[87xfdriver]

Originally Posted by tommof

So Guys, what do you do when you need parts straight away?
My son dropped in on way home from work, on a friday, in his BF duel fuel wagon with a severe case of the staggers - farting, stuttering and obviously running on less than 6 cyls. Car was too hot to touch then. He needed it for work Monday of course.
So bought it back Saturday and quickly diagnose 2 crook coils. All 6 no brand ebay suspects.
Repco wanted more than 50 each but got 2 SCA calibre brand straight away for 25 each with their trade discount. Didn't bother Bursons the thieving ******. Ebay stuff was cheaper but a 5 day wait...
Car fixed with no doubt the rest will fail soon but it got him back on the road.

So if you want parts straight away where do you go?

Nine times out of ten I'd go the wreckers!

[eb2fairmont]

Repco with motorist club discount for the win

Bursons for someone who knows what the hell you are after without having to look at a book.

Super cheap only good for buying car cleaning products and degreaser

[Dyln.bxtr]

Originally Posted by eb2fairmont

Repco with motorist club discount for the win

Bursons for someone who knows what the hell you are after without having to look at a book.

Super cheap only good for buying car cleaning products and degreaser

I've found that Bursons rarely knows what they are doing. 9 times out of 10 I will go in and be flooded with questions as though I don't know what I'm doing (in reality I know more...)
Repco, I don't get any of that bull ****. They respect me as much as I do them. Few others seem to work that way nowadays..... autobarn included.

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[.:4:.]

Ok,I understand that the majority of people who work in major car part chains have little to no idea of what they are trying to sell. Whatever, if I know exactly what I want I'll buy it. Getting a car back from the mechanic still acting up from a fault that couldn't be diagnosed. Hmmmm. Turns out they weren't happy when I told them the failed part. I could understand it if I was a mechanic, but I'm an electrician. Turbo diesels don't like boost leaks

[Dauphin]

Originally Posted by tommof

...Repco wanted more than 50 each but got 2 SCA calibre brand straight away for 25 each with their trade discount. Didn't bother Bursons the thieving ******. Ebay stuff was cheaper but a 5 day wait...
Car fixed with no doubt the rest will fail soon but it got him back on the road.

So if you want parts straight away where do you go?

Different story here. I went to get brake pads for a Kia and SCA told me it was a deleted line and I'd have to wait a week for them to get them in, and they were about $50.

I went to Repco and they had three different brands in stock, got them for $35!

[mike_nofx]

I guess what we can learn here, and likely already knew, is that there is no one single cheapest store. Ranges and prices vary from store to store and that's how each place stays in business.

What I do love about Supercheap and Autobarn is that they advertise all their products and specials online, so price comparisons between the two stores is so easy from the comfort of your own home and no need to ring around. Repco and other parts stores have lost plenty of my business for not offering prices and range online. Repco is huge, I see no reason not to offer an online service.

[blackf6]

If you can't fix it with race tape, or a hammer. It's not broken.

[Crazy Dazz]

Personally, I prefer to be served by a 15yr old and pay cheaper prices,
than some bloke who thinks working in a shop for 30 years makes him an expert on everything.
People with a "little bit of knowledge" are dangerous.

What kinda annoys me about SCA, although it rarely catches me out, is when they sell some generic piece of Chinese junk, with some random "brand name" and literally want 5 times the price you can buy the same thing for online.

[Express]

Interesting thread as I didn’t think people actually into cars went to Supercheap, I thought it was just a place for the dads who wash their cars on the weekend with a gritty sponge then dries them off with an old towel or the a 'P' plater after anodised valve caps.

The Yeti’s post at #32 cracked me up and summed the place up perfectly for me.


.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

I guess what we can learn here, and likely already knew, is that there is no one single cheapest store. Ranges and prices vary from store to store and that's how each place stays in business.

What I do love about Supercheap and Autobarn is that they advertise all their products and specials online, so price comparisons between the two stores is so easy from the comfort of your own home and no need to ring around. Repco and other parts stores have lost plenty of my business for not offering prices and range online. Repco is huge, I see no reason not to offer an online service.

Wrong, think this one would have to be the best for low prices & quality parts imo.
http://www.autopro.com.au/

[Maka]

SuperCheap stuff is generally overpriced when not on a sale. If they & others didn't have their catalogue sales they would probably go bankrupt fast lol..

Anyways, my local Autobarn will price match any competitors catalogue prices which can be handy plus their counter sheila's are better looking too, they for me are the best franchise.

Robbo's (NSW) back in the day were the "go to" for parts & advice, they were good.

cheer's, Maka

[LG17]

Talking about cheap and crap, has anyone bought the Tool Pro Ratchet flexi head spanners? How bad or not, are they?

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by trublu

Wrong, think this one would have to be the best for low prices & quality parts imo.
http://www.autopro.com.au/

I wouldn't know. No local store, and they don't advertise prices online. However, I bet they're not cheapest for everything all the time so I don't accept "wrong".

Originally Posted by Express

Interesting thread as I didn’t think people actually into cars went to Supercheap, I thought it was just a place for the dads who wash their cars on the weekend with a gritty sponge then dries them off with an old towel or the a 'P' plater after anodised valve caps.

The Yeti’s post at #32 cracked me up and summed the place up perfectly for me.


.

Is the Nulon oil (for example) from Supercheap a lower quality than Nulon oil from another store? If they're cheaper for the product I want, I'll shop there.

[Jack91]

Originally Posted by trublu

Wrong, think this one would have to be the best for low prices & quality parts imo.
http://www.autopro.com.au/

Wrong. Theyre just a smaller, dingier version of supercrap. My local one is anyway. Dont know how theyre still going. Been there probably 5 times in 4 years Ive been here. Might have bought a light bulb from there, maybe 2.

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Personally, I prefer to be served by a 15yr old and pay cheaper prices,
than some bloke who thinks working in a shop for 30 years makes him an expert on everything.
People with a "little bit of knowledge" are dangerous.

Thats actually a really good point. Ive heard some humdingers from kids to customers while waiting at parts counters etc and have been given some truly stupid and scary advice myself. I remembered chiming in more than once at SCA and autobarn counters after reading your post. Id much rather someone say "dont know Ill check the book" then just take a stab. Actually, no... Id rather that people that need advice for an oil change or minor service work just not touch their car at all and leave it to a professional!

[TheInterceptor]

Originally Posted by LG17

Talking about cheap and crap, has anyone bought the Tool Pro Ratchet flexi head spanners? How bad or not, are they?

Cant comment on Tool pro brand but i have flexi head ratchet spanners and they are the most frustrating thing ever. Maybe the joins need tightening somehow but when you apply pressure to the spanner to keep it on the nut it just starts to flex and move on the nut till it slips off it. Suitable for some things but wouldnt want them for general duty unless you can keep a finger on it.
Next i will be getting a set of fixed ratchet spanners however they will be bought at a place other than Supercheap!

Supercheap is great for some things but not for others. Most of the time is a convenience thing though.