AutoZone VS NAPA Brake Pads

[Ornery]

I had NAPA turn some rotors for me. While I waited, I picked up some oil, filters and brake pads from AutoZone. When I returned to NAPA, they asked for $28.00 for turning the rotors! I said, "I was told the price was $9.00 each!" He said, that's only if you buy pads, too. I said, OK, I'll take them. I figured I'd choose between the pads at home, and install the ones I thought were best. Guess which ones got returned?

Here's a picture of the different pads. Guess which one is from NAPA?

NAPA's Tru-Stop TS-7401A for $24.09

AutoZone's Albany MKD499 for $16.99

 

[Ornery]

Here's a picture of the different pads. Guess which one is from NAPA?

I know the link is messed up in the poll, but I'd think somebody would hazard a guess!

 

[MikeMike]

top...??

MIKE

 

[wedi42]

did you keep the pretty red ones?

 

[Ornery]

If you look closely, you'll see they're not only pretty red, but they have shims installed as well. Just like the bonded ones I removed.

 

[all168]

I bought a set of carbon matallic pad from autozone for over one years, so far I like it, much better than the metal master I used before, it cost $40 for my camry, same $ as the metal master, and $20+ cheaper toyota pad.

 

[Ornery]

The pads without the shims were from NAPA. I asked the guy at the counter, why there were no shims. He said they probably couldn't be attached with the spring clips on there.

When I got home, I looked at my notes from the previous week, for the price quote on turning the rotors. It had the name of the fellow who gave me the $9.00 price, and there was no mention of having to buy pads to get that price. Later when I returned the pads, he kept the price for turning the rotors at $9.00, but said their policy is to charge the higher price if pads aren't purchased as well.

His pads were $24.00, compared to $17.00 for the AutoZone pads. I don't mind paying extra for better quality, but I don't think that's the case here. Every time I ask NAPA why their prices are so much higher, they always say it's because they don't sell 'Made in China' parts. Fair enough, but in this case, I'd rather have the damn 'Made in China' pads, since the shims are included! The rivets look better too, and the spiffy red paint doesn't hurt!