Aftermarket radiator minefield

[3800Series]

I've suspected for a while that some sellers on RockAuto use the closeout section to offload damaged goods. Not minor cosmetic issues, but parts that are functionally ruined. I've gotten boxes with "RETURN" written on them in neon marker, the very first thing I see as I open up th box, and it clearly didn't stop anyone from shipping it out anyway.

(Was brake pads)

 

[The_Jeff]

I've suspected for a while that some sellers on RockAuto use the closeout section to offload damaged goods. Not minor cosmetic issues, but parts that are functionally ruined. I've gotten boxes with "RETURN" written on them in neon marker, the very first thing I see as I open up th box, and it clearly didn't stop anyone from shipping it out anyway.

(Was brake pads)

I don't suspect malice but rather some new boss unaware of its history saying "hey, this has been sitting here for fifteen years, move it on out."

That said it sucks to open a box halfway through a job and find this when it wasn't obtained locally.

 

[goblin]

Our amazon delivery guys don't speak or understand a word of English (have stopped them to tell them to slow down because there are kids and pets, they'd nod with a blank stare till I release them then leave with wheels spinning). We're in a private dead end, several houses, one blind curve on a slope, four toddlers and several dogs between my two neighbors on that side.

Eventually they ran over one of my other neighbor's dog rescues without even noticing - ironically, on the one straight with perfect visibility. The poor thing had to be put down. No acknowledgement or reaction whatsoever from Amazon central till the local news chimed in on site, cameras & crew and all. Then it all went very very fast and they went all milk and honey.

Other than that, they handle the packages mostly well.

 

[D60]

When I ordered OEM for a '15 GX460 from Bell Lexus it was packed insanely well. I almost felt bad for them having to use such a large box and so much packing material.

That said, it was extremely effective and the rad was perfect.

 

[cptbarkey]

I paid a premium for an all aluminum CSF for my GX, it’s an excellent radiator, good choice.

 

[STL_G8GT]

Csf installed today. Well build rad, I'll buy their product again.

Thanks for all the insights on shipping woes. I totally knew if I bought OEM new and paid up for it that it would arrive packed very well and in great shape, but for this car I needed to save the couple hundred bucks between oem and aftermarket. We are in kind of a remote area so the fastest that we ever get anything from Amazon seems to be 3 days. It's pretty inconvenient compared to when we spend time in Florida and almost everything is next morning!

 

[VolvoZ]

Good to know on that CSF radiator. Will keep that in mind.

While we’re here ranting about shipping quality, I’ll join in: Ordered window tint on Ebay about a month ago. Ordered 50% VLT, got 5% that had creases in it. Seller agreed to send another roll (of the right stuff). Replacement roll has been sitting at a Fedex facility in Rialto, CA for a 1.5 weeks now, not moving, just sitting there. Very frustrated as I wanted to tint before a big road trip, which I am in the middle of now. Rant over.

Happy 4th!

 

[SC Maintenance]

roll has been sitting at a Fedex facility in Rialto, CA for a 1.5 weeks now, not moving, just sitting there.

Its not there. Its lost. That would be the last place a bar code was read.

Might as well open a claim.

 

[Kira]

Not the customers fault but frustrating for sure.

I'm so glad to hear that ridiculously shabby packing and filling legit orders with returned goods isn't my fault.

 

[Pablo]

Ordered a radiator.

Arrived with a size 10 BOOT PRINT right in the middle of the box. Leaked.

 

[SC Maintenance]

It would be interesting to know what percentage make it through vs are damaged.