You're not missing much, then, because they'd be outrageous at AAP/CQ too. They're all outrageous, except Rock Auto and Partsgeek, which is like Rock Auto but uses Worldpac instead
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Counterfeit NGK spark plugs
- Thread starter Chris142
- Start date
You're not missing much, then, because they'd be outrageous at AAP/CQ too. They're all outrageous, except Rock Auto and Partsgeek, which is like Rock Auto but uses Worldpac instead
Biggest problem is Amazon mingle their inventories together so you can buy from the right distributor but they send you from another's inventory.
I got stung from Amazon and rock auto. So it’s to the dealer for new plugs every 5-7 yrs. Bite the bullet.
Pray tell about rock auto. I have heard youtube influencers say they "could be" selling counterfeits but have never actually heard of it happening to someone. I have purchased NGKs from them recently as well and they were legit.
I got NGK's from RA and 3 of the 6 failed within 10K miles - factory spec is 105K miles and all my previous plugs went the distance - VQ40 - I own 2 with combined 670K miles on them, personally owned since new.
Could be 3 duds. Does make me wonder.
I wonder if someone swapped and returned? The suppliers are well known for trying to dump the returns back out through the RA channel rather than there normal customers. I still buy from RA. RA is not a homogenous place - its whatever wholesaler they come from.
Anything can be counterfeited.
Theoretically, the same logic applies to buying new stuff from your neighborhood auto parts store - customer buys dirt-cheap plugs off eBay (could be fake, could be real), they buy "real" plugs from auto parts store, then return the eBay plugs to the parts store. Next customer comes in and buys those eBay plugs and neither them nor the store know anything could possibly be wrong. They're brand new plugs, unused, in actual boxes.
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I agree with you. However I am almost to the point where I might just go to the dealer to buy plugs. Most dealers won't take stuff back without a restock fee, at least not from the general public.
I've always felt selling fake plugs was a really low blow. It's one thing for a BITOGer to get a misfire and swap 'em out, but what about someone, like perhaps an older person, who might get stranded, in an accident, whatever?
Low blow.
Low blow.
I agree but it seems to be everyone for themselves at this point. Look at the folks at walmart returning used oil and swapping cheap oil filters into the expensive box for return.
Many people have no morals at all. They feel the world owes them - any move to get ahead.
That only takes, what, 1/2 the effort compared to the spark plug scam though
I'm skeptical that people are going to go to the effort to buy cheap-priced plugs online, then buy full-priced, expensive plugs at a parts store, take them home, swap them, wait a couple days, then return them. Too much work ! Retail stores keep track of returns too so no one is getting away with this routinely, IMO.
A couple years ago I would have agreed with you.That only takes, what, 1/2 the effort compared to the spark plug scam though
When WorldPac shipped me a used $30 Ball joint which someone made the effort to return as new, and I had 3 of 6 NGK plugs fail (on the 3rd I changed the rest) I now wonder.
Spark plugs are changed so seldom these days. Over the life cycle of car ownership, the "savings" achieved by buying them from questionable vendors or sources is minuscule and not worth the risk.
Mine looked about the same at 50k. I know VW's interval is 40k but seems like overkill for these plugs. But, easy to change so why not.
It's all lame.
I buy spark plugs mostly from Walmart (shipped and sold by Walmart) and Rock Auto. Never had any issues. I also use local auto parts stores when convenient. I recently bought Denso 3442 plugs for a near future change on a 17 Outback Premium from Walmart. At under $12/plug it was >$3 cheaper than Rock Auto prices and shipping was free. The same plugs at Advance are @$28/plug.
I buy all my parts from RA. They just drop ship from the closest regional wholesaler. It's all a matter of the wholesalers inventory quality and parts control not RA. I'm fortunate to be near a wholesaler that they use that is large and moves a lot of parts. And has many OEM parts in stock also. Zero issues with fakes so far.
I'm rural so the only local parts place is NAPA and their prices are out of line IMO being the only game in town and competition is over 45 min. away minimum.
RA shipping for me is still cheaper vs local price or burning gas and time shopping for parts not to mention they have completive prices. My local NAPA doesn't even show up on their website for price comparisons last time I looked.
I'm rural so the only local parts place is NAPA and their prices are out of line IMO being the only game in town and competition is over 45 min. away minimum.
RA shipping for me is still cheaper vs local price or burning gas and time shopping for parts not to mention they have completive prices. My local NAPA doesn't even show up on their website for price comparisons last time I looked.
Look pretty good.
I get parts from all over the place. Atlanta, Ohio, NJ, Texas. FL once.