Napa vs MANN?

[Deltona_Dave]

New to the board here. Last week I stopped by my local NAPA dealer for an air filter for wife's altima 2.5s, 2007 model. They sold me a NAPA gold for 10 bucks. When I went to replace the existing filter, it was marked MANN, Made in Mexico. When I pulled out the NAPA Gold filter, it was marked with Made in Mexico also. The filter gasket and media were almost identical, along with the fit. Is NAPA going NAFTA and outsourcing to MANN?
I am not griping, as fit and visual quality/workmanship were almost identical. I know MANN makes a great air filter, and the replacement was almost identical. Should I worry? or just accept that everyone is out-sourcing. NAPA has always been good for me.
Dave

 

[Quattro Pete]

I wouldn't worry. Mann is a huge OEM supplier and I'm sure they manufacture products for a lot of other companies as well. And after all, NAPA is in the business of selling parts, not making them, so it only makes sense that they contract out production of their private label items to other companies.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Thanks quatto_pete. I figured since NAPA oil filters were made by WIX, that their air filters would be too. They looked about the same, gasket, fit in air box, pleats, size, etc. I trust the guys at my local NAPA, as they are a full franchise, and not a secondary. Their store is online, where others in the area are not or are listed as drop ship. They treat me well and give me "extras" when I get parts from them. They even recommend WIX over their own Napa Gold for the most part. If I need a part that is not there, I will have it the next day at 8 am. Can't beat that. They even take my old anti-freeze. My old oil is dumped at a county recycle spot.

Dave

 

[The Critic]

$10 is a good price. The OE Nissan one is $18 according to Courtesyparts.com.

I just noticed that the filter for the infamous 2.5 is different than the one for my 3.5-- the 3.5 uses an oiled paper type filter.

Also, remember to replace your cabin air filter. It's due every 15k/1-yr and the OE one is only $10.