A Classic Auto Parts Store Tale

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg) 11/24/2018 at 18:43 • Filed to: None

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This happened to be at an Advanced Auto Parts, but it could easily have been an Autozone, O’Reilly, etc.

Me: *Goes into AAP to pick up some new wiper blades*

Clerk: “What kind of car did you say you needed blades for?”

Me: “’05 Saab 9-2x.”

Clerk : *stares blankly at list of car brands on computer screen* “Uhh...I’m not sure we carry those...”

Me: *points at “Saab” listed on screen*

Clerk: “Oh wow, looks like we do have them! I’ve never even heard of a Saab before!”

He then proceeded to tell me how ready he was to get off his shift, then go and grab some wiper blades which did not, in fact, fit my car.

Something like this happens virtually every time I got into an auto parts store.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 18:58

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Surely the wipers are the same as the Subaru. 

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 11/24/2018 at 18:59

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Surely

smobgirl > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 19:00

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I learned earlier this week that Jim Halpert has a 9-2x for at least a little bit of The Office. 

MoCamino > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 19:00

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I think we have all been there, unfortunately. I feel pretty lucky to have an Autozone and an O’Reilly’s within five minutes of my house and that USUALLY the folks at either store are fairly knowledgeable.  Both stores have an employee or two that clearly aren’t really “car people” but they are at least knowledgeable enough about their product lines to be able to find what I need.  In the world of retail, that’s honestly all I can ask for. 

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > smobgirl 11/24/2018 at 19:01

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Indeed! And his was a silver Aero, just like mine!

boredalways > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 19:02

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If the clerk was younger than you, I might understand.

...might....

Hey Julie > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 19:06

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Recently I ordered some front rotors from advance auto parts for my 85 Mercedes 300d and the kid told me they would be in by 5, so I went ahead and disassembled both sides of my car, 5:30 rolls around so I call the store and The manager tells me they only get a delivery in the mornings on Sunday and he doesn’t know why anyone would have told me they would have been in by 5. So I put everything back together and after work the next day I go in only to find that the kid only ordered one rotor when I told him I needed the whole set. So I wait one more day for the second to come on and then I go to assemble them for the third time  and they don’t fit because they are for a 95 E class

smobgirl > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 19:10

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Dwight owns but is never seen driving  the 280ZX, right? 

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > boredalways 11/24/2018 at 19:17

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Clerk was probably in his mid to late 20's, definitely older than me.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Hey Julie 11/24/2018 at 19:18

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Sounds about right.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > smobgirl 11/24/2018 at 19:18

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I think so, not sure

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 19:42

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Pro tip: there's usually a book in the wiper blade aisle that will tell you what size blades are needed for basically every car.

Kim Jong - Healthy > smobgirl 11/24/2018 at 19:47

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it’s shown for a brief glimpse in “grief counseling”

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 20:15

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That you have to look up your car to buy wiper blades is beyond me. I just take mine off and go into the store and buy the correct length.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 20:17

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Me going into an auto parts store.

Clerk: “Hello, what can I help you find?”
Me: “Help me find? Nothing. Sell me? The stuff on this list.”
Clerk: “But.. I... year make model! ”
Me: “Move, junior. Just grab the parts off the shelves I tell you to.”

boredalways > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 20:49

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wafflesnfalafel > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/24/2018 at 21:59

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I s most ancillary stuff the same as the WRX of the the same year?  Love the “Saab who?  Pontiac what?”

I have had similar situations... young folks, honestly eager to help and make a sale just spewing completely erroneous info.  No dude, I’m not going to spew Seafoam engine treatment through a nearly new car...  One of those basic life lessons - know your limitations.

M.T. Blake > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/25/2018 at 00:08

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“Sorry I was trying to find SAABARU...”

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/25/2018 at 00:09

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Just another reason to use rockauto.  Their prices on wiper blades are great too, especially if you can combine shipping with other parts.  I just order two to three sets for each car when I order them so I can combine shipping costs.  They’re a third the price of the chain stores.  

PyramidHat > Kim Jong - Healthy 11/25/2018 at 19:48

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Complete with T Tops and Louvers!

thejustache > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/26/2018 at 16:08

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Ugh, I had a similar situation when I had my 92x (linear) and put a WRX catback on it. I wanted a new gasket for the WRX section, but also needed some stuff for the 92x. I decided to use the Advance Auto down by work rather than the one by my house I usually frequent, and boy what a mistake that was.

The guy behind the counter kept telling em the WRX gasket wasn’t right for my 92x... no matter how many times I explained that yes, normally it wasn’t but I wanted it anyways . At least in that case it really was for a different car, rather than him just not knowing what a Saab was!

At the store near my house I’m on a first name basis with at least one of the workers (FXT owner) who has let me rummage through the stock behind the counter several times to find odd gaskets etc that work for me