Problem with buying parts for my car.

"TurboSloth" (TheTurboSloth)
08/15/2014 at 23:41 • Filed to: None

I don't know whether to buy regular Lancer parts or Evo X parts. When I went to Napa to get some new brake pads the conversation went,

Me: "can I have brake pads for a 2009 Lancer Ralliart?"

Guy: "A what?"

Me: "Lancer Ralliart, 2009".

Guy: "Is that a GTS?"

Me: "No, it's a Ralliart."

Guy: "Are you sure."

Me: "Whats your return policy?"

Guy: "(insert return policy)"

Me: "Fuck it, give me the GTS brakes."

According to their data base, the ralliart doesn't exist. So now I have to figure out if my car's part is sourced from either a Lancer or an Evo (most engine/trans parts are from an Evo, while everything else is from a Lancer, while the other 33.3% don't exist in Napa's database because it's Ralliart). I REFUSE TO GO TO A DEALERSHIP (because prices).

Now, I'm here trying to find aftermarket seat brackets for my car, in which now I'm stuck at this question. The body is from a regular Lancer, therefore, it should use regular Lancer seats, but the non-base Ralliart came with the same Recaro's as the Evo X, and people are stating that those seats can go into the Ralliart, which leads me to suspect that the brackets I should be buying are the Evo X's. I'm not sure though, which left me hesitant. Also, forums haven't been helping at all.

DISCUSSION (10)

offroadkarter > TurboSloth
08/15/2014 at 23:48

I was gonna say wait isn't the ralliart just an appearance package

then I realized your talking about the ralliart that is actually different than a lancer in more ways than just ground effects.

why not just use rockauto

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > TurboSloth
08/15/2014 at 23:48

Had the same problem for my brother's Jetta. His is a "Sport Edition."

TurboSloth > offroadkarter
08/15/2014 at 23:53

I'd use Rockauto, but I'd prefer to always buy in person. I tend to inspect everything in person, before buying them. Just makes returns and what-not a lot easier.

Skater Dad > TurboSloth
08/15/2014 at 23:58

I feel your pain. I had a 2007 Subaru WRX TR. For those who don't know, the TR stood for "Tuner Ready", and it was Subie's way of cutting down the price by leaving out features (plain-jane radio, adjustable headrest seats, unpainted side mirrors, no automatic climate control).

Some auto part stores thought it used STI parts, which led to many incorrect purchases (brake pads for example). Makes no sense that car stores don't know anything about cars!

Rage of ManBearPig > offroadkarter
08/16/2014 at 00:34

same here, alwayst thought the Rallyart was a regular lancer with OZ rims

offroadkarter > Rage of ManBearPig
08/16/2014 at 00:50

I am pretty sure they did have an actual ralliart along with the OZ racing one but both of them were basically just body kits.

cabarne4 > TurboSloth
08/16/2014 at 11:31

I work at O'Reilly's (another auto parts chain). I'll go in this afternoon and see if it's in our system. If it is I can give you a part number, which the people at NAPA can cross-reference.

cabarne4 > Skater Dad
08/16/2014 at 11:34

I work at a car parts store! What it comes down to is, everyone's knowledge is different. For example, ask me about relays for an 80's diesel truck, and I'll have to look it up as I go, or flag down an employee who knows diesels better. Everyone sort of "specializes" in their own area, and when you get everyone in the store together, you usually end up with someone knowing the answer. That said, there's literally always that one person at the store who seemingly knows everything. Doesn't seem possible, but they do.

Skater Dad > cabarne4
08/18/2014 at 11:44

The employees certainly can make a difference. In the case when I purchased the wrong size brake pads for my WRX, the lady at the counter practically thought it was an exotic car!

I was just amazed that the parts database was wrong to begin with. Between Subaru and AutoZone, they got the info all mixed up.

cabarne4 > Skater Dad
08/18/2014 at 23:20

Yeah I've come across errors in the parts system before... you're supposed to write it down, then there's a number you call and tell corporate about it... but nobody really does.