Halfords website is utter rubbish

[Mattcortes]

I agree with all those that say Halfords has moved away from what it should be. Now all they really sell are camping bits, bikes and stuff to rudie your car up.

If you want proper bits I always just got to Euro Car Parts usually loads cheaper and if they don't have it in stock can usually get it for you that day. Can't say fairer than that.

[JPB]

Can't fault Euro Car Parts here either.
I recently had someone bring a Dolomite to me for a timing chain replacement 'cos he'd read somewhere that they need to be replaced frequently, so naturally Euro was my first port of call as some of the new chains are poor to say the least.
The nearest branch (TVTE, just by the A1 near the Angel) weren't stocking one but they found it within 3 working days and it was actually in its original, Saab packaging but at a fifth of the cost of the thing from the Saab dealership's parts counter whose staff had actually told me that it would "have to be specially ordered from Saab".

Now I'm not certain whether Halfords could have found this item via their website but it comes back to the importance of going inside and asking as many branches do still employ people who are enthusiasts themselves.

[darrencambs]

Their website is a nightmare... just searched for "Alfa Romeo 156 Brake Pads".

Gave me 55 results.

All for mountain bikes (I didn't know Alfa made bikes).

Had problems finding a battery for my Grand Cherokee earlier this year - needed an 086 / 096R. Couldn't search the site for a specific battery that i knew I wanted as the site insists you have to tell it what vehicle the battery is for. No 'Jeep', 'Chrysler' or anything relating to the vehicle in the search, so I had to go to the store only to be told that battery doesn't exist (he had heard of a Jeep though). Whilst explaining to the yoof behind the counter that they do exist (I showed him a photo I'd taken of it, but he was still adamant there was no such battery), my local car parts stockist phoned me back and said he had one in stock.

Website or store, I always dip in expecting I won't be able to find what I'm after. And I fully expect it will be a hassle establishing they haven't got it. That way I can ensure I'm never disappointed!

[Toledo Man]

My local Halfrauds has Russett brown on the shelf (for my Dolomite 1850) and a battery for the same car cost just short of £50 which isn't too bad. I swear by their own brand exhaust putty. Highly recommended.

[JIM]

If they had a costomers toilet i might pop in there if i was caught out, but only to use the loo.............
Allparts is what we use all the time.........bit further to travel but the bonus is the staff have got heads on their shoulders...........and have not just left school.
Jim............

[Mattcortes]

So true, i hate going in most DIY shops for the same reason. You want someone who can at least understand what you are asking for!

At least with smaller motor factors or Europarts they at least seem like they have a slight interest where as some of the people in Halfords act like they haven't even been in a car before lol.

One near me has a proper hottie on the counter though so you do have to weigh up the pros and cons.

[mistertoad]

Well we have to eat some of our words about Halfors as P.C. has given their trolley jack the top slot for everything this month even though it's not the cheapest or most expensive.

In my experience of EuroCar parts it all depends on the branch , there are three near me and two of them have counter staff who won't come out from behind the counter to see exactly what you need and my favourite,of course, has staff who will look at what you need and get it even if it's not on their computer base and give you the best discount they can find, but it's the most difficult for parking!, you can't have it all ways, not even in Staines Halfords, see earlier message!!

No one has mentioned GSF who are very good for some makes.

[TriumphDriver]

Well we have to eat some of our words about Halfors as P.C. has given their trolley jack the top slot for everything this month even though it's not the cheapest or most expensive.

Have you tried buying one yet? Either it's not in stock, or not on the correct shelf, or 'in stock' on the website but not in stock in reality... (HI Halfords Craigavon!)

Incidentally my own trolley jack is a Halfords model, bought in around 1993 - still going strong, it ticks a little and settles slowly but no problem jacking high enough for axle stands. Good value even then, so their standards are as good as ever, but the shop stock and their staff seem to let them down every time. (Most of whom drive heavily modified Saxos so low a trolley jack wouldn't fit in there!)

[TerryG]

My halfords trolly jack won't fit under my standard focus! (neither will my quick lift clarke one) I have to use an argos cheapo one to get it started then put a proper jack under to get any decent height.
Modern cars sit really low! (although i agree most halfords staff seem to drive modified rubbish)

[JIM]

Yes and some of them are females....did you know that they have got the vote now........its outragous..........the times we live in.....
jim............