[Phantom]

I've owned pads like Axxis Ultimates and Hawk HPS, but I felt little difference on the street between them and stock OEM pads and I have gotten annoyed with all the brake dust. So I decided to go back to a ceramic OEM pad that dusts very little. After doing a few searches I found out that Akebono makes the Mazda OEM pad and that the Akebono Pro-Act Ultra Premium pad is basically the equivalent of the OEM pad compound. They also make a generic pad called Akebono Premium.

I ordered Akebono Pro-Act Ultra Premium front pads from Autopartswarehouse.com a few weeks ago. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/s...S/4_Cyl_1-dot-8L/W0133-1615427.html?loc=Front
Instead I recieved the Premium pad http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/s...000/LS/4_Cyl_1-dot-8L/AKISD635.html?loc=Front, instead of the Pro-Act Ultra Premium pad. I called them and they said they would send me the Pro-Act pads. Then again they sent me the Premium pad. I called them again and the manager said I would not be able to get the Pro-Act since it was more expensive. I asked them to change their description weeks ago and they still have not. So even though they are advertising the Pro-Act you will get the generic pad.

The problem is they have two front Pro-Act pads listed under two separate numbers and two separate prices. And the premium listed under another number. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?searchType=global&N=0&Ntt=akebono+front+brake+pads&submit= When you buy the Pro-Act for the cheaper price they will send you the generic pad instead.
I'm sure they screwed over many people with this and people installed the parts without realizing.

I know a lot of you are going to say why didn't you just buy the OEM Mazda pads. Autopartswarehouse had free shipping at the time and I had a coupon code saving me about $30 total over other websites.

I am super annoyed the company isn't sticking to their advertised price.
Buyer Beware. Rant Over.

 

[SLVMX5]

They are tied together with some other online companies as well, same company, different names. How do i know? It's all BS, they have the same person working the onlne chat. The lady told me the story and I just said f ordering from them altogether.

 

[pinoykid1307]

Rockauto.com

 

[imnatelol]

Rockauto.com

Same ****

 

[Maikeru]

Same ****

+1. Online parts stores are like diamond stores.

Hundred of "different" stores, only a half dozen owners.

 

[pinoykid1307]

i never had a problem with rockauto

 

[Phantom]

^Yea I order from them all the time. I ordered the pads from them yesterday.

 

[simplecat]

You can't tell the difference between hawk hps and stock on the street? You need better tires.

 

[kung fu jesus]

strong first post.

i cannot disagree.

 

[simplecat]

Somebody had to say it. I'm accumulating parts, I'll post more constructively when I have something worth posting.

 

[fwMiata]

akebono sucks.

wouldnt suprise me if it was partly their fault too...

 

[seaninc]

Back in my Integra days they sent me a 4-door axle-back when I specifically ordered the hatch one. Rock Auto may use the same suppliers, but their order site is much better.

 

[wrx787]

Actually akebono is pretty descent. They use to be owned by another company...I can't recall the name but they had a kangaroo on them. Maybe someone can help with this...

 

[wrx787]

buyer beware of clarks discount online as well, similar story with customer service.

 

[pitlab77]

I had to chime in.

HORRIBLE experience with Autopartswarehouse.

Ordered 2 bosch 02 sensors for my car. (Front and Rear). Took forever to get to me. Then I open the box and they are a completely different brand and part number from what I ordered. Spend 2 weeks trying to get them to give me a RMA to send it back. The never did, I had to call back after that and threaten to take action via my CC for not delivering the parts that were purchased. Finally they send me the RMA. Takes another 2 weeks to refund me. In total about 2 months of dealing with them.

 

[itzzspencer]

i have very good experience with rock auto as well. thanks for the lookout though. looks like i wont be shopping at autopartswarehouse

 

[Phantom]

Just an update I ordered from Rockauto and they sent the correct pads. It was refreshing to finally get what I ordered. I'm still waiting for my credit back from autopartswarehouse. Lets hope I don't have to fight for that too. Those asses still haven't changed the listing of the wrong pad.

 

[Phantom]

You can't tell the difference between hawk hps and stock on the street? You need better tires.

When I upgraded to be honest I couldn't. Now that I went down to Akebono I do feel less bite. It's the price I'm taking for not having weekly brake dust. Also I'm running winter tires now, and have run kumho ecsta act and xs with those pads.