OK, I've never liked Autozone because of their stupid commercials ("get in the zone - AUTOzone!"). But I've changed my mind.

Read on if interested in the story:

As stated in an earlier post about a different issue (battery acid mess), my wife, baby daughter and I were driving from the SF Bay Area down home to San Diego in the 93 wagon. With new tires and motor mounts fixed on the wagon, I felt pretty good about how it ran on the way up and during adventures in Marin and Big Sur. Heading south on Highway 1, we pulled into San Luis Obisbo and the car died. I figured it was the alternator, and called my mechanic who confirmed my thoughts. Volvo dealer in town wouldn't have the part until tomorrow, and the tow driver had his guy - but I saw lots of dollar signs and mandatory extra repairs looming in how the two driver described the place (me: "so, what does he charge - $80 an hour?" driver: "well, this is a college town, very expensive, probably $120 an hour - I don't know.").

Towed the car to Autozone instead and changed out the alternator in a couple of hours in the rain in their parking lot. Now I'm a hero to my wife (after she cursed me for not going to the mechanic) and have a good story to tell my daughter. The guys working there couldn't have been more helpful and encouraging as I was stressed out trying to get the thing changed before dark and between downpours. Kudos!

-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 115K)) ((1992 244, M47, 110K)) ((1992 244, 120K - departed)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego