AutoZone or AAP for new car battery ?

[Dave Hess]

Just to add a different source, try Menard's if you have one.

No Menards in Florida, if they do I’ve never seen any.

 

[GMBoy]

I find WM to be soooo painful. There's definitely a cost for the low price. That said, if you're willing to brave the store and the core return, the batts seem solid.

Last time I ordered with my FirstCall account, and that was great. Price was within $10 of WM, they brought it to me and I handed the driver the core which was promptly credited the next day. But I understand not everyone has access to a commercial account.....

I agree with the convenience and the prices, in my experience with my AZ account is I pay an average of $30-60 less for a battery then the over counter price. I gave up on O'rielly's.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I agree with the convenience and the prices, in my experience with my AZ account is I pay an average of $30-60 less for a battery then the over counter price. I gave up on O'rielly's.

Yes clearly these stores are catering to commercial buyers. That makes sense. What doesn't make sense is why they build a fancy retail stores in prime locations?

 

[Nukeman7]

Last couple of batteries I bought were from Batteries+Bulbs. They had the best price locally, since the nearest Walmart had nothing in stock that would fit. These are Die Hard branded batteries and come with a decent warranty, plus the experience is a whole lot nicer than Walmart, AAP or AZ.
Back when AAP had generous coupon codes that you could apply to batteries they were usually the best deal.

Unless the supplier is different in Ohio, Batteries+Bulbs only sell Duracell Ultra labeled automotive batteries made by East Penn/Deka. These batteries are identical in every aspect (warranty, output rating, weight, appearance) to the Duracell batteries sold for less at Sam's Club stores. Other than the label, they are identical to the Everstart MAXX batteries at WalMart that have the EP (not JCI) serial numbers under the barcode.

 

[fdcg27]

Upon reflection, you're right. The branding was Duracell.

 

[Elkins45]

Honestly, a large part of my battery selection process is trying to find one that hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for months. I’ll choose freshness over any particular seller.

 

[Dave Hess]

Yep.

JC batteries used to have manufactured sticker and I would always pick the ‘freshest’ battery at AAP.

 

[BrendanC]

used to be 100% walmart until last week. had a 3 month old battery declined for having a shorted cell and boiling acid out of it when charged. would not warranty it due to “abuse” it rides in a 2017 express 3500. i bought a diehard platinum and off it went.

 

[football]

The good thing about Walmart is the 5000 or so stores. If one won’t warranty it, you come back later and get a different employee or go across town to another location.

 

[GMBoy]

Yes clearly these stores are catering to commercial buyers. That makes sense. What doesn't make sense is why they build a fancy retail stores in prime locations?

I don't know but you are right. I think it's just because they chase both markets and every AZ I ever been in is always busy with people including the one's in the parking lot doing repairs with loaner tools. They chase the sales from all directions. Interestingly they have a shop referral program as well and I get quite a few people come in with the AZ printout and saying that the store recommend us to do the work....of course we do the work with their parts. Our shop is also listed on website for customers to find shops near them. I think they have a solid business model to be honest.

 

[JHZR2]

I’d go lower cost and USA made.

Around here it seems to be Walmart or Napa.

 

[Dave Hess]

I think they have a solid business model to be honest.

And so do you.

 

[Dave Hess]

Just installed a new DieHard battery and it was manufactured 5-2024 so it’s a fresh battery for a 2018 Mazda CX5. The AAP store is about 2 miles from me so very convenient.

I looked but couldn’t find a manufacturer decal.

DieHard Gold Battery: 35 Group Size, 640 CCA, 800 CA

 

[Donald]

I would find one mfg by East Penn. NAPA, Walmart. Looking to get a quality battery, not save the last dollar.

I would consider the plain AGM if you are going to keep the vehicle more than 2 or 3 years.

 

[Lubener]

AutoZone or AAP for new car battery ?

I want a ‘gold’ type premium battery or Diehard battery.

Are both of these still made by Johnson Control ?

I never bought at either. If there is dust all over the battery, walk out. Myself, I go to Walmart. Home of the freshest batteries and fastest turn around.

 

[Nukeman7]

Just installed a new DieHard battery and it was manufactured 5-2024 so it’s a fresh battery for a 2018 Mazda CX5. The AAP store is about 2 miles from me so very convenient.

I looked but couldn’t find a manufacturer decal.

DieHard Gold Battery: 35 Group Size, 640 CCA, 800 CA

If it looks like this photo with the raised filler caps that are rectangular with the corners clipped, it is the top of the line battery made by Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls).

For future reference, the exact same battery is sold at COSTCO with an Interstate label for much less.

 

[Sayjac]

I've had good results with WM Value battery (JCI), Everstart Maxx (EP) and Sam's Duracell (EP). Found them to be best price too.

 

[InvalidUserID]

Whichever has more (convenient) locations near you should you need a replacement under warranty.

 

[Synapse]

You would be better off getting the Everstart MAXX battery at WalMart if they are sourced from East Penn or the Duracell labeled battery at Sam's Club (which are manufactured by EP), instead of a Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls) battery. The Everstart MAXX battery will have bar code with a serial number under it. If the serial number starts with EP, it is an East Penn battery. If it starts with JCI, it is a Clarios battery.

I work for a battery manufacturer that will go unnamed, but this is what I personally do.

 

[Braapdaddy]

Walmart ease of warranty and many locations across the map .......my work trucks are multi state and the big 4 aren't