Need New Battery

[RoGuE]

Our 2002 Suburban needs a new battery. All of a sudden the last few days it sounds like it almost won't start.

Both Advance and Autozone seem to have comparable batteries at around $95. It currently has an Advance Autocraft Titanium from 2005.

Which is better (or any other options)?

 

[The Critic]

I'd get an Interstate Mega-Tron Plus.

Firestone has this new program where they are selling Interstate batteries for dirt cheap, less than what Sears is charging for a Diehard Gold:

http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/repair/carbattery_starter.jsp

For my Saturn, the battery is $99.99 + $9.99 installation for a total of $109.98 + tax. With the $10 online rebate, that drops the price down to $99.98 + tax. That's less than what Sears charges for a Diehard Gold without install!

 

[StevieC]

Interstate, or Energizer brand (Walmart) as both are made by Johnson controls and I have had great luck with these both in the past and recently.

Stay away from anything Exide IMO.

 

[JHZR2]

I like the Deka AGM batteries.

 

[Oregoonian]

If your a member of COSTCO...go there. Their Kirkland brand is made by Johnson Controls...and has been reated highly by a consumers magazine.

Last time I checked (2 months ago), they were under $60.00.

 

[daman]

Interstate

 

[RoGuE]

Unfortunately I'm not.

Both the Duralast and Autocraft are Johnson Controls, aren't they?

 

[UncleS2]

The WalMart MAXX is $70 for most sizes at stores here, with 3-yr free replacement. And if it does go bad, there are WMs all over. That's what I bought for the Dakota.

 

[PhoenixTL]

Ilike the Duralast from Autozone....Great pro=rated warranty...

Indeed made by Johnson Controls....Have had several...lasted about 5 years each...

 

[Dave Hess]

I was gonna mention Walmart MAXX, I notice they are always 'fresh' at my Walmarts

 

[daves87rs]

Deka I like...


Though I like the interstate idea at firestone.....

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: PhoenixTL
Ilike the Duralast from Autozone....Great pro=rated warranty...

Indeed made by Johnson Controls....Have had several...lasted about 5 years each...



I've had great results with Duralast Golds. They cost about $89 and have a 3 year free replacement, 8 yr warranty overall and more CCA's than the OEM. Also available as a direct fit or dual terminal in most cases.

 

[RoGuE]

If the Duralast is made by JC then is it really worth it to pay any more for the Interstate battery that has the same CCA and CA?

Edit: just saw your post GMBoy. Thats what I seem to be leaning towards.

On another note, the battery is about 5 years old this month. Is it worth having them test it first to see if the battery is still good or if there is an alternator problem or just go ahead and replace the battery? Its just weird how sudden the battery barely cranks the car.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: RoGuE
If the Duralast is made by JC then is it really worth it to pay any more for the Interstate battery that has the same CCA and CA?


While JC may supply batteries to multiple brands, the product may not be identical. This is evident from CR's testing results, where different JC batteries perform differently.

 

[S2500Dog]

Get the Duralst Gold Battery from your local AutoZone or purchase an Interstate battery from your local Firestone service center. Both batteries have served my family and friends well for over the last 7-8 years and still going.

 

[40Deluxe]

I agree hard to beat the MAXX from walmart

 

[RoGuE]

I just made my decision easy. The Interstate for $99 (-$10 rebate plus 6% shop fee and 6% sales) has 650 CCA with a 7 year warranty and the Duralast Gold for $95 (plus 6% sales tax) has 800 CCA with an 8 year warranty.

I normally don't mind Wal-Mart but the chance it might be an Exide with that fact this is something that can leave you stranded makes me nervous.

Thanks for all your help everyone.

Anyone think I should get that free alternator test done anyway?

 

[UncleS2]

"Anyone think I should get that free alternator test done anyway?"

For free, sure! Get it checked out & then you'll *know*.

In my case, the Dakota's Mopar-looking battery was not only a Mopar, it was the *factory* battery.

After 7 yrs 10 mos service, I figured it was safe to skip the alt check!

Re: Exide vs Johnson- I learned there's an easy way to tell for sure- the cap corners on the Johnson-made batteries are "trimmed" 45 deg, so instead of a rectangle, it's an elongated octagon. That made it easy to verify the maker, and locked in my decision. YMMV

 

[Slick 55]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I'd get an Interstate Mega-Tron Plus.

Firestone has this new program where they are selling Interstate batteries for dirt cheap, less than what Sears is charging for a Diehard Gold:

http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/repair/carbattery_starter.jsp

For my Saturn, the battery is $99.99 + $9.99 installation for a total of $109.98 + tax. With the $10 online rebate, that drops the price down to $99.98 + tax. That's less than what Sears charges for a Diehard Gold without install!


Those are some excellent prices if you have a Firestone nearby!

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: RoGuE

Both the Duralast and Autocraft are Johnson Controls, aren't they?


They are. Essentially the same battery.