New Battery: Costco or Wal-Mart?

[paulo57509]

I need a new battery.

I'm thinking either Costco or Wal-Mart. I don't want or need an Optima or anything like that. Just a regular battery. Opinions on either of these two?

They're both probably made by the same manufacturer?

 

[Solo2driver]

If it's within a buck or two, then go with whichever one you feel has the better warranty. If the car dies when you're 1,000 miles from home, chances are there is a Wal-Mart in the next hick town, and you can get another battery. Wal-Mart is also less likely to argue a warranty claim because of their hugeness, they'll just warranty it out (or straight to the store manager).

 

[HTSS_TR]

They're both made by Johnson's Control. With Costco you have better warranty and it costs less. But you must be a member of Costco at the time you need replacement to get any services.

 

[raaizin]

I bought two for two different cars(Maxima & Explorer) from Sam's which is affiliated with Walmart. Never had a problem with either

 

[dave123]

go with either one just try to find the freshest date you can find.

 

[Russ300H]

Originally Posted By: Solo2driver
If it's within a buck or two, then go with whichever one you feel has the better warranty. If the car dies when you're 1,000 miles from home, chances are there is a Wal-Mart in the next hick town, and you can get another battery. Wal-Mart is also less likely to argue a warranty claim because of their hugeness, they'll just warranty it out (or straight to the store manager).


DITTO

 

[paulo57509]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking Wal-Mart too. I'd buy from the local auto parts place (I like to support the mom and pop enterprises) but I need a battery NOW and Costco and Wal-Mart are the only places open. That's what I get for putting it off....

 

[eljefino]

Walmart YELLOW (expensive) for the win.

 

[browning300wsm]

Costco ...walmart sells cheap JUNK

 

[Gueromeister]

Any facts to support your statement? I believe that Consumer Reports(unbiased/objective) had rated their batteries as being quite good.....

 

[pbm]

I've purchased at least 2 batteries from WM and both were great.
I like the fact that you are covered (warranty wise) wherever there is a WM, which is everywhere.

 

[Paul56]

I carry 2 batteries in my car...

1 under the hood that is within the warranty period.

1 in the trunk that is out of warranty period.

When the warranty of the battery under the hood expires it gets moved to the trunk. The trunk battery gets recycled. ...and I purchase a new under warranty battery for under the hood.

Overkill? Perhaps, but it has saved me some grief a coupla times now.

 

[Jason2007]

Ive purchased only 1 Walmart battery and it was a very good battery at a good price. FWIW, not all Walmart batteries are made by Johnson Control, in Va the ones I see are made by Exide.

 

[stockrex]

I think sams has better price but I think costco has the 3 yr full replacement

 

[edwardh1]

Everything in wal mart is built DOWN to a price point

 

[The Critic]

Walmart's batteries are supposed to be good, but mine failed a load test after only 15 months and was replaced under warranty.

 

[sciphi]

I have a Wal-Mart battery in my car. It's been in for 6 months now and has been just fine. It was the only choice when the OEM battery left me stranded late one snowy winter night in upstate New York.

It's a battery, and a fairly decent one from what I've heard. It sure spins my starter nicely.

 

[stockrex]

costco batteries better than walmart, whats next kenmore appliances are the best ;-)

that popular product review magazine is full of the stuff in very ful diapers.

other user nailed it. u want a source that is nation wide is open when u need a battery and is close by.

Originally Posted By: Gueromeister
Any facts to support your statement? I believe that Consumer Reports(unbiased/objective) had rated their batteries as being quite good.....

 

[paulo57509]

Just installed a WM Maxx-whatever.

$75 +tax. If it lasts through the 3-year warranty period, it's good enough for me.

 

[Colt45ws]

When my stock battery would not keep a charge and failed the load test, I just dropped in a WM MAXX. I was right there, my old battery was out, and I get a discount. Works for me.