Battery TIME? Go TO COSTCO!

[1Marauder]

Four years ago on a 100 degree day, enroute to an auto parade and car show, I stopped to buy a new battery at Napa. Car barely started, felt it was running weak, AC not blowing as hard as I thought it should, and I didnt want it to die in the parade in the heat.

Folks at NAPA were very kind, and very helpful. I changed the battery in the parking lot, attended the event (which was my primary goal) WITH AC BLOWING NON STOP!

After continuous problems with the $149 two year battery from NAPA, I went back one week after the two year period ended, and had to pay another $49 prorated to have the battery replaced (only after I pitched a well reasoned fit, upon return we figured out that the batter they sold me was, unbeknownst to me, already 11 months old when they sold it to me. And 11 months into a 2 year battery is a big deal vs the 1 week I was past my purchase date.)

Fast forward a year or so, the issues start again, and yesterday I found the receipt and returned to Napa with a 1.5 year old dead 2 year battery. And even while I was within the 2 year warrenty time frame, the register/computer system wanted me to pay another $89 for the replacement.

After remaining very calm and cool, and explaining the 3.5 year issue, the clerk (who was very nice and very cool the entire time -- AS WAS I), said there was nothing she could do.

So I asked to return the battery! She smiled--input it, and the system would let her do that! She refunded the $178 ($149+ $49 + Tax - core) to my credit card...

AND I RACED TO COSTCO and bought an Interstate 4 year garaunteed replacement powerhouse. Battery was only 2 weeks old (has a born date).

I installed it and WOW what a diffence. Interior lights brighter that previous, car litteraly sprang to life and started with ease on the first turn (after 3 months of slumber).

20 years+ ago, I thought Interstate were the very best batteries made. I know they went through some changes, and lost some customers, but I've got to tell you. Quality is back! Further (not farther), Costco's "No Worries" immediate replacement, dont need a reciept becuase I found it in your membership file policies ARE AWESOME!

Oh and BTW-- 2weeks old, bigger stronger battery, 4 year vs 2 year, only $92.00.

[Bluerauder]

I have had excellent performance out of the Motorcraft BXT 65-650 battery. It is a 100 month battery (8.3 years) for $120 with a $20 core return. Net price is $100 plus tax. The BXT 65-750 or BXT 65-850 are the same price with higher CCA ratings. Got 7.5 years from the first/original battery. The replacement has been in since August 2010 just shy of 7 years. I paid $200 for 14 years service. You will pay $368 to get to the same point and would be on your 4th battery two years ago. I'll stick with the Motorcraft option.

[junior]

Almost all batteries (except super high-end) are manufactured by Johnson Controls, including Interstate, Motorcraft, Autozone Duralast, Advance Auto Autocraft, Costco Kirkland Signature, among others. Even the Optima is made by them. I have bought the deep cycle marine and RV batteries at Costco and always had good luck.

[ByronRACE]

196,000 miles on the original Motorcraft battery. I bought another one.

[Mr. Man]

I've had mixed results with Interstate batteries. I use the 1000/850 cca's, just because. I'd recommend either starting the car periodically(monthly) or keeping a battery tender on it when not in use.

[vkirkend]

I have had excellent performance out of the Motorcraft BXT 65-650 battery. It is a 100 month battery (8.3 years) for $120 with a $20 core return. Net price is $100 plus tax. The BXT 65-750 or BXT 65-850 are the same price with higher CCA ratings. Got 7.5 years from the first/original battery. The replacement has been in since August 2010 just shy of 7 years. I paid $200 for 14 years service. You will pay $368 to get to the same point and would be on your 4th battery two years ago. I'll stick with the Motorcraft option.

What he said..... i am sold on Motorcraft Batteries after buying them from AAA and the Auto Part Stores. Dealer installed....

[Bluerauder]

I worked for Western Auto (Baltimore #11 store) when I was a teenager stocking shelves, mounting and balancing tires, and changing batteries. That was 50 years ago and we sold 24, 36, and 48 month batteries at that time. Beginning in 1968, Western Auto offered a 60 month "Tough One" battery. I am surprised that Costco is still offering 2 and 4 year batteries at all ... And charging as much as ones that last twice as long.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Costco has the best warranty around. 42 months.
If it goes bad, by a new one then return the old one.
No questions ask. They never check the battery.
I've replaced the Marauder about every 36 Months is seems like.
Only thing I pay is the price increase, a few dollars.
They also refund the core when you return the old battery.

[Bluerauder]

Costco has the best warranty around. 42 months.
If it goes bad, by a new one then return the old one.
No questions ask. They never check the battery.
I've replaced the Marauder about every 36 Months is seems like.
Only thing I pay is the price increase, a few dollars.
They also refund the core when you return the old battery.

This sounds like a Scam. No company can stay in business if it gives away their merchandise at less than cost (unless they are making it up by overcharging on other items). Sounds like you are paying the pro-rated cost for the use that you got out of the battery (I.e. 36/42 months is 85%). Whoever is giving their batteries away won't have a job at Costco very long as soon as management catches on.

BTW -- the Marauder made $10,000 for FORD for each copy sold. They were subsidizing less profitable market lines. At a $35,000 MSRP, they were making $10K on a car that could be built for $25,000. I paid $27,500 for mine and thought I cut a great deal. Turns out, they still made $2,500 on the sale. Lots of wiggle room there.

[1Marauder]

I have had excellent performance out of the Motorcraft BXT 65-650 battery. It is a 100 month battery (8.3 years) for $120 with a $20 core return. Net price is $100 plus tax. The BXT 65-750 or BXT 65-850 are the same price with higher CCA ratings. Got 7.5 years from the first/original battery. The replacement has been in since August 2010 just shy of 7 years. I paid $200 for 14 years service. You will pay $368 to get to the same point and would be on your 4th battery two years ago. I'll stick with the Motorcraft option.

Wasn't asking you to change! NOR stating the Interstate was the best battery (but perhaps a great option).

My saga started with a weak/dieting battery on a Sunday. If you are going to compare, please compare apples to apples!

Above assumes I will only get 48 months of battery life (and that you will get 100 months as well).

Do you have a "no hassle grab a new one without a purchase receipt" policy if you don't get all 100 months? Also, can you get it replaced 11 hours a day Mon-Sat, and 8 hours on Sunday, in almost any city you are driving through? All without a receipt? Can you buy a killer Tri-Tip, fresh IBP ribs, and a dress shirt with your battery? (Completely joking here)

I was sharing ease of purchase, operation, and replacement. All of which are a value to some... Especially on a Sunday.

[1Marauder]

I've had mixed results with Interstate batteries. I use the 1000/850 cca's, just because. I'd recommend either starting the car periodically(monthly) or keeping a battery tender on it when not in use.

Agreed, battery tender is required.

[1Marauder]

This sounds like a Scam. No company can stay in business if it gives away their merchandise at less than cost (unless they are making it up by overcharging on other items). Sounds like you are paying the pro-rated cost for the use that you got out of the battery (I.e. 36/42 months is 85%). Whoever is giving their batteries away won't have a job at Costco very long as soon as management catches on.

BTW -- the Marauder made $10,000 for FORD for each copy sold. They were subsidizing less profitable market lines. At a $35,000 MSRP, they were making $10K on a car that could be built for $25,000. I paid $27,500 for mine and thought I cut a great deal. Turns out, they still made $2,500 on the sale. Lots of wiggle room there.

YOU GOT A DEAL ON THE MARAUDER!

[justbob]

YOU GOT A DEAL ON THE MARAUDER!

You can say that again.. Around here there was five '03's w/sunroofs at the local dealer. All were $38,500 and all were gone in less than a week!

That's why I opted for a 1 1/2 year old one and paid $22,500 in '04. Sucked, but homie would never pay upper 30's for a four door Mercury!


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[Bluerauder]

YOU GOT A DEAL ON THE MARAUDER!

I got my Marauder in Fairfax, VA at a dealer that catered to an older Town Car and Grand Marquis market. They were just trying to move it off the lot at the end of the 2003 model year and were willing to negotiate. Think I gave up too soon in an effort to just get gone and on the road.

[Bluerauder]

Wasn't asking you to change! NOR stating the Interstate was the best battery (but perhaps a great option).

My saga started with a weak/dieting battery on a Sunday. If you are going to compare, please compare apples to apples!

Above assumes I will only get 48 months of battery life (and that you will get 100 months as well).

Do you have a "no hassle grab a new one without a purchase receipt" policy if you don't get all 100 months? Also, can you get it replaced 11 hours a day Mon-Sat, and 8 hours on Sunday, in almost any city you are driving through? All without a receipt? Can you buy a killer Tri-Tip, fresh IBP ribs, and a dress shirt with your battery? (Completely joking here)

I was sharing ease of purchase, operation, and replacement. All of which are a value to some... Especially on a Sunday.

My decisions are based on demonstrated performance and actual cost. If you are happy with Costco and their convenience and amenities .... That's fine. Just realize that you are paying $168 extra for the benefits.