New Batteries

[jjdiesel]

Hey guys, my 10 yr old DieHard Platinum's are getting weary. Looking at the Interstate Batteries from Costco. They have the grp 65 battery for $110.00. It's a CCA of 850. They also list an AGM, same grp 65 for $180.00. It has a CCA of 750. My truck is an early '04 so....is the AGM worth the extra $70.00? TIA!

 

[endoscott]

the Project Farm guy has a nice You tube vid on batteries.

 

[Topzide]

You'll get far less off gassing with an AGM then a flooded cell! What type are the Diehards that you're replacing? If they're AGM's and you got 10 years out of them, I'd stay with that type. Your choice in the long run.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Not in my mind . I have used Costco batteries for long time. I would just get the cheaper ones

 

[jjdiesel]

You'll get far less off gassing with an AGM then a flooded cell! What type are the Diehards that you're replacing? If they're AGM's and you got 10 years out of them, I'd stay with that type. Your choice in the long run.

The Diehards are not AGM's. I installed them in January of 2012!

 

[EDankievitch]

Rock auto. I got a set of AMG batteries from them. First set lasted just over a year. Rock stood behind them an sent a new set for free.

 

[AH64ID]

I've gotten better service out the of the Costco Interstates than I have anything else the last 10 years, and the price is hard to beat.

 

[xcc_rider]

Costco!
3 year warranty.
Return them in 33 months for full refund.
Buy new ones for minimal out of pocket.

Not exactly kosher but it works.

 

[Walker111]

I’ve been happy with multiple sets of interstate battery’s over the last 25 years. Set I have in my 4th gen are 3 years old, 60k, and no issues.

 

[Rowdy Dalton]

Costco!
3 year warranty.
Return them in 33 months for full refund.
Buy new ones for minimal out of pocket.

Not exactly kosher but it works.

I probably wouldn't brag about that.
You know, Ten Commandments and such.

 

[xcc_rider]

I didn't know about it until one of the service reps told me that's what he and all his family does.
Like I said, not exactly kosher.

 

[AH64ID]

Costco!
3 year warranty.
Return them in 33 months for full refund.
Buy new ones for minimal out of pocket.

Not exactly kosher but it works.

Why return them and pay for an upgrade when you can just exchange them?

Not saying to take advantage of the system, just pointing out that you can take them back anytime in the 36 month window and get new ones without an upgrade fee, and start the 36 month window back over again.

 

[xcc_rider]

They don't exchange them. They refund the purchase price and you buy new ones at the current price or go somewhere else.

 

[AH64ID]

They don't exchange them. They refund the purchase price and you buy new ones at the current price or go somewhere else.

Not in my experience, more than once…

 

[Mark31]

Do you wear a black mask when you do this? I remember when JC Penny had lifetime battery warranty. Their car care division went belly up. Businesses are not in business to lose money. Don't pour clabbered milk on your own Cheerios. I replace my Johnson Controls mfg batteries every 7 years because I don't want low(er) voltage to kill my expensive Denso starter. I was taught that nothing is harder on a starter than batteries that aren't full of snot, especially in cold weather. (Remember, though, I am electrically challenged) Mark

 

[jghflys]

Just replaced mine. Interstate tech recommended MTP-65HD to get 850 CCA, and that is what I bought. Replaced my last Interstate batteries because they were 5 years old and I noticed a little slower cranking as the weather cooled. Interstate dealer gave me a little money on the purchase because they have a 6 year performance warranty. Excellent cranking after the battery change. It was time. I use Interstate batteries in most of my equipment and vehicles. NAPA batteries are my second choice, made in USA in PA.

 

[Mark31]

I didn't know about it until one of the service reps told me that's what he and all his family does.
Like I said, not exactly kosher.

Kinda reminds me of a rule I had with my son. If he ever said, "But, Dad, everybody is doing it!", the discussion would be over, and the answer was a resounding "NO!", even if I might have gone along with what he wanted.

 

[Turbo Terry]

My 2022 will get new costcos in 4 years. Best buy in my opinion. As important as good batteries are on these new trucks and all their electronics it seems to be rather important to have good batteries my 2 cents

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I put Duracell AGM's in my 03' recently from Batteries Plus, I wanted to get the X2 AGMs but they didn't have any in stock for group 65 (website inventory conflict). I have a new starter and cross over cables; she fires pretty fast for temps in NC.

I was able to get an X2 AGM for my 91' Accord (absolutely unnecessary amount of cranking amps, 840 iirc) and it turns over stupid fast. I wanted to be able to boost my 2500 if all else fails.

.02: I purchase batteries with a one and done mindset, I don't want to play the warranty game with cheap batteries, the lost time and inconvenience of having a dead or dying battery and getting replacements (that are good off the shelf) isn't worth it.

 

[AH64ID]

.02: I purchase batteries with a one and done mindset, I don't want to play the warranty game with cheap batteries, the lost time and inconvenience of having a dead or dying battery and getting replacements (that are good off the shelf) isn't worth it.

That’s how I used to purchase batteries, but the “higher quality” batteries usually have a shorter warranty since they are a performance battery. It worked well until those batteries weren’t lasting as long as the cheaper batteries and I wasn’t getting anything, prorated or not, back on their short lift.

Worst set I ever had was also the “best”. Sears Platinum P2’s didn’t make 3 years and took my alternator out with them, all past the warranty period.

Optima’s are another brand that served me well originally their quality went to crap and cost more than they were worth.

I’ve had better luck with a new mindset, and it’s cheaper.