Advance Auto - AutoCraft Battery...

[mvbighead]

Looking to buy a new battery, and with a 25% of coupon, this seems to be the best deal:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...roup-size-34-700-cca-autocraft-gold_2130003-p

At $99 including core charge etc, it is by far the best deal I can find. Any reason to steer clear of this battery? From what I've seen mentioned in the past, most seem to suggest that nearly all batteries are manufactured in the same place with a different sticker on them. (Elsewise, I am looking at a minimum of $130 (115 + 12))

Just want to make sure I am going the right direction on this.

Thanks guys.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Nope, Adv Auto batteries are fine and they have a very liberal replacement policy based on the warranty that comes with that battery.

 

[Mxylplyx]

I just replaced one that I originally purchased in 08. It was completely dead. I couldn't even jump the car using jumper cables. It still had 1 year of prorated warranty, so I got credited some on the replacement. I've had better batteries, but then again it was cheaper. You get what you pay for.

 

[mvbighead]

You get what you pay for.

I guess that's the part I am getting at. Though, reading some of the reviews at Sears on the DieHards seems to suggest that their quality isn't what it used to be. I was thinking that DieHard would be the way to go, but I am not so sure any more.

I am also going to give Costco a call to see what they might have.

Anyhoo, the reading I've done seems to suggest that a lot of these batteries come from the same place (Johnson something or other). If that's the case, spending $115, 130, etc. is generally going to get me the same battery. And I don't much feel like buying a $190 battery unless there is a really good reason for it.

(FWIW, the car the battery is going into is a 2007 Chevy Impala if you have a better brand suggestion.)

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Even though only a few companies make these batteries they do vary quite a bit in quality. Johnson Controls makes a bunch of different batteries, not just one size with different labels.

Personally, I feel like advance is a terrible company and I will not support them. That being said, their battery is probably the same quality as autozone/walmart.

I would get one from costco, just because they tend to have much better products and QC, but likely any of them will work fine unless you live somewhere very cold.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I just replaced one that I originally purchased in 08. It was completely dead. I couldn't even jump the car using jumper cables. It still had 1 year of prorated warranty, so I got credited some on the replacement. I've had better batteries, but then again it was cheaper. You get what you pay for.

So let me get this straight: you replaced a 4 year old battery and are unhappy? That's right in the normal range for battery replacement.

LOLZ. I've used Adv Auto batteries for more than a decade. I guess I've probably had one or two that didn't last as long as others, but the warranty and good in-store service always took care of me. Though I honestly can't think of a single case where the battery died on its own without being super old.

I've heard plenty of reports about people buying the fancy Optima red-top/yellow-top/etc batteries and those dying just out of warranty too.

Adv Auto brand is fine, yes just as good as the all-loved Costco, and you can typically get a great price by combining online discounts with in-store pickup: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

If you want to get one from Costco, go for it. I'm sure the price will be comparable and the quality the same.

 

[mvbighead]

Well, called Costco. They didn't have one that fit my vehicle.

While I'd have preferred that route (don't do much business with Advance as it is), I'll just go the Advance route. Once the original is returned, it'll be $88 (+ tax) out the door.

And in 4-7 years, I'll get a new one.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[LTC8K6]

Don't worry so much about the name on the battery. Worry about the replacement warranty. Not the prorated warranty, but the replacement warranty. On a good battery, this will be 3 years. Also worry about the Reserve Capacity if you can find it listed.

 

[SuperSix]

I buy my batteries at WalMart, or Duralast Gold from Autozone. Never had an issue, but I usually replace the batteries every 4-5 years anyway.

 

[mvbighead]

Don't worry so much about the name on the battery. Worry about the replacement warranty. Not the prorated warranty, but the replacement warranty. On a good battery, this will be 3 years. Also worry about the Reserve Capacity if you can find it listed.

That's a good point.

These were the specs for the Advance Auto Battery:

Battery Type: Lead Acid
BCI Group Size: 34
Cold Cranking Amps: 800 amps
Cranking Amps: 1000 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 7 13/16 in
Length: 10 15/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 110 min
Terminal Type: Top Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 37 lbs
Width: 6 7/8 in

I assume 110 minutes is alright? Battery has a 3 year replacement, 7 year pro-rated. Seemed to be as good as others listed.

 

[LTC8K6]

That's a good point.

These were the specs for the Advance Auto Battery:

Battery Type: Lead Acid
BCI Group Size: 34
Cold Cranking Amps: 800 amps
Cranking Amps: 1000 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 7 13/16 in
Length: 10 15/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 110 min
Terminal Type: Top Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 37 lbs
Width: 6 7/8 in

I assume 110 minutes is alright? Battery has a 3 year replacement, 7 year pro-rated. Seemed to be as good as others listed.

Those are decent specs. 110 minutes is how long the battery will supply 25 amps. This is for when your alternator quits. :biggrin:

It's another way to compare similar batteries.

 

[basslover1]

I've purchased three batteries from Advance/Discount Auto in the time I've owned my Passat, eight years.

First one was because the battery died maybe a month into ownership, and that very same battery died within two years. It has a three year warranty, so I just paid the difference in price increase + tax, maybe 12 bucks. Third one I just bought maybe a month ago after the car would die from sitting for more than a day, that battery (which was the warranty replacement) lasted me six years. That's a hell of a long time for a battery to last in general, especially in FL.

On another Advanced Auto topic, they're running 5 Qts of Mobil 1 + filter for 29.99, the oil alone normally would run 44.95. Plus, any quart you buy over the needed 5 for the deal, is 25% off.

 

[Auric]

+1 for Costco. However, while recently looking for the maximum capacity/amperes for the tray size, it seemed from their parts book that nothing would fit (similar to your experience calling). There was neither an equivalent listed for my vehicle nor were any of the measurements applicable. But, checking with a tape measure I found that one was significantly narrower than listed and actually a perfect fit all around (filled the tray). As a bonus, it has dual terminals which allowed for a cleaner accessory hook-up. Its cranking power is noticeable and specs actually superior to the previous Optima (besides the no-spilly bit) and those seem overpriced now and not as reliable as in the past.

 

[mvbighead]

I've purchased three batteries from Advance/Discount Auto in the time I've owned my Passat, eight years.

First one was because the battery died maybe a month into ownership, and that very same battery died within two years. It has a three year warranty, so I just paid the difference in price increase + tax, maybe 12 bucks. Third one I just bought maybe a month ago after the car would die from sitting for more than a day, that battery (which was the warranty replacement) lasted me six years. That's a hell of a long time for a battery to last in general, especially in FL.

On another Advanced Auto topic, they're running 5 Qts of Mobil 1 + filter for 29.99, the oil alone normally would run 44.95. Plus, any quart you buy over the needed 5 for the deal, is 25% off.

Well, picked it up at Advanced.

Side note: Walmart sells 5qts of Mobil 1 for 26.45 every day. Been buying that there for the past 6-9 months, though my last 5 qt jug came from bomgaars at 29.99 minus 10 MIR.

Not a bad deal tough, but as I have 23 oil filters on the shelf, I should be set for a while.

 

[Aikouka]

FYI, there's a $35 off $85+ coupon that's a better deal:

RAF7JA1102

I was going to buy some brake pads from them, and the code definitely worked in my cart. I ended up buying the same pads from Amazon though (about the same price).

 

[phucheneh]

$100 battery at Advance? What?

I've always bought Advance batteries because they're like 50 bucks (when I wanted a cheap battery, that is). And they don't have the absurd failure rates of similarly-priced Autozone batteries.

For 100 I would probably buy an Interstate. Though I'm not sure who actually sells them, I've just worked places that used them as a supplier.

I tend to wonder if there is any difference at all between these bronze/gold/silver/titanopalladium/whatever batteries. Frankly I think it's just the sticker and the warranty. And while the warranty is nice...I'd rather just not have the battery fail.

the battery died maybe a month into ownership, and that very same battery died within two years.

but the 23-24 months of christ-like battery resurrection were pretty sweet, right?

 

[basslover1]

Side note: Walmart sells 5qts of Mobil 1 for 26.45 every day. Been buying that there for the past 6-9 months, though my last 5 qt jug came from bomgaars at 29.99 minus 10 MIR.

Advance is closer to me than Wal-Mart, plus Wally doesn't sell the oil I use. But thanks for the tip, wasn't aware of that.

but the 23-24 months of christ-like battery resurrection were pretty sweet, right?

Well, after reading that I can see the confusion. The first battery I bought for my car was into a month of owning it. The one I bought lasted 2 years.

 

[mvbighead]

FYI, there's a $35 off $85+ coupon that's a better deal:

RAF7JA1102

I was going to buy some brake pads from them, and the code definitely worked in my cart. I ended up buying the same pads from Amazon though (about the same price).

Saweet. Sucks I already picked it up though, but I also need a heater core for my truck. May wind up using it on that.

EDIT: Scratch using that on the heater core. Amazon price was $30.50sih, Advance with 35 off was 55. Ordered with 1 day shipping for $35 from amazon. Glad I didn't proceed on that one.