Walmart auto battery prices

[rfuerst911sc]

Hey guys hope everyone is well . First off let me say up front I don't enjoy shopping at Walmart , I have often called them the evil empire 😁 . Fast forward to yesterday when I notice battery acid stains on the concrete floor ☹️ .

Turns out the passenger side battery is cracked. ! This is in my 2001 GMC diesel dually and she takes two . The Interstate batteries in there now are six years old so I decided to replace both .


Called three different local parts stores and for a battery with 800 CCA /1000 CA they were all $159.00 with a core charge of 18.00-22.00 each . Checked Walmart website and they are $98.00 each with a $12.00 core charge . Saving over $60.00 for EACH battery !!! Is Walmart's volume so high they can beat the competition by that much ? We all know there are just a few battery manufacturers in the world and they are all good . These are the standard size GM spec # 78 batteries and the same 3 year replacement battery . It pays to shop around .

[onewhippedpuppy]

Maybe it’s a loss leader product for them? Or maybe the average consumer gets sucked in by the cheap battery price and then happily pays the Walmart service center to install it for them, and that’s where they make the money?

[stevej37]

I've had very good results with their batteries.
If ever questioning one...drive it in, or carry it in, they will do a full test on it for no charge.
I currently have one in my JD tractor, one in my Prelude, and one in the Honda Fit.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I've had very good results with their batteries.

Same here.

The core return business is a little onerous on top of the long walk to the back of the store but price is very attractive.

[vash]

you check Costco? there isnt much out there that will drag me into a Walmart. even their lighting, or lack of lighting depresses me.

maybe cheap ammo

[stevej37]

Costco is too loud for me. I get too angry because of it.

[vash]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Costco is too loud for me. I get too angry because of it.

its not loud now

[Por_sha911]

I've had Wallyworld batteries for multiple cars for prolly 10 years (not the Carrera - it has a 13 year old Optima that works great). The WM batteries have been rock solid. I love that I can travel almost anywhere in the country and there will be a WM close by to get a replacement if needed. The one time I had a problem doing a replacement under warranty it was no hassle quick and easy.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Called three different local parts stores and for a battery with 800 CCA /1000 CA they were all $159.00 with a core charge of 18.00-22.00 each . Checked Walmart website and they are $98.00 each with a $12.00 core charge . Saving over $60.00 for EACH battery !!! Is Walmart's volume so high they can beat the competition by that much ? We all know there are just a few battery manufacturers in the world and they are all good . These are the standard size GM spec # 78 batteries and the same 3 year replacement battery . It pays to shop around .

Yes, there are only a few battery manufacturers here in the US, but there are likely a few quality tiers for each. There are different types/tech as well (sealed, wet-cell, AGM, etc.), so are you sure you were comparing apples-to-apples?
There are also other factors like age, QC, factory new vs. reman, etc.

[RedBaron]

Advance auto is relatively inexpensive with a 25 or 30% off coupon. Order it online and pick it up in the store.

[Por_sha911]

I did the comparisons with wet cell, CCA and warranty and the WM batteries came out the same or better (especially warranty) besides the price.

[JackDidley]

Walmart batteries.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by RedBaron

Advance auto is relatively inexpensive with a 25 or 30% off coupon. Order it online and pick it up in the store.

I use Walmart for value conscience customers but I normally buy the "Gold" tier battery at Advance Auto. One level below AGM. With my commercial discount I usually get them for a buck thirty plus or minus, size dependent.

If you work the retail discounts and get in with a select set of counter reps at Advance you can usually beat what I pay as a mid level commercial customer.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

Yes, there are only a few battery manufacturers here in the US, but there are likely a few quality tiers for each. There are different types/tech as well (sealed, wet-cell, AGM, etc.), so are you sure you were comparing apples-to-apples?
There are also other factors like age, QC, factory new vs. reman, etc.

Absolutely compared apple to apples in all cases a standard wet cell battery . The ones I bought from Walmart were both date code 2/20 so they are not old .

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

Walmart batteries.

Ouch.

I heard yesterday Advance Auto bought Die Hard.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Ouch.

I heard yesterday Advance Auto bought Die Hard.

I heard that too. Also, last time at Advanced when the counter guy opened up the computer to look something up, it was CarQuest on the screen. Somebody is buying somebody, I think.

[Scott Douglas]

I replaced the original Honda battery in our CR-V with an EverStart from wally world. I upgraded to a group size 24 too. About half again as big as the original. First time I went to start the car the engine about jumped out of the engine compartment it cranked so fast. Nothing says power like 925cca's vs the stock 440cca's.

[mattdavis11]

Carquest is now Advance. I have exchanged many Wallyworld batteries. No problem other than they don't last more than 3 years for me. Used to be lifetime, then they changed that policy.

I've probably had 7-8 in several vehicles over the last 14 years. Her car always gets an Interstate battery. That's not a risk worth taking.

[craigster59]

Costco has good pricing on Interstate batteries. What's nice is you go get them at the tire section (no line) and they don't do installation so you're in and out quick.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

I heard that too. Also, last time at Advanced when the counter guy opened up the computer to look something up, it was CarQuest on the screen. Somebody is buying somebody, I think.

Yep. as matt says carquest is (was acquired by) Advance. I was told it was to deepen Advance's commercial presence.

When I drove to Newfoundland for that Targa race Carquest stores were all over the place in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Not sure if Canada was impacted?