What maintenance-free battery model is the longest lasting on our B5 A4s??
#14
a response...
Understood, I know that, but they do tier quality in production lines. Some are rebadged with lower grade stuff, agreed. For all the ag it took though getting Costco to warranty their brand battery, it would have cost less(cost accting.)just to put in an Optima or higher grade unit. The pricing on the lower grade units has also risen dramatically over the past year, making them even less of bargain.
One should look at the warranty provided, the costs of getting it warranteed(removal, drive, labor,etc..) and overall purchase price. I find brands or lines do go up and down in quality over the years. Interstate, being one of those. One aspect of trickle charging or having a battery maintainer on your batteries gives you a rudimentary idea/perspective on quality levels with the recovery times to cycle.
There is nothing wrong with buying a lesser grade battery, but over the years I've found it dramatically reduces alt and starter lifespan. Though, I hear your arguement to it.
Regards
One should look at the warranty provided, the costs of getting it warranteed(removal, drive, labor,etc..) and overall purchase price. I find brands or lines do go up and down in quality over the years. Interstate, being one of those. One aspect of trickle charging or having a battery maintainer on your batteries gives you a rudimentary idea/perspective on quality levels with the recovery times to cycle.
There is nothing wrong with buying a lesser grade battery, but over the years I've found it dramatically reduces alt and starter lifespan. Though, I hear your arguement to it.
Regards
#16
Thank you all for your comments. My OEM lasted 7+ years, a cheap replacement only 2&1/2!
Any possible explanation??¿? Same usage, same driving intervals, same area and climate/temps.
#19
a response....
I find those sticker specs are mildly useless, as its a bit of a spec war like hp on lawn mower engines. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Costco as they are great stewards(charity, higher wages, benefits provided, etc.) to most locals towns that they are in and provide a great service to members. In the world of discounting though, transparancy and the constant errosion of quality is always there. The family had an issue with a set of tires on the truck which they obfuscated owning up to the warranty on them(1 day after installation). The installer finally admitted to me that alot of the tires that are sold are blems or seconds. I don't mind this but, it should be noted that what your buying or what they are selling is a 2nd or blem. No one can make any informed or cohesive decision on a good with that lack of transparency and information. It boarders on a "bait and switch" or gray level of fraud, especially when they go out of their way to avoid their warranty. I still love the Costco bakery. ; )
Regards
Regards