A while back, I wrote about having to replace the battery in my Tahoe. It was during that unexpected adventure I learned about Wal-Mart/EverStart Battery's decision to phase out their prorated battery replacement. Totally uncool. I've used several of the EverStart Batteries in my Tahoe and they last around 3 1/2 years.

Shaun @ Smart Family Finance commented that he used, what he believed (or at least I assumed from his comment), was an Interstate Battery for his vehicle. Shaun was pretty sure his battery was more expensive...but that it was worth it because it lasted longer- about 5 years.

Well, as promised, I've decided to take a closer look to see which of these two batteries would be a better deal- based on price, durability (life) and warranty benefits of these two batteries. LET'S GET IT ON!

We'll start with the (my) current Champion- the EverStart Maxx 78s. At my local Wal-Mart, I can buy a new one for about $89 plus tax. The EverStart Maxx 78s offers a 3 Year (36 Month) FREE Replacement warranty. As I mentioned earlier, the prorated replacement warranty (for a battery that dies after the 3 year period, but still within the extended period) is going away. My experience with this battery tells me I'll get about 40 months use out of it before it dies.

Next, let's look at the Challenger- the Interstate Mega-Tron 78. At my local Interstate Battery Center it will cost me roughly $122 plus tax. This battery has a 2 Year (24 Month) FREE Replacement warranty. But, it also has a 75 Month Prorated Warranty. Again, Shaun believes he gets about 5 Years (60 Months) use out of his before it dies.

ROUND 1: The Name

Although it shouldn't matter (at least not in a financial sense), the name of the battery is important to me. EverStart Maxx 78s sounds kind of cool...but I know these batteries don't last forEVER & they don't alwaysStart! The word MAX is ok...but it's even better when you add the 2nd X! I'm glad they stopped there...3 X's could offend some of the more timid folks in this part of Texas. The name Interstate Mega-Tron 78, on the other hand, just sounds AWESOME! It screams of being rebellious & crossing state lines. Plus, it has MEGATRON in it's name! How is sharing the name of the leader of the Decepticons NOT cooler than Maxx? Seriously?!?!

*Round 1 Winner: Interstate Mega-Tron 78!*

Round 2:  Cost & Durability

The EverStart Maxx 78s costs about $33 less than the Interstate Mega-Tron 78. Just based on that fact alone, the winner of this round should be clear...but we have to look at how long these things last, too. The EverStart Maxx 78s lasts about 40 months and the Interstate Mega-Tron 78 lasts 60 months. So, if I could keep my truck running for another 10 years (unlikely, but just stay with me for now) for a total of 120 months- it would take at least THREE of the EverStart Maxx 78's but probably only TWO of the Interstate Mega-Tron 78's. Total cost for the EverStart Maxx 78's would be $267 plus taxes. Total cost for the Interstate Mega-Tron 78's would be $244 plus taxes. That means we would actually SAVE $23 over 10 years if we bought the more expensive battery now. Hmmm...

*Round 2 Winner: Interstate Mega-Tron 78!*

Round 3: Warranty

The FREE replacement warranty for the EverStart Maxx 78s is longer at 36 Months, but the prorated extended warranty is going away. The FREE replacement warranty for the Interstate Mega-Tron 78 is only 24 months, but the prorated extended warranty is a whopping 75 months! As long as the Interstate Mega-Tron 78 lasts close to the 40 months that the EverStart Maxx 78s lasts, it would be a wash...or only a few dollars one way or the other. This one's a bit tougher to call...

*Round 3 Winner: DRAW!*

JUDGES DECISION:

The Winner of the Truck Battery Price Wars: EverStart Maxx 78s vs Interstate Mega-Tron 78 is the...

INTERSTATE MEGA-TRON 78!

Looks like we have a NEW Champion (& I bought the WRONG battery). Oh well, I'll know what to buy next time.

Have thoughts, comments or questions about my comparison, unorthodox methods or decision? I'd love to hear them...

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