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Wal-Mart Car Battery Deal - Wow, What A Warranty

Cars

walmart warranty, car batteries, full replacement

On June 8, 2003 we researched and purchased a new car battery for our 1997 Honda Accord. Based on a Consumer Reports review, we decided to change from using Interstate Batteries - always reliable, but rather pricey, to Wal-mart's brand. Consumer Reports rated Wal-Mart's EverStart Maxx batteries about the middle of the pack. They weren't the top rated, but their Life Test, Reserve Capacity and Cold Cranking Power were all above average. One thing we failed to note was the warranty period — 24 months full replacement / 72 months prorated. We plunked down $47.99 (tax included) and didn't give the battery a second thought.

Last month — October 2007 — a full 51 months (4.25 years) later, the battery started to loose cranking power. We discovered it had a bad cell, but it continued to work fairly well. In early November, Steve got stuck - the battery wouldn't start the car. Steve went to a nearby Wal-Mart. Normally batteries in Arizona don't last more than 3 years, so Steve was prepared to pay full price to replace our old battery.

The service tech at Wal-Mart offered us free installation of a new EverStart Maxx battery AND because of the pro-rated warranty we only paid $15.93 . . . 15.93 for a new battery!

Now we've had batteries with replacement warranties before, but they've never been this generous! The full retail price was supposed to be $73.48. We received a savings of $57.55. Steve questioned the Automotive Department manager to make sure she was performing the transaction correctly. It just didn't seem right. She checked it twice and then re-explained Wal-Mart's warranty policy. The new battery has a 36 Month Full Replacement / 108 month prorated warranty.

We know that customer service varies from store to store. Just be aware that enforcement of the proper terms of any warranty depends on your knowledge of the terms and the helpfulness of the customer service person. Know the details and stand up for what is right.

Ours is not an isolated experience - read what other Wal-Mart Battery Owners are saying:
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7888

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147737

Steve & Annette — Scottsdale, AZ (11.07)

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