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tucsonjwt · 07-30-2011, 01:50 PM

Consumer Reports has a battery review. For group 75 (side terminals) they recommend in order:

Bosch (Pep Boys) $80 - A Best Buy
Duralast Gold (Autozone) $85
Interstate MegaTronPlus MTP 75 $115
Autocraft Gold 75-3 (Advance Auto Parts) $85

They also list EverStartMaxx-75S (Walmart) for the South, but it is not recommended by CR. $75 But CR does recommend this Walmart battery for the South in other sizes(?)

I had good luck with AutoZone exchanging my 2 Duralast Gold (dual start battery setup) twice, but both times I was just within the 2 year window. I drive my truck maybe once a week for only a few miles, so it is hard to keep the batteries charged and the batteries die prematurely. I have had all types of batteries in my old vehicles in the AZ desert and they all lasted several years as long as they were driven daily. But I have heard several mechanics out here recommend replacing the battery every two years. Hot weather is worse on a battery than cold weather. I think finding a seller with a good exchange policy would be best for you.

07-30-2011, 01:50 PM	#3
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,198	Re: best budget battery, advice? Consumer Reports has a battery review. For group 75 (side terminals) they recommend in order: Bosch (Pep Boys) $80 - A Best Buy Duralast Gold (Autozone) $85 Interstate MegaTronPlus MTP 75 $115 Autocraft Gold 75-3 (Advance Auto Parts) $85 They also list EverStartMaxx-75S (Walmart) for the South, but it is not recommended by CR. $75 But CR does recommend this Walmart battery for the South in other sizes(?) I had good luck with AutoZone exchanging my 2 Duralast Gold (dual start battery setup) twice, but both times I was just within the 2 year window. I drive my truck maybe once a week for only a few miles, so it is hard to keep the batteries charged and the batteries die prematurely. I have had all types of batteries in my old vehicles in the AZ desert and they all lasted several years as long as they were driven daily. But I have heard several mechanics out here recommend replacing the battery every two years. Hot weather is worse on a battery than cold weather. I think finding a seller with a good exchange policy would be best for you.