Interstate or Wallmart replacement battery?

Hey everyone,

My original Toyota OEM battery on my '07 Tacoma has only 450cca according to my dealership after my last visit a few days ago so I think it is time to replace it for a new one.

Currently I have Toyota OEM 27F class battery under the hood rated at 710cca and 165 reserve min. Truck was purached in September of 2006 so I guess that is not too bad considering it survived 6.5 cold Canadian winters outside of a garage.

I did some research and calling around town, and here are my options. Please let me know what would you pick and why. Thanks.

• 1) Toyota OEM battery from a dealer for $241. (Assuming it is the same 27F, forgot to check, as I thought I must be able to find a cheaper replacement so I really did not care much at the time...)

• 2) Interstate Mega-Tron Plus 27F for $165. This is a 27F battery also rated at 710cca. Reserve min is not specified.
  http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Products/RT/PID-MTP-27F%28Automotive+Truck%29.aspx?dsNavigation=Nrc~id-3%2CN~4294784989-4290241168-4286299951&Title=Pure+Lead+MTP27F+replacement++battery

• 3) Wallmart Everstart Maxx 27N for $103. Label on top says manufactured by Johnson Controls. Has 3 year replacement warranty. I'm a bit confused by the 27N label. What is the difference between 27N and 27F? Dimensions appear almost identical to the Interstate.
  http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-Maxx-27N-Automotive-Battery/16795241

• 4) Interstate 24F or Duralast Gold 24F battery for around $150-$160 (about same price as 27F) I would rather stay with 27F as my truck originally came equiped with one.

Basically deciding between the 27F Interstate and 27N Wallmart for the most part. I'm a bit worried to go with a Wallmart branded battery, but than again its made by Johnson Controls etc.

Is it worth spending the extra $60 for an Interstate? Also confused about the 27N label compared to the 27F.

 

What kind of warranty do they have?

I got an OEM battery last year with a 5 year warranty. Paid only slightly more but a better warranty than the others.

 

In my experience the Walmart branded ones do not last as long. I now have Interstates for both my boat batteries and will get one for the truck when my OEM needs replacing.

 

Thanks.

Interstate has 30-month (2.5 years) free replacement and 6 year performance warranty.

Wallmart EverStart has 3 years free replacement warranty and 9 year limited warranty.

 

I've read that one a few days ago. Lots of usefull info. I decided to go 27F if possible. Where I'm confused is what is the difference between 27F and 27N.

 

Optima. You get what you pay for, when it comes to batteries.

 

I haven't found a dealer that sells them around here. There probably is one, unfortunatley from what I've seen online I can't afford those atm.

If you had to pick from the options above, which would you pick? Thanks.

 

I've always had good service from the top Wal-mart batteries (Maxx)
this may help
http://www.batteryweb.com/bci.cfm

 

Never had issues with a Wally World battery myself. If it's a 3 year replacement you can't go wrong with that, in MA here I expect to need a new one after 4 years.

 

Not sure who makes interstate but auto zone and Walmart a battery's are made by the same company, Johnson control. Optimas are ok but I'd go with a sears agm or oreillys agm before an optima.

 

Autoanything, advanceauto, and Amazon.com... Unless you need it today. Advance normally has them in stock.

 

+1 for wallmart battery. Thats is a great link. Thanks. Still no 27N though...

Shipping to Canada would not be free unfortunately. I will have to choose from more affordable batteries at this moment. I will keep them in mind for next time. I may get Optima in a few years when the one I get now quits.

 

Bosch from pep boys paid $87 with 3 yr warranty. Installed two years ago runs like a champ.

 

My vote is Interstate but the Walley World (Maxx) would also be a good choice.

As for AGM batteries before I would make that jump I would do some research into them. They are a great battery option, but they are a different beast all together. If you ever find yourself needing to charge the battery you will need a compatable charger. They are very sensitive to charge voltage and a lot of people kill them using a standard charger.

 

Thanks guys. It is mostly between Interstate and Wallmart branded one due to my budget. Sounds like Wally one is fairly reasonable choice for the money even though most votes went to Interstate.

Some of the other ones suggested are either out of my budget or haven't seen them around. I preferably want something locally. Shipping to Canada usually is not an (or not a good) option unfortuantely.

 

I have a walmart battery and it's been good for 4 years now. If I get 1 more year, I will be happy. I only paid $70 for it.

 

Do I understand this correctly?

24F or 27F - positive is on right hand side
24, 24R or 27, 27R - positive is on left hand side
27N - not sure yet. (Should be same size/capacity as 27F, 27R or 27 due to being 27 class)

 

not sure how you are getting $241 for a Toyota dealer battery. They cost $90 to $100 at the stealerships here.