NorthStar Battery - PSA

[eddielasvegas]

Hello All,

Before I get to the details of this post, I want to say this is simply about passing along information to the T4R member community. No drama, hurt feelings or ill will intended.

The recent NorthStar battery GB got me to thinking (which usually does not get me very far) about a battery GB and what a hassle it is to deal with in the event a warranty issue arises. So I called NorthStar and here's what they told me:

In the recent GB, mailing back the battery under warranty is not required, but an inspection to verify its failure is. This takes time and could be a real hassle if you do not have a second car, or at least access to one. Plus, once it's verified as failed, you have to wait 2-4 days for your new battery.

Well, take a look at Batteries+Bulbs. They sell the NS battery (called X2Power) with a different color top. Internals are (see attachment):

But wait, it gets better: The B+B battery has a 5 year full replacement warranty. You simply take it to your local B+B and they give you a new battery. Most people will be up and running within a couple hours instead of a couple days.

B+B battery cost is more out of pocket, but on a per warranty year basis, it is about the same. There is always a 10% coupon on B+B's web site, but you will have to pay sales tax. Occasionally, there is a $30 rebate on their X2Power batteries, which would make my 24F battery about $270. Without the rebate, it's $300, which is $60 per warranty year. That's about the same as the recent GB price IIRC.

I will need a battery by mid November so I'll be watching this link and will jump on an X2 if a rebate shows up. Otherwise, I'll pony up the $300 knowing I have 5 years and an easy swap out of anything happens.


2001 Toyota 4Runner V6 3.4L 585CCA Car and Truck Batteries at Batteries Plus Bulbs



Eddie

 

[riceandpho]

if you want to save at battery plus, you need to do the online order and apply coupon codes and do store pick up, also i would fit the biggest battery i can, pretty sure 27f might, i know its more wider.
94r might also. when i had a 3rd gen, i put in an PC1700MJT | ODYSSEY Batteries
odyssey pc1700mjt, it was a wide and short, but had enough juice for my needs.

 

[halflife78]

You sure have been on a mission to bash that groupbuy since you got slapped around in the opening page of it haven't you? This is also a good look for when you try to setup another GB.

And this isn't a GB thread, so it needs to be purged.

 

[FrenchToasty]

if you want to save at battery plus, you need to do the online order and apply coupon codes and do store pick up, also i would fit the biggest battery i can, pretty sure 27f might, i know its more wider.
94r might also. when i had a 3rd gen, i put in an PC1700MJT | ODYSSEY Batteries
odyssey pc1700mjt, it was a wide and short, but had enough juice for my needs.

They want your business, most of the time they will honor the online coupon in store with no issues. Sometimes you get lucky and the counter monkeys don’t charge you for the core!

 

[Akkording]

That's why I also went with the local B+B route, I was fine with the lighter 24 size battery and yes online pickup with coupon and rebate helps you recoup. Now my local rep explained to me that the battery will have to be tested at the shop and it has to fail in order to get a replacement, testing can possibility take over night to know the results. I guess it all depends on the timing when they start the test. Just a fair warning.

 

[JWaldz]

You accept the responsibilities that comes with ordering a battery that's an online only process. You obviously know what they are. If they're worth saving some money to you, then you go for it. Otherwise, you move on. In this case, I think you should move on. No need to prolong the contrast of the two options as I feel it will likely get heated considering the replies here and the replies in the actual GB thread about the topic.

>> Closed