Expert Review:
Surprisingly enough, Costco’s in-house brand Kirkland Signature makes one of the best value car batteries to be found on sale today. The performance and amp ratings of the Kirkland Signature car batteries match or exceed that of super-premium brands such as Optima, at about half the price of what you’d pay for the name-brand product. The cold-weather performance of the ‘Costco’ batteries is outstanding, and you can count on your car to start every time even in below-freezing conditions. The Kirkland Signature battery also carries a unique warranty in that it is not pro-rated, meaning you get a full refund of the purchase price if the battery fails for whatever reason. Given its price and the surprising amount of performance and dependability you get from the Kirkland Signature car battery, it is an absolute bargain.
Costco also charges sales tax on the core. They do not refund the tax when you bring the core in. If you were to bring in the old battery when making initial purchase, no core (or tax on core) would be charged. It only amounts to 88 cents, but it's the principle of the thing.
I just wondered if Costco will install the new battery? I know that we looked at tires and they don't install them.
I have been shopping at Costco for years. Their product support is unparalleled--absolutely first rate. I could tell you the numerous times that Costco has refunded my purchase and treated me properly, but it would take up thousands of words.
I own a house that is running largely on solar power. I bought Trojan golf cart batteries from a local vendor years ago. It seemed like a very good price until I realized that the vendor had scammed me. They were selling re-conditioned batteries as new. The batteries started acting up in only two years despite my treating them with kid gloves.
When you purchase from Costco, there is little doubt about the batteries being brand new. Also, there are only three battery manufacturers in the US. They supply all product to all major retailers. Costco is currently supplied by Interstate, which makes superb deep cycle batteries. Also, the current line of Kirkland golf cart batteries weigh 63 lbs. Trojan T-105's weigh 62 lbs. This is a quick and easy way to determine the amount of lead plating in any battery. Costco Deep cycle Batteries are $75 per. Trojans currently cost $140 per.
So, once again, Costco will win my purchase. I am going to buy 16 of their Kirkland Deep Cycle Batteries knowing full well that they will stand behind their product if I have any difficulty.
Thanks Costco!! "If it ain't available at Costco, then I do without."
-j
Ummm, sorry but there are more than three US battery manufacturers, about 7 or 8 currently. And actually Interstate does not manufacture batteries, they just distribute them under the Interstate brand. I think Johnson Controls is the primary supplier to Interstate and to Costco.
There is a lot of good info on this subject at Cruiser's Forum, on page 3 of this thread:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/costco-vs-trojan-batteries-46671...
However I do agree with you on the quality and performance of Costco/Kirkland batteries... tough to beat!
I've bought nothing but Kirkland batteries for almost a decade now--and I mean like a couple dozen between different cars and friends/families cars. I will buy nothing but for years to come. Besides a custom deep cycle like an Optima there's really no better battery you can be even besides the better price. Every single Kirkland battery I've owned has lasted longer than the factory batteries. And the warranty can't be beat if it doesn't. ;-)
Do yourself a favor and get one even if you have to shell out for the Costco membership if nothing else just for the battery. You'll end up shopping there for lots of other stuff too anyway.
This is great. Thanks for posting this. Actually, I have been recommending this battery to my friends cuz it really made me think that magic is real. It is quite expensive for a guy like me but it is worth it!
I recently returned my 38 mo. old battery, Because it was dead, At the return desk, they credited me 60% of what I paid, That's ok but as I paid for the new battery, I was charged another $9. for the core charge. I imediatly said that was wrong. I wound up at the return desk again, where they said I would have to pay the core charge. I told them, Not on a return battery only on a new purchace. They didn't care, I would have to pay the core charge again. Then I took my new battery to my car. And I was determined to get my $9. Back so I then went to the desk in charge of all checkouts. Three other employes told me I still would have to the core charge!! Finally a supervisor overheard me and took me to automotive dept for my $9. cash return. There should not be a core charge on a returned battery for even exchange right. I'ts not my fault it broke down!! Costco employes need to have this standard rule right. How many other million's of people has Cosco beaten this way????
No you are absolutely right. I worked in a retail store and when a customer returns the battery that is supposed to take care of the core charge so that you DONT have to pay it. You are right only for a new battery purchase without the old batter then and only then would you have to pay that charge. stupid sales people you did the right thing next time just ask to speak to the supervisor or manager save yourself time and make the dumbass sales people look stupid. ;)