I was on a trip with my 98 Dodge GrandCarvaan a few months ago. In a very remote area. Charge-light came on and got me nervous. We were 200 miles from home and had no tools. I was worried that the battery would go dead before I got to civilization somewhere. With electronic fuel injection, ignition. ECM. electric trans shifing, etc. - I suspect modern autos can't get to far with no charging system.
After driving 40 miles we found a NAPA store in Speculator, NY (Adirondacks). I tried to buy an alternator - no good. They could get me a "rebuilt" the next day for $140. So, I bought a spare battery to take with me. This NAPA store sells Interstate batteries. They sold me a Interstate Megatron MT-34 outright (no exchange) for $148. $10 just for core-credit. WHAT a rip off !
Let me compare figures here . .
The battery that was in my van is a Walmart Everstart Maxx 34N. 5 years old, still fine, and now costs $89 (add $5 for no-exchange). That's a lot cheaper then $148 and the Walmart battery has better warranty.
Interstate MT-34 at NAPA - cost $148 outright and has 2 year replacement warranty and 75 month pro-rated.
Walmart Everstart Maxx 34N - $94 outright and has 3 year replacement warranty and 108 month pro-rated warranty.
NAPA Legend 7534N costs $108 at my local NAPA with NO full replacement warranty - just 75 month pro-rated.
By the way, the "rebuilt" alternator NAPA offered to get me was $148 with exchange and $200 outright sale. I didn't buy it. When I got home I bought a new (not rebuilt) OEM alternator from Rock Auto for $105.
After all that, I never put in the $148 battery or my new alternator - yet. Charge light went back off and van is charging fine. I have no idea what caused the light to come on during that trip. That new Interstate battery is now in my IH diesel tractor. I'll stick the new alternator in the van before we take any more long trips.
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