Warning on Battery Purchase

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 14, 2002 at 00:00

ThreadID: 1726 Views:1675 Replies:4 FollowUps:6

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Member - Nigel

I visited my local Super Cheap Auto today looking for a new battery. I was horrified to find that all the batteries of the type I wanted were 12 months old. This would be acceptable if they weren't already filled with electrolyte, but since they were filled I can only assume that they were already half dead from sulphation. Needless to say I left without a new battery and will be ordering a fresh one from a local business.

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Reply By: Fred - Thursday, Aug 15, 2002 at 00:00

Reply By: royce - Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Did you talk to the manager/staff? It seems VERY strange that ALL the batteries were 12 months old..... exactly? I can't imagine a business that wouldn't get you a fresh battery if you asked.... Sorry.... I'm a bit suspicious about the claim. How old was the Super Cheap outlet?

AnswerID: 5756

Follow Up By: Member - Nigel - Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Yes I talked to the staff and they knew nothing about batteries except the price. There were 3 batteries in stock (of the type I was after) and all had identical batch codes on them (made in brisbane in August 2001). Most of their car batteries were much newer.

Your opinion is your choice, but if I can save one person from buying a half dead battery then I am happy.

FollowupID: 2488

Follow Up By: Royce - Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Ahha! Gotcha. I thought you meant the whole rack of batteries. I reckon super cheap can be okay if you make sure you get the best they can offer. I always bargain even though some stuff is cheap! You do get what you pay for I guess. Cheers Royce

FollowupID: 2497

Follow Up By: Member - Nigel - Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Friday, Aug 16, 2002 at 00:00

Have you noticed that Autobarn now sells almost all the same brands (of everything) as Supercheap - no variety anymore.

FollowupID: 2501

Follow Up By: Royce - Saturday, Aug 17, 2002 at 00:00

Saturday, Aug 17, 2002 at 00:00

Yep and.... better service at Autobarn. Mind you.. you have to ask for the special price always. They drop at least 5% when asked and Autoclub is worth some too. Supercheap opened late last year near to Autobarn [Traralgon]. I go to Supercheap, get the price and brand, then onto Autobarn. Problem is I often walk out of both with something I never intende to buy in the first place!

FollowupID: 2512

Follow Up By: Yonnee - Saturday, Aug 17, 2002 at 00:00

Saturday, Aug 17, 2002 at 00:00

Must be our autObarn training and sales techniques.....:o) It is hard for some country outlets to turn over stock regularly, particularly
for slow moving stock like 4WD batteries. At the autObarn where I work, we deal with Century batteries and our delivery guy we see
once a week, also checks the date on all our batteries in stock.

FollowupID: 2519