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'And at AutoZone It’s 3 Times the Price:' Walmart Shopper Buys EverStart Car Batteries. Then He Goes to Other Walmart Across Town

"O'Reilly's in AutoZone you're looking about 150 or $180 per battery grab all the ones you can."

Walmart shopper buys several EverStart car batteries

Photo by: Unsplash.com

JT Wilson

By: JT Wilson

Dec 21, 2025 at 6:00am ET

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A used car dealer's quick trip to buy batteries turned into a lesson about shopping around when he discovered significant price differences between Walmart locations just 15 miles apart. Minnesota Value Motors (@mnvaluemotors) shared his surprising discovery in a 15-second TikTok video that has garnered more than 58,000 views since it was posted on Tuesday.

In a brief clip filmed in the auto section of a Walmart store, the dealer points his camera at shelves stocked with EverStart batteries as he explains the price discrepancy he encountered.

"Be careful what Walmart you buy your batteries at, because here in Cambridge, they're 69 bucks a piece, and over there in Princeton, they were charging me 10 more dollars a battery," he says in the video.

The price difference meant that five batteries would cost him an extra $50 at the Princeton location compared to Cambridge. "[Expletive] that, we're going to return all of them and come back, because five batteries will be 50 bucks, so save money where you can," he explains.

The Auto Parts Price Game

The video resonated with viewers who have experienced similar pricing inconsistencies across retail locations. The most popular comment, from user LimcaHaus, highlighted another common complaint: "And at AutoZone it's 3 times the price," referring to the significant markup at traditional auto parts stores compared to big box retailers.

This price comparison reflects real market conditions. EverStart batteries at Walmart typically retail for $69–79 for Value tier models and $109–189 for Plus, Maxx, and Platinum AGM tiers, depending on the model and location. Meanwhile, comparable Duralast batteries at AutoZone can cost $150–200 or more, with premium models costing $200 or more. The price difference has made Walmart a popular destination for budget-conscious consumers and professionals like Minnesota Value Motors, who buy batteries in bulk.

Regional Pricing Variations

The phenomenon Minnesota Value Motors experienced isn't uncommon among large retailers. Research shows that most US retail chains engage in some form of regional pricing, though many maintain relatively uniform pricing within regions. Companies like Walmart adjust pricing based on local market conditions, competition, and operational costs through what retail strategists call "zone pricing."

Factors that can influence these price variations include:

Local competition levels: Areas with more auto parts stores may see lower prices.
Demographics and income levels: Retailers tailor pricing to local purchasing power.
Operating costs: Rent, labor, and logistics costs vary by location.
Inventory management: Some locations may discount older stock to move it.

User pork chops @applesauce offered insight into this practice: "It depend[s on demographics] of the area That's why some stores not just Walmart charge more in different areas like even McDonald's charges more in Atlanta than they do on the outside counties."

Professional Buyer Perspective

As a used car dealer in Pease, Minnesota, Minnesota Value Motors represents a growing segment of professionals who rely on retail chains for automotive supplies. His comment that he buys "50 a year" highlights how volume purchases can make even small price differences significant over time.

When asked why he doesn't use wholesale accounts, he responded, "Too busy to find a commercial account and doubt they are gonna beat Walmart's that are ready right there whenever I need them."

This convenience factor, combined with competitive pricing, has made big box retailers increasingly attractive to professional buyers who previously relied exclusively on traditional auto parts distributors.

Battery Quality Debate

The comments section sparked a familiar debate about EverStart battery quality. Critics dismissed them as "NeverStart junk" and "POS" batteries, while defenders shared positive long-term experiences.

"I had a ever start battery for 5+ years," wrote BrokenBunny, with Minnesota Value Motors responding, "I've had great luck too!"

User Double Lu provided detailed warranty experience: "Must be bad batteries I've been having mine for like 4 years and just changed them at Walmart, brought the receipt because I keep receipts on everything I own and they said they don't need it and just scan the battery. Best battery on a budget."

Industry insider crzychknlady612, who claims 20 years in the auto parts business, offered a professional perspective: "Been in the auto parts business for 20 years. I prefer any East Penn/Deka batteries. USA made, more lead, never had one test bad new on shelf. Had many of these and interstates test bad/extremely low cca's and voltage."

East Penn Manufacturing, which produces Deka batteries, is indeed the world's largest single-site, family-owned lead-acid battery manufacturer and has earned industry awards from Honda, NAPA Auto Parts, and Caterpillar. Some Walmart EverStart batteries are manufactured by East Penn, identifiable by serial numbers starting with "EP."

The Walmart Advantage

Despite quality debates, several factors make Walmart attractive for battery purchases:

Ubiquitous locations: Easy warranty exchanges anywhere.
No-receipt policy: Batteries can be scanned for warranty information, with the barcode containing purchase date data.
Competitive pricing: Often significantly below traditional auto parts stores.
Immediate availability: No special ordering required.

As Minnesota Value Motors noted, "Warranties are good don't even need the receipt and I've ran for multiple years no issues."

Multiple consumer reports confirm that Walmart typically honors warranty claims by scanning the battery's barcode, which contains manufacturing date and sale information, making receipt retention optional in most cases.

Cost Comparison Reality

The price differences highlighted in the video reflect broader trends in automotive retail. Traditional auto parts stores typically charge premium prices due to factors like specialized staff, technical support, and smaller-scale operations. Meanwhile, big-box retailers leverage their massive purchasing power and high-volume sales models to offer lower prices.

User Jeremy6150 summed up the trade-off many consumers face: "I'll stick to interstate batteries from Costco over Walmart, good for selling a vehicle but I don't want to run them in -20." Minnesota Value Motors countered, "I've ran the everstarts on my own diesel 3 winters no problems."

Shopping Strategy Tips

Minnesota Value Motors' experience offers practical lessons for battery shoppers:

Compare prices between locations: Even the same chain can vary significantly.
Use store apps: As Jason Efteland suggested, "Always look up Walmart pricing on app."
Consider the total cost of ownership: Factor in warranty terms and convenience.
Know your vehicle's requirements: Ensure proper cold cranking amps and group size.

What do you think?

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The video serves as a reminder that price shopping can yield significant savings, even within the same retail chain. For professional buyers purchasing in volume, these differences can add up to hundreds of dollars annually.

Motor1 reached out to Minnesota Value Motors via email for additional comment. We'll be sure to update this if he responds.

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