The thing to remember when buying automotive batteries is that there are less than 10 actual battery manufacturers in the USA. These include ... Johnson Controls Delco Douglas Exide Optima The rest is all just labeling and marketing. Probably even the dealer's Autobahn batteries are made locally by one of these, since lead is pretty heavy and low value to stand the shipping charges from Europe. Interstate is a label. Best bet is probably to compare specs (if there are any differences available in the unique Vanagon size) and patronize the supplier you feel will give best service. Your local independent VW shop? Another idea is to find a battery specialty company--they may know how to get batteries without the expensive brand name that are the same thing. I did this once with my late lamented BMW 6 series-BMW dealer wanted $150; same thing (exactly except for labeling) at specialty shop was $40 or $50. |
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