One big concern for me when buying parts, especially batteries is can I get a replacement easily when traveling. With dirhard the answer is yes.
You would think so, but what I didn't say in my original post about having two Motorcrafts needing replacement in under 5 years is the trouble that I had in getting a battery. I did have an issue with my Ranger on Valentine's Day, and I happened to be at Wal-Mart a couple miles from my house. Of course, it was raining and cold in Feb. and the last thing I expected when I parked was to have trouble leaving. Anyway, I went in to grab a jersey for my wife, and I was in-and-out in under 10 minutes. I had my key fob in my hand, and I pressed the button to unlock yet nothing happened. I thought that's odd, so I used the key to get in. I put the key in the ignition and nothing -- no click, even. I went in to the auto center, and guess what? They lost the auto portion, so although they sell batteries, there was noone to assist me, like jumping my old one, etc. They also only had one left, and it was the lower end -- $79.99 and only replaced under two years free. I had to be 100% sure that it was the battery, but I took the chance because I didn't feel anything else could be wrong. I double-checked with a sales associate that said I could return with receipt if that didn't solve my problem. I even bought a wrench because I was going to swap-out myself. I refused because it was raining, so I called roadside assistance under warranty. The tow-truck gentleman had no trouble jump-starting me, and he warned me that I should be careful since I should let the battery fully charge. He also suggested I take the vehicle to Autozone or Napa, etc., so that I can be positive that it is the battery and not the alternator or starter. I drove less than a couple miles to the nearest auto parts store, which happened to be Autozone, and I wasn't going to just leave the vehicle running. I shut the Ranger off, went inside, told the gentleman the issue, and he said that I shouldn't have shut the vehicle off so soon. Needless to say, I needed another jump, and he suggested I drive the vehicle a lot farther and get it tested. I drove 6 - 7 miles to Sears, and they told me that they needed to charge the battery and that would take about an hour. I said, "Fine. Call me." I went to the food court. After about an hour, I went back, "Battery won't hold a charge. It is deader than a doorknob, but we don't have one in stock". You have got to be kidding me. I told the guy, "I have a Wal-Mart battery, can I pay the labor to put it in plus I'm a Sear's Holding's Employee" (I worked for Kmart at the time and had ID). His manager O.K.'d it since they were out of the size I needed -- a BX-59/60, which is a very common battery I'd imagine. They did this, and 3 hours after I had stopped at Wal-Mart for a shirt, I was finally home. What an experience!
