Battery Question

guido1869 · November 22, 2009

Are Optima yellow top batteries really worth the money? My silvy had one in it when I bought it and it's about time for a new one. Not lookin forward to paying $200 for a new one.

rodram · November 22, 2009

in my opinion... if I paid $200 for a battery it had better last 9 or 10 years reliably

... but then not many people keep their vehicles that long

you can buy a $80-$100 battery that will have a full replacement warranty for at least 3 years and likely last you at least 4 or 5 years

Daryl Z71 · November 22, 2009

I would try to get something thats well known. Ive had a few Duralast batteries and haven't had a problem with them. I usually worry about the Cranking Amps and Cold Cranking Amps when I buy a battery.

minibike132 · November 22, 2009

I like Interstate for the best value of all the batteries I've ever sold. I wouldn't sell a $200 battery so take that for what it is worth.

guido1869 · November 22, 2009

I've pretty much narrowed it down to either Optima D34-78 for 189.99, Interstate MTP-78 for 119.99 msrp, and Duralast Gold 78-DLG for 89.99.

I do know a few people that work for Autozone and may get my 6 year old Optima replaced "under warranty."

MS3DALE · November 22, 2009

I've pretty much narrowed it down to either Optima D34-78 for 189.99, Interstate MTP-78 for 119.99 msrp, and Duralast Gold 78-DLG for 89.99.

I do know a few people that work for Autozone and may get my 6 year old Optima replaced "under warranty."

Out of the three you listed....I'd go with the Interstate.

Me personally....I use AC-Delco,Have had great luck with them for years.

WaterGuy · November 22, 2009

Auto Zone or Walmart for me.

Never had any real issues.

I always get the highest CCA.

I'm one of the few that actually check the fluid level in my batteries on a regular basis.

desrtrat · November 22, 2009

Auto Zone or Walmart for me.
Never had any real issues.

I always get the highest CCA

just remember to take it back about every 2 yrs, and tell them it's not keeping a good charge. they will replace 100% under warranty

jrrod2004 · November 23, 2009

once you start talking $180.00 and above for replacement batteries, IMHO nothing compares to the Odyssey Battery:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

blame my military buddies for giving me the heads up on that one.

steiny93 · November 23, 2009

i live up by the canadian border, (so it really really cold most of the time:))

many of us have gone to cat batteries (cat, the construction equipment brand) very good capacity and great warranty

Harvey Halabookie · November 23, 2009

Any name brand battery should last at least a few years depending on climate and driving/starting conditions.

Most companies should pro-rate for replacemnet as well.

I had a bad experience with Sears Die-Hard years ago. Since then I have been using nothing but Kirkland brand sold at Costco and have never had any complaints.

ColoradoSkiCountry · November 23, 2009

Having done work at the former Optima plant in Aurora, Colorado and seeing the strict Qality Control standards they had I was impressed with them, however they went down a few points in my book when they decided to close the plant in favor of one in Mexico. I'm not too happy with AC/Delco batteries right now, so when it comes time for a new one, I'll either pick up a NAPA, or Costco.

http://www.bestcovery.com/node/46401/compare

Stex · November 24, 2009

I've pretty much narrowed it down to either Optima D34-78 for 189.99, Interstate MTP-78 for 119.99 msrp, and Duralast Gold 78-DLG for 89.99.

I do know a few people that work for Autozone and may get my 6 year old Optima replaced "under warranty."

Out of the three you listed....I'd go with the Interstate.

Me personally....I use AC-Delco,Have had great luck with them for years.

+1, you can get the professional series or base 5-6 yr...either seems to last about 4-5 yrs in Tex heat

sternforpres · November 25, 2009

You can almost buy three batteries from Costco for that price. There are only two or three large battery manufacturers, one being Johnson Controls...my neighbor works for them and showed me how to spot them.