ssis300

iTrader: (2)

Thought I'd share my experience and research with you guys, as I sifted through many threads on here as well as talking to my Service Advisors at both Lexus Dealerships here in town. First, I can say that for the original battery to last over 4 years in Southern state climate is pretty impressive. The car is electrically bone stock, so the battery doesn't have to stress any more than normal. That all being said, the things that I learned:

1. Lexus ISFs ship from Japan with Panasonic batteries (which are not sold here in the US - at least not at my dealers, and I didn't press on this)
2. My 2 dealerships source Interstate Batteries as the direct OEM replacement, due to "warranty and performance"
3. The replacement out the door cost is about $220, which includes the battery, materials, labor, and tax. It comes with a full replacement 2-year warranty, and 50% on years 3-4, and 25% on years 5-6....as I was told.
4. I DID NOT go with the dealership replacement option. Thanks to several postings here (and on various other review boards on the interwebs), I ended up going with the BOSCH Platinum Series AGM Battery from Pep Boys. This battery seemed to get great reviews and I was hard pressed to find any negativity associated with it, except for price ($190ish, but they're currently running a 25% off special....so save about $50 off that). The positives far outweighed that, being that the CCAs are about 100 more than the Interstate, and it comes with a 100% 4-year exchange warranty. I also looked at the Red Top and there were some bad experiences and reviews out there and I did not want to take any chances. The BOSCH battery is available here: https://www.pepboys.com/product/deta...05.0L%2520DOHC
5. Ended up installing it yesterday with some buddies, and it's FANTASTIC. Now if I can only get my radio presets and settings back to where they all were!!

I hope this helps someone out there!

semnosNSX

Thanks for the info! did you happen to look at Costco batteries? They are Interstate batteries and have an awesome warranty (I think its like 4 year full replacement). And, its Costco, so if you ever have to use the warranty, there are no questions asked.... just bring in the bad battery and walk out with a new one!

oh yeah, and I believe it has 100 extra cranking amps over stock... and costs under a $100.

ssis300

iTrader: (2)

Yes I did, thanks! Costco batteries are also good - from what most were saying. They are also made by Johnsons Controls, who makes most of the good quality batteries out there - before they are rebranded and sold as Duralast, Kirkland, Etc.

I also failed to mention that I really like the look of the blue top of the BOSCH in the engine bay as well. It goes will with the JoeZ intake tube. I will post a pic when I get a chance!

semnosNSX

Cool!

Zelfiris

Thanks for sharing. I'm still running the original battery from my 08 but I imagine it will be any years now when I have to swap in a new one.

ssis300

iTrader: (2)

Most impressive. How many miles on the car/battery?

isfvss

You have got some cheap battery's over there even factoring the conversion rate, in OZ you are looking at $280 just for the battery and any shop you talk to, "to get a discount"say because the price of lead has gone up, bull**** more like F ing taxes . The price of a new RCF $148000 plus orc, i hope your new elpresidento works for the good of the country not like most of the f ..wits rant over.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

ssis300 - IMHO, you bought the best replacement battery out there for the F. Good Job


Lou

Biggu

iTrader: (12)

since its an AGM battery if you plan to use a battery tender make sure its AGM compatible.

Justin727

I went with the dealer. although I installed myself.


The trick is to get the parts counter guy to put in the comments section your vin number and current mileage when it comes to warranty items or anything for that matter.

Never had issue's with any of my Toy/Lex interstate replacement batteries!


Good choice though!

F_Throttle

Got the same battery as OP. My Toyota branded battery died in 2 years in sunny California.. They only covered a percentage, towards another one and I wasn't having it.

Diesel350

I went with AAA's battery. $141 and they came to my doorstep and installed it. Can't be that.

Zelfiris

Its at 54680 miles

LOWFAST

Thanks for the info, mine just crapped out this morning. Ordered online the Bosch for in store pick-up, discount is still running, makes it a heck of a deal on an AGM.

lorenr

iTrader: (1)

What is the weight difference between the PEP Boys AGM and the Costco lead acid battery?

I have a Yellow Top AGM in my boat (must be at least ten years old) and it still works great. Lighter for sure than the lead acid equivalent.

Costco stuff is great but, they really have a habit of screwing the supplier. However, I'll take the weight savings any time I can.