Stroock639

so i thought i'd be mr. big shot and get an optima battery for my next replacement, but i've read that in recent years they've shifted their production to mexico and the quality has dropped.

does anyone have a battery they prefer for a good reason?

mmarshall

For an aftermarket (non-stock) battery, I'd chose either an Exide or a Die Hard.

Toys4RJill

I know some don't want to here this. But I have always just done my battery replacement at the dealer where I get service. Never ever had a problem and the new batteries usually lasted me about 7 years while the replacement usually went just as long. Usually costs me about $150 once over the life of my Toyotas or Lexus models.

mmarshall

Battery life, of course, is dependent on several factors...particularly the amount of stop/go driving vs. steady-state cruising, which, provided the alternator and charging system is working properly, helps keep it fully charged. But, in general, 4-7 years is average.

Stroock639

what sort of battery does the dealer use if you have them replace it?

Rhambler

Whatever you do, don't buy Autozone. Had their most expensive battery fail completely less than a year after buying it (dead cell).

Ever since my Autozone fiasco I went back to OEM and not had any problems. More expensive though.

Toys4RJill

Not really sure to be honest. It just has a large Lexus sticker on my 4Runner battery. Was changed in 2011 as preventive maintenance from the original 04 Panasonic. My parents new 15ES/154Runner both are Panasonic.

Toys4RJill

What kind of vehicle are you needing the battery for?

Toys4RJill

I have always just changed it at the 7 year mark before the winter starts. I figure preventive maintenance in case of a dead battery when I really need the car to start.

Stroock639

my LS

there now it's at least 10 characters

Toys4RJill

You are gonna need a large battery for the LS. What does Lexus want for it?

Stroock639

well the list price is $116.87, and it originally called for a 80D26L

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

wow, have never had a battery last 7 years. usually 4 tops. and i've lived with all kinds of different commutes and vehicles.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i'd just go with the dealer's battery... they're certainly not gouging at that price and if you have a problem you'll be taken care of properly.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

On my old LS430, it was a panasonic.