I tried posting this in the SC 430 Model Forum without much luck, so I'm trying here in Car Chat.

Likely related to the Covid stay-at-home orders, my battery is now on its last legs (I'm getting out of an Interstate non-AGM that lasted five years--not bad).

I have these AGM batteries on my short list: Optima Yellow Top DH6--$300; Interstate MT7--$260; Odyssey 48-720--$245; Diehard Gold EP48--$200; Champion AGM--$161.

Wondering if spending the extra money for a Optima Yellow Top is worth it? Anybody using any of these and have any recommendations? Others to consider? Thanks in advance!

In other vehicles, I've been using the Optima Red Tops (about $200) but they don't make a Red Top for an SC 430. I generally like the Optimas, but have had issues with charging them once drained, even with an AGM charger. One retailer told me I needed the $200 Optima-brand charger, which rubs me the wrong way! Not even sure if this is true or if they're simply trying to extract mo money out of me.

 

I have heard the Optima batteries are no longer the quality items they once were.

 

I've been jumping both our cars lately too.

Last week I replaced my in-laws' battery on their car.

I know Costco carries some Interstate and they seem to have the best prices around.

 

they sucked 20 years ago

 

If you're not driving the car bring the battery inside, or get a battery tender. I have a battery that is 12 years old it's still fine because I don't let it get discharged and get cold when the charge is down.

 

sure if we are not driving our vehicles the batteries tend to deplete. as stated, it's a good idea to keep it on a battery tender or drive it once a week at least for an hour, to not only charge but to move the fluid around. fuel gets stale too!

 

All good advice! I do what I can to extend battery life, and even got 12 years out of my OEM Tundra battery!

That said, my hopes in posting this was to get recommendations on brands/models. I've been wavering on the Optimas due to the charging issues, but I also understand their manufacturing was moved to Mexico and this resulted in quality issues. Optima claims the problems have been resolved, but what else are they to say? It sounds like a couple of people don't like Optima, both before and after the move.

So, I'm not feeling good about spending $300 on a yellow top. The Champion AGM at $161 is looking better, but I wonder if all AGM-type batteries are prone to the same issues as the Optima. If so, I'll go super cheap with a Costco Interstate flooded cell battery!

 

It's only been through four Chicago winters so far, but my Autocraft Platinum AGM from Advance Auto (now DieHard Platinum AGM) is still working great, despite having to start an ornery diesel engine that is parked outside 100% of the time. I will happily get another AGM when this one dies.

 

Worked great for me!

I just bought a Walmart's best battery guaranted 10 years.

 

I havent seen anything negative about older Optima batteries, its after they moved production to Mexico

 

Was the 10-year Walmart battery an EverStart brand? Is it an AGM or flooded-cell?

 

No Idea it was their Best battery with 10 year warranty, that's all I needed to know.

 

That's not all you need to know better read the fine print.

 

Are you referring to the difference between the "full/free replacement" and the "pro-rated" warranties? Most full replacement warranties are 2 to 3 years, with the highest-end batteries getting 4 years. Beyond that, they're pro-rated which likely means you'll get a few bucks toward a new battery upon replacement.

Even an abused battery can make it to 2-4 years, so manufacturers aren't taking much risk on the full replacement warranty. Anything beyond that is a marking move to get customers coming back to the store for their next battery.

 

I totally agree with the once-a-week/one-hour minimum. One of the worst things a modern vehicle can do is sit and not be driven.