2005 ES330 Battery recommendations
 

Hi,
I can see the car is struggling to crank for the past 2 days and I believe it to be the battery which tested bad 2 months ago at Autozone. I have the original Toyata battery installedi in 2014 (think warranty is 8 years). I paid $125 at that time as I think it was covered under warranty
What is the recommended capacity for 2005 ES330? What is the cost of the OEM battery for 2005 ES330 ? What other alternate batteries (Duracell ? or other manufacturers) do you recommend ?

My ‘05 ES’s 6yo Interstate gave it up just a month ago in St. Augustine, so I walked into an Autozone and told him to install the best battery they had. I bought a “Duralast Platinum Battery 24F-AGM Group Size 24F 710 CCA” and feel I made a good decision. Installed for $220 incl. tax. “Wet cell (flooded), gel cell, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) are various versions of the lead acid battery. ... If you don't use or operate your equipment daily, AGM batteries will hold their charge better than other types. If you must depend on top-notch battery performance, spend the extra money.” They’re rated 41/2 stars, so, I’m happy.

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...7_199987_25697

I just buy the battery from my dealer. Typically $130-160 depending on the car, and has an 84 month prorated warranty, with a full warranty for like half of that

Costco is another good option. They now sell interstate batteries, around $70-90 based on the size, 3 years free replacement warranty

IDK if they have them now, but in the past they only had the cheapest/lowest Interstate line, and it's not very good. Firestone quit carrying them because the warranty claim rate was ridiculous. And based on the number of batteries I see carried into Costco, I'd think it's still the same.

My strategy has always been to a get a green-top Interstate from Firestone (Megatron II). There are online-coupons and you can "delete" the installation fee if you want, makes it very affordable. I usually get 6 to 7 years out of them. I have been doing this for 20 years on a few vehicles and it's always about the best deal around.

Since, I had about 40 months left in warranty, the dealership told me that I will only be responsible for 50% of the battery cost (about $75 of the actual $150 for the battery).However, they seem to be charging about $70 for labor. Basically, I am paying full price for the battery.
Would the dealership just give me the battery when I turn in my old one and I get someone else to install it for me ?