Hey guys. The battery on my '03 GX apparently failed the load test this morning while it was over at the local Toyota dealer for its 90k checkup. Since I'm going to have to replace it anyway, I wanted to put some feelers out about the best type of replacement. I'd been using one from autozone but there are probably some other (better?) choices out there. I live up north of Boston, so the winter is pretty long/cold. It's garaged most of the time, though we do head up to VT on a regular basis, where it's outside in the real cold.

Edit: I'm seeing a lot of recommendations for Optima and Interstate batteries on the toyota truck forums. Anyone care to comment?

 

I put an Optima Red Top (34R) in my GX ~ 3 years ago when they still had the 7yr warranty. Since they've dropped to 3yr, it's still a very good battery, but probably not worth such the premium... If you can find one of their rebates (usually $25) or an Advanced auto rebate, it prices out better.

Anyhow, if you go w/ Optima, you'll need a longer chassis cable - approx 2" longer IIRC. If you use their height adapter, original tie downs still work. If you don't, you'll need to cut your tie downs each by ~ 1" or so (at the hook end so you don't have to re-thread ) and then bend a new hook in. Longer cable is needed regardless though...

 

Just a thought. I know the 4Runners came from Japan with a Panasonic battery. Over at the 4Runner forums they are claiming 180K on these batteries. I wouldn't have the dealer replace it. Before I bought my CPO GX they replaced the battery but the truck only has 19K on it. I asked a buddy over at the Toyota dealer why replace the battery. His feeling was that someone wanted that battery a little more badly than I needed it. It's a known fact that these batteries are FANTASTIC and NOT available state side for repurchase.

I would get the truck home, check the water levels in the battery, add DISTILLED water as needed, then run down to your local Pep Boys or Autozone and have the load test redone. If it's bad, than replace it. If not, you just saved yourself a few bucks. Batteries stateside are engineered to give out around 4 years. That way, they still have a prorated amount of $$ left to keep you coming back. Battery mark up is about 70% from what I understand.

Oh! And I thought I read that Optima is now owned by Die Hard. You can get the Die Hard version of the spiral cell, gell fill, for less dineros and be getting the same battery. Research this, I'm almost positive I ran across this in the 4R forum as well.

Edit: Just reread your post. Looks like the OE battery in your GX was already replaced. I've had nothing but good luck with Interstate and Optima in all my Toyota products. Sometimes you can get a "brand new fresh" battery direct from the Interstate truck driver. Depends if you can track one down, or an Interstate battery store. Do they still have those?

 

For what it's worth - I needed a new battery for the GX and did some shopping at Costco and Walmart, but didn't find the right battery configuration, so I ended up getting an OEM replacement from Lexus. I think it cost me about $110 or thereabouts, so unless you're trying to cut the costs even lower, I would just order one through your local Lexus dealer.

Turby

 

Advanced Auto has an Optima (really nice batteries but expensive) and another Autocraft silver which is still very good. Had good experience with the Autocraft batteries but never used Optima.

 

There is an Intersate battery store in Malden, MA Royal Battery Royal Battery Co
Place page
705 Eastern Avenue
Malden, MA 02148
(781) 322-6863

Otherwise I have used Diehard Gold or silver from Sears- Good warranties.