I had a couple questions about replacing the battery in my IS, specifically that the usual online part sellers have different OEM batteries listed for an '08 IS250. This is more for my curiosity than anything else.

Let me preface this by saying, I know I'm being picky in wanting to pick up another OEM battery. But mine did last me from delivery in Spring 2008 until now, through the variety of weather conditions that living in Cleveland and NW Ohio without a garage presents. Even now, it's not really dead, just below the threshold where every oil change comes with the suggestion.

Anyways, I checked out Park Place's catalog, and found part number 00544024T2530 for $107 shipped. The same part is being sold from Lexus of Knoxville for $78.80 shipped.

I decided to check South Atlanta too, because I distinctly remember something odd about the battery cost the last time I looked, about a year or two ago. Lo and behold, I find a different part number, 2880054232 for $885.75 shipped. The same part is listed as discontinued on a few other OEM part sellers.

I'm guessing that the battery I currently have is probably part 2880054232, and they sourced a beast of a battery for early production runs. But when it got discontinued, they probably started using some cheaper alternatives, hence part 00544024T2530. I'll pull my existing one out to take a closer look once the storming subsides here in northern FL, as I'm still without a garage. Just wanted to get some clarification, if anyone else has already looked into this before.

If what I suspect is true, I'll probably end up considering some alternative third party batteries, since the cheaper OEM alternative seems an awfully good but unknown deal compared to established batteries like Yellowtops.

 

28800-_____ numbers are the factory batteries and are not typically sold for servicing the car unless it is a Hybrid. Early and late production batteries were both of the same type. Occasionally they will price out but with ridiculous prices (similar to complete engine assemblies). The problem is shipping acid-filled batteries from Japan can be cost prohibitive, so generally speaking Toyota/Lexus will use locally-supplied alternatives.

The 00544 battery is not a factory battery and was never used in any new vehicle, it is a service replacement battery from a USA battery company that meets Toyota's guidelines/quality standards, but is not the same as what came in your car.

Jeff

 

Thank you, Jeff. That's exactly the explanation I was looking for!