Best battery for the buck?
- Thread starter VT365
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I'm really stuck on optima batteries. I don't care how old the battery is in anything new I get, I replace it with an optima. I've never had one go dead and never had to replace one yet. No more corroded batter terminals, no more leaking acid and they even start my diesels up fast as ever no matter how cold it gets.
I used to be stuck on diehards till the came out with these. Sears sells them under their name now too but I believe it's interstate that manufactures them. They do sears batteries too last I heard.
You probably don't want my opinion on those other store brands.
I used to be stuck on diehards till the came out with these. Sears sells them under their name now too but I believe it's interstate that manufactures them. They do sears batteries too last I heard.
You probably don't want my opinion on those other store brands.
xlr82v2
Platinum Member
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- Dec 3, 2004
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- 703
- Location
- Southwestern Illinois
- Tractor
- 2007 Mahindra 3525, 1952 Ford 8N
WTA,
How long have you been using the Optima batteries? Do you have any long term experience with them, or just recent experience?
My VW TDI is going to need a new battery real soon...
How long have you been using the Optima batteries? Do you have any long term experience with them, or just recent experience?
My VW TDI is going to need a new battery real soon...
jimmer2880
Platinum Member
I have recently switched to Optima batteries after hearing nothing but great stories over on the boat forum I frequent. I switched 2 years ago. Until then, I was killing 1 boat battery a year. The others just couldn't stand up to the pounding/vibrations from the boat. I have been switching everything I own over as they die. I'm sold on them. Red tops for my vehicles. Blue top for my boat. I may put a blue-top in the tractor when it does because of the abuse it sees (although, my Jeep Wrangler abuses the red top pretty good).
jimmer2880
Platinum Member
xlr82v2 said:WTA,
How long have you been using the Optima batteries? Do you have any long term experience with them, or just recent experience?
My VW TDI is going to need a new battery real soon...
I wish I had a TDI. It sure would be easier on my 120 mile a day commute, wallet than my 18 mpg Wrangler
But, the Jeep is paid for, and runs like a top. Until it dies, I can't justify replacing it.
RalphVa
Super Member
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- Dec 19, 2003
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- Charlottesville, VA, USA
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- JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
I've had good luck with AutoZone batteries. That's all I've had in my 25 year old Benz, after the original failed at around 6-7 years.
Think my first replacement battery in my VW was from Advanced though. Interesting that it was labeled as coming from Mexico. That's where the VW was made.
Ralph
Think my first replacement battery in my VW was from Advanced though. Interesting that it was labeled as coming from Mexico. That's where the VW was made.
Ralph
wushaw
Elite Member
I have a red top Optima in my Jeep that is four years old, if it goes six years then it will beat a Interstate battery I had once in a pickup.
I usualy only get @ 2 - 4 years on a battery.
I usualy only get @ 2 - 4 years on a battery.
IXLR8
Veteran Member
[ begin hijack]
I don't believe any Optima has the current rating that the TDI requires. Lots of discussion about it on the TDIclub.com web page. My TDI is also in need of a battery, hard to find one properly rated. Interstate has one... $190!! Still looking. [end hijack]xlr82v2 said:WTA,
How long have you been using the Optima batteries? Do you have any long term experience with them, or just recent experience?
My VW TDI is going to need a new battery real soon...
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
I've been using the NAPA gell-filled batteries for replacements near 4 years now. I have 5 on the job at this point. Nothing but praise for them. Just don't use a gell battery in anything proned to over-charge. That's bad on any battery but downright dangerous with a NON-VENTED gell battery.
dbdartman
Platinum Member
We started using the Optima red-tops in my bro's 69 Coronet wagon about 5 years ago. That one worked out so well, what with being used only a few times a year, that we next installed one on the 68 Barracuda, then one in the 94 F-150 (they spends months on end sitting idle). If I ever get my Dart back on the road, it will get one, & when the battery goes on my 04 Colorado I'll see if one will fit it.
As far as wet-cell batteries go, there are only like 3 battery manufacturers in the US that make all those different "name brands." There's really very little difference in batteries, no matter who's name is on them. The biggest differences are in how well the plates are supported in the case, & how high off the bottom of the case the cells are.
As far as wet-cell batteries go, there are only like 3 battery manufacturers in the US that make all those different "name brands." There's really very little difference in batteries, no matter who's name is on them. The biggest differences are in how well the plates are supported in the case, & how high off the bottom of the case the cells are.
