Davestoaster

The latest Consumers Report said that the Kirkland Signature from Costco, followed by the Everstart from Wal-Mart rated the highest.

They use a pretty exhaustive test. I think it is one of the toughest, most subjective tests for car batteries.

Sears Diehards are up there too.

Sadly, the Optima just does not compete, according to CU. Especially for the price you pay for one of those.

Davestoaster

Thats great!!

My BMW battery clocked in at 11 years. And I know of people that STILL have their original after 13 !!

A lot has to do with care you give your battery that make it last the longest.

Some people think that it is the winter time cold that kills a battery, but actually it is the summer time heat and heat from the engine that kills a battery. And the cold of the winter is just the "nail in the coffin", so to speak, the finally deals the death blow. That's why some batteries mounted in the trunk or under the back seat last so long.

NYCxB

Thanks! Called Costco today and the battery is $59 as opposed to the next cheapest from Autozone which is $101.00.

Will grab it tomorrow and report back.

thanks all for the help!

NYCxB

Oh and for all the help gonna pledge some money over at http://buyabeercompany.com in the name of Scionlife!

tc-guy

toyota sells toyota tru start batteries. usually 84 month stock cca batteries

bearcave

Yes they do, for around $100. You can't get the Panasonic battery which is the stock battery because it's only sold in Japan. Anyway, almost all batteries are made by only three companies such as Interstate, so shop around for price. Just make sure that you are buying the correct size for the car.

Also, a way to check your OEM battery is to pull it out and look at the high/low water line. Since the stock batt is a maintenance free model, we can't add water to it when it gets low. Mine died at 3 yrs and the water was just above the "Low" line.

MadMike550

Sears or Autozone

either place should be fine..diehards are good batteries

NYCxB

Ended up with a Kirkland from Costco for $59. Funny to see Panasonic on the stock battery. Expected a little bit more life out of the stock battery. Thanks for the help and suggestions.

bkb68

I've always been happy with Interstate.

B2FiNiTY

costco ones are the best. been using them for years in several cars.