Odyssey vs. Diehard Platinum Batteries

[G.I.G.]

My 4Runner is about 5 and a half years old and still has the OEM battery, which has been working great. However, with the cold temps and a couple of road trips coming up, I'm thinking about proactively replacing my battery. From the research I've done, I've narrowed it down to the Odyssey and the Diehard Platinum.

From what I've read, the Diehard Platinum is a re-branded Odyssey, as they are made in the same factory. I've read that the Odyssey is typically more expensive, but it comes in a size and terminal configuration that will fit in the 4th gen 4Runner with a spacer. From what I've read about the Diehards, is that they are typically less expensive but there are fewer size options, sometimes requiring additional cable length.

A lot of the threads on this forum and others are somewhat outdated. I'm curious if anyone is running either of these batteries in their 4th gen 4Runner and if so, what size are you using and did you have to make any modifications (lengthen the battery cables, add a spacer, etc.) in order to get them to fit?

 

[gaterose]

I have a diehard platinum, P5 I think. I'm not 100% on the size but it was the one recommended by Sears so I'm sure if you log on to the website or go in store they'll tell you the same one they told me.

It fits fine with no modification to the cables or mount.

 

[04rnr]

From what I've read, the Diehard Platinum is a re-branded Odyssey, as they are made in the same factory. I've read that the Odyssey is typically more expensive, but it comes in a size and terminal configuration that will fit in the 4th gen 4Runner with a spacer. From what I've read about the Diehards, is that they are typically less expensive but there are fewer size options, sometimes requiring additional cable length.

so, if its the same thing, get the cheaper one :shrug:
Ill stick to my Optima battery

 

[G.I.G.]

I have a diehard platinum, P5 I think. I'm not 100% on the size but it was the one recommended by Sears so I'm sure if you log on to the website or go in store they'll tell you the same one they told me.

It fits fine with no modification to the cables or mount.

Awesome. Good to know.

I just checked Sears' website and when I did a vehicle search, it came back with battery size group 35. I know we have an odd shaped battery compared to most other cars, but is group 35 the closest size to OEM in our 4th gens?

 

[gaterose]

so, if its the same thing, get the cheaper one :shrug:
Ill stick to my Optima battery

My first Optima (red top) quit after a year and the other 2 I had quit within 4-5 months after the 36 warranty was out and there was no prorating.

The Diehard Platinum has a 48 month warranty and 84 month prorating. After almost 3 years I haven't had any trouble from Diehard but at least I know it's warrantied for longer than I ever had an Optima last.

 

[G.I.G.]

so, if its the same thing, get the cheaper one :shrug:
Ill stick to my Optima battery

My question was regarding the sizing options. If the Odyssey was the only one that would fit without modifications, I thought it might be worth paying the premium. But according to Gaterose, the Diehard Platinum will fit without modifications. If that is the case, I will definitely go with the cheaper of the two.

 

[gaterose]

Awesome. Good to know.

I just checked Sears' website and when I did a vehicle search, it came back with battery size group 35. I know we have an odd shaped battery compared to most other cars, but is group 35 the closest size to OEM in our 4th gens?

Yeah I just went and looked, that's right 35 is the one I got.

I guess it's closest? I dunno, just know it's what they recommended and it fits well.

 

[G.I.G.]

My first Optima (red top) quit after a year and the other 2 I had quit within 4-5 months after the 36 warranty was out and there was no prorating.

The Diehard Platinum has a 48 month warranty and 84 month prorating. After almost 3 years I haven't had any trouble from Diehard but at least I know it's warrantied for longer than I ever had an Optima last.

I've heard a lot of poor reviews about the Optimas since Johnson Controls (their parent company) moved manufacturing to Mexico a few years back. I've also heard the materials they are using now are not of the same quality as when they were manufactured in the US. That's what lead me to Odyssey and the Diehard Platinums.

 

[G.I.G.]

Yeah I just went and looked, that's right 35 is the one I got.

I guess it's closest? I dunno, just know it's what they recommended and it fits well.

Well that makes my life (and my decision) easier. Thanks!

Batteries Plus quoted me $279 for a group 34 Odyssey out the door. Sears' website quotes the group 35 Diehard Platinum at $219 with a battery exchange. Looks like I'll be making a trip to Sears this weekend.

 

[gaterose]

Well that makes my life (and my decision) easier. Thanks!

Batteries Plus quoted me $279 for a group 34 Odyssey out the door. Sears' website quotes the group 35 Diehard Platinum at $219 with a battery exchange. Looks like I'll be making a trip to Sears this weekend.

I believe there's a coupon floating around somewhere for another $20 off.

 

[04rnr]

My first Optima (red top) quit after a year and the other 2 I had quit within 4-5 months after the 36 warranty was out and there was no prorating.

The Diehard Platinum has a 48 month warranty and 84 month prorating. After almost 3 years I haven't had any trouble from Diehard but at least I know it's warrantied for longer than I ever had an Optima last.

that stinks, my first rig had the yellow top, it lasted longer than I had the rig, I owned it 5 years, and now Im on my 2nd rig with another yellow top, going on 4 years now.
Ive also read some bad reviews about the Optima, but that goes with just about anything you can buy, you will always find bad reviews somewhere lol

Its kind of like the ARB compressor thing, after the 3rd time it quit, Im done with ARB, and others ARB compressors last forever. :crazy:
Either way, I hope the OP is happy with his choice :rockon:

 

[cmiller]

I'm running a group 35 DieHard Platinum in my truck. No fitment issues to report. Also I picked up a Platinum 34M for the aux battery.

 

[riceandpho]

lot of people fit group 31 in stock location, i fitted a pc1700mjt, but might change it after it crap out, i have over 6.5 years on it so far. i also do have the group 31 in the back.

 

[message]

If I'm not mistaken the factory Panasonic is a group 27 battery no?

 

[sport05]

Ive got the factory Panasonic still in my 05 with 101,000 miles and its still fires right up!

 

[4-Legged-Runner]

Ive got the factory Panasonic still in my 05 with 101,000 miles and its still fires right up!

I put 88K over 7 years before my OEM battery died.

Local Toyota dealer wanted just under $100 with the core for a new OEM battery. Since I had such great service with the first one, I went the same route again. A lot cheaper than +$200.

Just my two cents.

Matt

 

[4RBob]

I put 88K over 7 years before my OEM battery died.

Local Toyota dealer wanted just under $100 with the core for a new OEM battery. Since I had such great service with the first one, I went the same route again. A lot cheaper than +$200.

Just my two cents.

Matt

yes, 10 years and over 200k on our stock Panasonic and still going, but i doubt you got a Panasonic battery as your replacement. typically it's a TrueStart.

 

[li_runner]

I recently replaced my Panasonic last week, after a cold snap and after 2 days sitting the truck needed a jump to start. The battery had water so, I figured it is only time and it had to go.

I decided after reading every thread to try the Diehard marine verison of the Platnium the PM-1. The battery just fits, it does need one modification. The negative cable lead that goes to the body on the right side will need to be modified or replaced. I choose to replace it, I left the stock cable intact and created a new one with a 6 inch section of 8 gauge cable. I had it lying around so it was quick. The battery fits with no other modifications, the positive lead is long enough and the cable tie downs fit although its very close they are long enough.

Now I have a battery that will last a hell of a long time (1150 CCA's), and I don't really need to deal with those thoughts of "maybe I need a second battery".

Edit: 2 modifications, I had to trim the left side of the cheap plastic battery tray lip with a pair of scissors because the battery is wider than the stock battery by a couple inches.

 

[NeutronJon]

I'm still going on the factory battery. I have an 05 with 100k miles. I live in upstate NY and it was down to -12 last week and she started just fine. I did just replace the battery in my Jeep Wrangler though. Got an Optima yellowtop through Advance Auto parts. They are having a %25 off sale on batteries right now. Order it on their website and use the promo code BATX. I paid $165 for the yellowtop.

 

[G.I.G.]

Yeah, I have been very pleased with my stock Panasonic battery. If I didn't have some road trips coming up, going to some remote, cold, southwestern Colorado areas, I would try to see how long my battery would last. I also go camping (usually by myself) in early spring with no one else around. I'd rather proactively replace my battery than find myself in a pickle with a 4Runner that won't start. If I just drove my 4R around town, I would go the distance with my Panasonic. The reasons I just listed for replacing the battery are the same reasons why I don't mind spending $200+ on a battery, hence my decision to go with the Diehard Platinum.

If I'm not mistaken the factory Panasonic is a group 27 battery no?

I've heard this as well. The 35 looks like it will work but I'll probably go into Sears and find out what the biggest battery is that will fit, even if it requires longer cables or some other minor modifications.