Panasonic battery replacement options????

[Hapeacres]

My original battery is starting to act up and I'm sure it needs replacement since it is 8 years old. Toyota dealer wants 79.00 (pick up only and not installed) for a Tru Start battery with 2 or 3 year warranty (not quite sure) and 84 month total pro rated warranty. Autozone wants 99.00 for a Duralast Gold with 750 cold cranking amps with 3 year free replacement and then five year pro-rated warranty (8 years total) for 99.00 that includes installation. Would you get the Duralast Gold or the Tru Start????

 

[4WD 4RNR]

Imo I think that duralast sucks. My friends have had a few, they are just garbage. I bought a optima red top and it is just like have the panasonic battery just red. I run accessories alot so it helps. You get what you pay for.

 

[jwyshrek]

I think there are only a couple of real battery manufacturers and everybody else just 'slaps' their name on it.

But I've heard good things about Interstate and Die Hard batteries.

Personally, I've had good luck with Autozone batteries...just make sure everything is nice, clean and tight...the battery cables that is.

Believe or not, I've even had decent luck with the Walmart specials...not with the 4Runner, but with my (former) Jeep.

I'm still on the Panasonic OEM.

 

[Sungod]

I would consider the Die Hard Gold or platinum.

 

[JET4]

I've had no problems with Autozone batteries

 

[scottm]

I usually stick with Sam's Club for batteries. They are the same batteries as most places sell. Their 5-year warranty prorates down for three more years, has done well for me. I've gotten a new battery in the 6th year for just a few bucks, sweet deal. Put the receipt in a zip-lock, and duct tape it to the battery or toss it under before installing. Most people forget when they bought their battery or don't have a receipt.

I was in a Johnson Control plant a few months ago, they had a big poster listing all the brands of battery they manufacture, it was a long list.

When I look for a replacement battery I look for the biggest one that will fit. Not much spare room in my 4R, but maybe I can go a little bigger.

 

[Mpower3]

I went ahead and got the Trustart from the dealer. Took out the panasonic in the parking lot and exchanged. I think it was around 90,000 the panasonic failed on me.

Costco sells decent batteries too, but if you have a sound system and a bunch of other goodies, Optima's are the way to go.