Need new battery. Any suggestions?

[tmartin000]

The post says it all. I guess 7-8 years on a factory battery ain't so bad. Load test revealed only 60-70'ish % ---3 days of no driving and she doesn't have enough juice to turn over...

So what do you guys suggest?

group 78 or group 34

['97ventureowner]

In recent years, after buying batteries for over 25 years, I've settled in on buying A C Delcos. All the ones I've had in my vehicles as original equipment batteries (A C Delcos) have given me at least 7 to 8 years and some have made it over 10!. These results also reflect similar results friends and associates report with their Delco batteries. I buy mine from my local A C Delco warehouse and the price isn't too much more than other batteries on the market.
One battery to stay away from is the Wal Mart ones. They are branded 'Everstart", but I call them 'Neverstart' as I haven't had one last more than 18 months without needing replacement. Sure their warrantied, but you have to factor in the "nuisance factor" of having the battery go down on you, taking it out, bringing it in to have it tested, sometimes arguing with those at the store to get a new one, and then reinstalling a new one only to possibly have to do it again in the next year or so.

[harmankardon35]

Optima or OEM acdelco

[dtownfb]

For a reasonable price: Napa or Autocraft.

[Tobey]

Another vote for Delco here. Mine went for 8 years, which apparently is normal for them.

[harmankardon35]

mind you i did pick up an energizer @ wal mart for $60 and its been working good for 3 1/2 years (and its seen some pretty cold Canadian mornings!)....who knows if thats luck or just a good battery. There are alot of good batteries out there, bottom line is you get what you pay for.

[Hoppy2]

I agree Harmonkardon35. I have been purchasing the Energizers from Walmart for the last few vehicles I have owned, and have had no problems with them. Plus, you cannot beat their warranty of 8 to 10 years and no more than $100 for the highest cranking amp batteries they sell. I had one go strong in one of my vehicles for over 6 years and would have been nine if I didn't have an accident (caused by an impaired driver in Niagara Falls I'll add).

[Tobey]

BTW, as far as I know, Energizer/Eveready brand automotive batteries can only be found in Canada.

EDIT: Just found out they're made by Johnson Controls, the same company who makes Everstart batteries for Walmart.

[Hoppy2]

Probably are made by Excide though. Same with Canadian Tire batteries, but would never get one from there.

[harmankardon35]

I cant remember the brand, but it was a Canadian tire battery i had fail twice within a year in my old truck (failed..returned, worked for 6 months and failed again) Its this experience that keeps me from recommending a cheap battery.. but again my wal-mart energizer battery has been working good for over 3 years. There are some good cheap batteries but its sort of a 'trial & error' process finding a good one, its no fun having a dead battery at work or worse yet when you are late for work!. Unless I was flat broke and needed a battery ASAP, I would get an optima, Delco, Interstate. They are much less likely to fail at the worst possible time.

[Hoppy2]

I used to work at a Canadian tire and have actually seen the death from many of the batteries that they sold. I had warrantied alot back 15 years ago, even their eliminators. Once I found Walmart, I have tried thier batteries and have ever since been pleased with them, at least their more expensive batteries, being the highest CCA as well.

[dtownfb]

Napa and Autocraft are the "Best Buy" for this size battery from Consumer's Report. The 4 batteries above these were all well north of $100 (lowest was $120).

1. Diehard Platinum
2. Optima RedTop
3. Deka Intimidator
4. Diehard (SUV, Truck) 39990
5. Napa Select
6. Autocraft Titanium

[Tobey]

The Deka Intimidator is supposed to be really good and should actually be number two in that list according to what I've read. Heh, I'm actually thinking of getting one now after reading all the glowing reviews...

[dtownfb]

I just copied the list from CR....

I think it all depends on an individual's car as to how much to spend on a battery. Personally, my 2000 Intrigue has 167,800 miles and will be replaced after the winter season. I'm not going to spend $150 on a car battery when a $70 one at Advance Auto, Walmart or Auto Zone will do just fine. if you plan to keep your car for a while, I can see investing in a top brand.

[Rolm]

AC Delco all the way, best battery ever made for the money. I know people that have gotten 9 years of service. I also suggest to buy a new batt asap due to the load that is placed on you alternator.