Optima or OEM battery?
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From: Scary NorthEast, usa
Optima or OEM battery?
My R is a garage queen most of the time.
6 yrs later at 26K miles, the oem battery does not hold charge when the R sits more then 2 to 3 weeks without driving, especially winter time. So should I just spend $85.00 for an OEM at Acura or $140.00 for an Optima at PepBoys?
6 yrs later at 26K miles, the oem battery does not hold charge when the R sits more then 2 to 3 weeks without driving, especially winter time. So should I just spend $85.00 for an OEM at Acura or $140.00 for an Optima at PepBoys?
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (TurboTeG4)
I bought an Optima (yellow top) and here are my thoughts.
It lasted me 360 days exactly, which was fortunately still within my warranty period.
(It only had a 1 yr warr.) I tried to exchange it for another one, but none were to be had, so I just got a refund and bought a different battery (Duralast this time, 3 yr warr)
The thing about the Optima is, it really gives you no warning, it doesnt get progressively weaker, it just friggin quits one day.
You really can't go wrong with any battery that is ultimately made by Johnson Controls, which would be most. The Autozone batteries are all made by JC, so are Sears, and quite a few others.
It lasted me 360 days exactly, which was fortunately still within my warranty period.
(It only had a 1 yr warr.) I tried to exchange it for another one, but none were to be had, so I just got a refund and bought a different battery (Duralast this time, 3 yr warr)
The thing about the Optima is, it really gives you no warning, it doesnt get progressively weaker, it just friggin quits one day.
You really can't go wrong with any battery that is ultimately made by Johnson Controls, which would be most. The Autozone batteries are all made by JC, so are Sears, and quite a few others.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (andyt)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by andyt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I bought an Optima (yellow top) and here are my thoughts.
It lasted me 360 days exactly, which was fortunately still within my warranty period.
(It only had a 1 yr warr.) I tried to exchange it for another one, but none were to be had, so I just got a refund and bought a different battery (Duralast this time, 3 yr warr)
The thing about the Optima is, it really gives you no warning, it doesnt get progressively weaker, it just friggin quits one day.
You really can't go wrong with any battery that is ultimately made by Johnson Controls, which would be most. The Autozone batteries are all made by JC, so are Sears, and quite a few others.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Almost the same situation with me, Optima yellow top is the worst batt you can buy! Mine lasted me less then a year. no warning at all. It just took a **** on me one day. I was in the freshman year of college and i left the R at home, and my dad would drive it every once in a while to keep thing flowing. But one day he said he could not get my car started. I didn't want to believe it was my Optima yellow top, but it was the problem. Now i got an Energizer battery, and i haven't had any problem with it. Keeps on going and going
even after being beat up by my driving and my Solobaric S10L7 on a 800 watt kicker amp. 
It lasted me 360 days exactly, which was fortunately still within my warranty period.
(It only had a 1 yr warr.) I tried to exchange it for another one, but none were to be had, so I just got a refund and bought a different battery (Duralast this time, 3 yr warr)
The thing about the Optima is, it really gives you no warning, it doesnt get progressively weaker, it just friggin quits one day.
You really can't go wrong with any battery that is ultimately made by Johnson Controls, which would be most. The Autozone batteries are all made by JC, so are Sears, and quite a few others.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Almost the same situation with me, Optima yellow top is the worst batt you can buy! Mine lasted me less then a year. no warning at all. It just took a **** on me one day. I was in the freshman year of college and i left the R at home, and my dad would drive it every once in a while to keep thing flowing. But one day he said he could not get my car started. I didn't want to believe it was my Optima yellow top, but it was the problem. Now i got an Energizer battery, and i haven't had any problem with it. Keeps on going and going
even after being beat up by my driving and my Solobaric S10L7 on a 800 watt kicker amp.
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From: Armed
Re: Optima or OEM battery? (CWTegRNo.160)
I had an Optima red top in my Scout, figured it would be worth the money. It wasn't. Didn't last two years, ended up replacing it with an Autozone Silver.
If an OEM Honda is only $85, get it.
If an OEM Honda is only $85, get it.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (machgo5go)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by machgo5go »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So should I just spend $85.00 for an OEM at Acura or $140.00 for an Optima at PepBoys?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Neither. Spend $37 for an OEM-size Kirkland brand battery at Costco, made by Johnson Controls. Lots of CCA and comes with a 100-month warranty.
I shopped around everywhere when I needed a battery last year - dealer, independent mechanic, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco. And Costco was the least expensive by far.
Neither. Spend $37 for an OEM-size Kirkland brand battery at Costco, made by Johnson Controls. Lots of CCA and comes with a 100-month warranty.
I shopped around everywhere when I needed a battery last year - dealer, independent mechanic, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco. And Costco was the least expensive by far.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Neither. Spend $37 for an OEM-size Kirkland brand battery at Costco, made by Johnson Controls. Lots of CCA and comes with a 100-month warranty.
I shopped around everywhere when I needed a battery last year - dealer, independent mechanic, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco. And Costco was the least expensive by far.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Make sure you keep your reciept for the purchase of the new battery. You will be charged $5 for a core. Just bring your old battery to the tire center along with your new reciept for your $5 refund. You really can't go wrong with any battery purchased from Costco.
-Victor
Neither. Spend $37 for an OEM-size Kirkland brand battery at Costco, made by Johnson Controls. Lots of CCA and comes with a 100-month warranty.
I shopped around everywhere when I needed a battery last year - dealer, independent mechanic, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco. And Costco was the least expensive by far.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Make sure you keep your reciept for the purchase of the new battery. You will be charged $5 for a core. Just bring your old battery to the tire center along with your new reciept for your $5 refund. You really can't go wrong with any battery purchased from Costco.
-Victor
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (machgo5go)
P.S. No matter what battery you're using, if the car sits more than 2-3 weeks without being driven, you should really get an automatic battery charger and hook it up (automatic meaning that it monitors the charge and stops charging once the battery is fully charged). Some are "onboard" chargers that you mount on your car and you just plug into a power cord, so you don't have to mess with cables. This will not only keep your battery fully charged at all times, but it will also maximize its life.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">P.S. No matter what battery you're using, if the car sits more than 2-3 weeks without being driven, you should really get an automatic battery charger and hook it up (automatic meaning that it monitors the charge and stops charging once the battery is fully charged). Some are "onboard" chargers that you mount on your car and you just plug into a power cord, so you don't have to mess with cables. This will not only keep your battery fully charged at all times, but it will also maximize its life.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
umm never thought about that . since i live in apartment.. R 's in underground parking and has no cords around.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
umm never thought about that . since i live in apartment.. R 's in underground parking and has no cords around.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (B2FiNiTY)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B2FiNiTY »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any recommendations on these trickle or automatic chargers?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Autometer Battery Extender:
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Autometer Battery Extender:
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (B2FiNiTY)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B2FiNiTY »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any recommendations on these trickle or automatic chargers?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Deltran DEL128 Battery Tender Plus 1.25A
Deltran DEL128 Battery Tender Plus 1.25A
Re: Optima or OEM battery? (ITR#132)
I went through 3 Optima's in 3 years, I personally think they are garbage. I'm on an OEM battery now a friend gave me to when my Optima died last at the track, going to get an Odyssey battery next.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (a1320addict)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TurboTeG4 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Get a optima</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MilFhunter001 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dry cell is the shieeet. Kinda heavy but less maintenance.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MilFhunter001 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dry cell is the shieeet. Kinda heavy but less maintenance.</TD></TR></TABLE>
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (97 TYPE-R 312)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 97 TYPE-R 312 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Make sure you keep your reciept for the purchase of the new battery. You will be charged $5 for a core. Just bring your old battery to the tire center along with your new reciept for your $5 refund.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My local Costco does not install batteries, does not accept old batteries, and does not charge a core charge. (After I installed mine myself, I took the old battery to Autozone, just to get rid of it in a safe and environmentally friendly way, and they were happy to accept it.)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B2FiNiTY »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any recommendations on these trickle or automatic chargers?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've been using this Schumacher onboard charger on my other car for the past 17 winters. I have a bigger automatic charger for my other cars, that I bought for ~$40 at Sam's Club.
The advantage of an onboard charger is that it's always there, and all you need to do is plug in a power cord. The disadvantage is that it's not as easy to move if you have to keep more than one car charged.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr1244 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">since i live in apartment.. R 's in underground parking and has no cords around.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Buy your own extension cord. Chances are that your underground garage has power outlets that you can park near.
My local Costco does not install batteries, does not accept old batteries, and does not charge a core charge. (After I installed mine myself, I took the old battery to Autozone, just to get rid of it in a safe and environmentally friendly way, and they were happy to accept it.)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B2FiNiTY »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any recommendations on these trickle or automatic chargers?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I've been using this Schumacher onboard charger on my other car for the past 17 winters. I have a bigger automatic charger for my other cars, that I bought for ~$40 at Sam's Club.
The advantage of an onboard charger is that it's always there, and all you need to do is plug in a power cord. The disadvantage is that it's not as easy to move if you have to keep more than one car charged.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr1244 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">since i live in apartment.. R 's in underground parking and has no cords around.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Buy your own extension cord. Chances are that your underground garage has power outlets that you can park near.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (nsxtasy)
Does any know whay type of battery I have the OEM replacement from Acura..
I'm trying to buy the battery Tender but don't want to buy the wrong one..I need to know What type of battery will be recharged? Flooded, Sealed, VRLA, AGM, GEL, etc.
I'm trying to buy the battery Tender but don't want to buy the wrong one..I need to know What type of battery will be recharged? Flooded, Sealed, VRLA, AGM, GEL, etc.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (andyt)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by andyt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I bought an Optima (yellow top) and here are my thoughts.
It lasted me 360 days exactly, which was fortunately still within my warranty period.
(It only had a 1 yr warr.) I tried to exchange it for another one, but none were to be had, so I just got a refund and bought a different battery (Duralast this time, 3 yr warr)
The thing about the Optima is, it really gives you no warning, it doesnt get progressively weaker, it just friggin quits one day.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That story sounds AWFULLY familiar. Same thing happened to me 2 years in a row (12 months on the head each time
) If I hadn't gotten them replaced under warranty, I would have something else in the car right now.
It lasted me 360 days exactly, which was fortunately still within my warranty period.
(It only had a 1 yr warr.) I tried to exchange it for another one, but none were to be had, so I just got a refund and bought a different battery (Duralast this time, 3 yr warr)
The thing about the Optima is, it really gives you no warning, it doesnt get progressively weaker, it just friggin quits one day.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That story sounds AWFULLY familiar. Same thing happened to me 2 years in a row (12 months on the head each time
) If I hadn't gotten them replaced under warranty, I would have something else in the car right now.
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (TurboTeG4)
OEM...
Yellow top suX big time... Left lights on for 2 hours and the batt would be died...
Oem... left on over night... starts fine..
Yes-yes... I know. Stop leaving my lights on...
Yellow top suX big time... Left lights on for 2 hours and the batt would be died...
Oem... left on over night... starts fine..
Yes-yes... I know. Stop leaving my lights on...
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Re: Optima or OEM battery? (nsxtasy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Neither. Spend $37 for an OEM-size Kirkland brand battery at Costco, made by Johnson Controls. Lots of CCA and comes with a 100-month warranty.
I shopped around everywhere when I needed a battery last year - dealer, independent mechanic, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco. And Costco was the least expensive by far.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
get the cheapest battery available with enough CCA, 500-550 would be good
Neither. Spend $37 for an OEM-size Kirkland brand battery at Costco, made by Johnson Controls. Lots of CCA and comes with a 100-month warranty.
I shopped around everywhere when I needed a battery last year - dealer, independent mechanic, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco. And Costco was the least expensive by far.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
get the cheapest battery available with enough CCA, 500-550 would be good
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From: SoCal & DFW
Re: Optima or OEM battery? (CWTegRNo.160)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CWTegRNo.160 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Almost the same situation with me, Optima yellow top is the worst batt you can buy! Mine lasted me less then a year. no warning at all. It just took a **** on me one day. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Gone through more than 4 yellow optimas within 3 years... Didn't use it on my R but on my Supra TT and IS300.
Almost the same situation with me, Optima yellow top is the worst batt you can buy! Mine lasted me less then a year. no warning at all. It just took a **** on me one day. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Gone through more than 4 yellow optimas within 3 years... Didn't use it on my R but on my Supra TT and IS300.
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From: Scary NorthEast, usa
Re: Optima or OEM battery? (Circuit Star-29)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Circuit Star-29 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OEM...
Yellow top suX big time... Left lights on for 2 hours and the batt would be died...
Oem... left on over night... starts fine..
Yes-yes... I know. Stop leaving my lights on...</TD></TR></TABLE>
THANK YOU for all your response and advice.
Today went out and bought an OEM at PARK AVE Acura in Maywood, NJ for $85.00
Would you believe for same battery at Wayne Acura, they quoted me for $105.00!
Next item I will look for is a Battery Tender.
Yellow top suX big time... Left lights on for 2 hours and the batt would be died...
Oem... left on over night... starts fine..
Yes-yes... I know. Stop leaving my lights on...
</TD></TR></TABLE>THANK YOU for all your response and advice.
Today went out and bought an OEM at PARK AVE Acura in Maywood, NJ for $85.00
Would you believe for same battery at Wayne Acura, they quoted me for $105.00!
Next item I will look for is a Battery Tender.
