Battery recommendation for 2006 Avalon XL

[tashidad]

It's time for me to purchase a new battery for my 2006 Avalon XL. Need recommendation for best battery for the buck. SAM's appears to have a couple models that run in the $70-$80 range.

Should I beware of buying at SAMs or is that probably the best I can hope for. The current battery is a 24R and has lasted about 5 years now.

thanks for the help.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Pretty much all batteries will get the job done. When you consider that the OEM battery lasted 5-years - that's pretty reasonable in my mind. Besides, if a battery fails before it's warranty period is over you'll get a pro-rated replacement.

[Riick]

Costco !! --- 7 year battery available.
1st one I bought was apparently defective, went bad year three.
New one cost only about $20 or so, and, boom, new full 7-year warranty.
No bull about 7-3=4 years on new one.
In fact, if you want to be sleazy, no need to wait for battery to go bad,
given their return policy, just return it every 4 years, say lights getting dim at idle;
exchange it before it has a chance to die on you.
.

[messerchmidt]

i personally use the optima red top batteries in my cars.

they cost more, but the benefits more than cover an extra 60$

http://www.optimabatteries.com/optim...dtop/index.php

i get mine at costco (canada), i think the US costcos sell them too

[billberry12]

I plan on a 2500 mile driving trip through the Northeast in January. My car is about three years old, and the battery works fine, but I am a firm beliver in replacoing a battery before it dies on me. Do you agree it would be a good idea to go ahead and replace my battery, and if so, is redtop worth the high price? I have always used Interstate batteries. Opinions Please.
Thanks,
Bill

[saabdriver59]

I've heard the Optimas are overrated, I had one and it worked fine - their gimmick is they will operate in all postions... but a car shouldn't be upside down and need to keep running. And I've been told the ones they sell at Autozone are not the high-quality Optimas.

I trust Interstate for my critical cars, but wouldn't buy the 85 month battery because it will probably outlast your car and not worth the extra bucks, just basically so you have a better prorated warranty... if needed.

I will put quality parts in my Avalon.

[boosted-fc3s]

Originally Posted by saabdriver59

I've hear the Optimas are overrated, I had one and it worked fine - their mimmick is they will operate in all postions... but a car shouldn't be upside down and need to keep running. And I've been told the ones they sell at Autozone are not the high-quality Optimas.

I trust Interstate for my critical cars, but wouldn't buy the 85 month battery because it will probably outlast your car and not worth the extra bucks, just basically so you have a better prorated warranty... if needed.

I will put quality parts in my Avalon.

I had several red top optimas die from autozone in my RX7. All with in a year. I ended up ordering a yellow top from an optima distributor, since it was an occaisionally driven car. Had zero problems with that one.

[mac12]

If you plan on keeping the car for several more years, put a good battery on it. If not, get a cheaper one.

[miflox]

I usually ditch a battery on the 3 year mark; it;s a roll of the dice after that that it won't leave you stranded at midnight some place. Recent Nov. 2010 consumer report battery article says for size 24f, the 2 top best buys were the Everstart maxx 24N (North) and the everstart 24S (South) for $75 apiece sold at walmart (maybe Sams too? isn't that walmart's club?). They are 700 cold-cranking-amps and have 3 year free replacement and 108 month pro-rated. After that, recommended buys were the napa legend premium 8424 for $90, 2 yr. warranty, only 650 CCA. Then, the duralast 24-DL sold at Autozone for $80, 2 yr. warranty, 600 CCA. All maint.-free except the everstart made for northern climates. So, $75 will get you the best battery. It also says Sears has been moving around their Diehard production facilities to different mfgr.'s so c. reports left 7 diehards off the list till they can test them again. Figures, I just spent like $125 on a Diehard Gold like 6 months ago before I got a subscription to this mag!

[grandpapa]

I thought most batteries supposed to last for more then 5-7 years. ???
From my experience, OEM battery works best (for me). My 97 Camry, battery failed after 12 years!! Replaced with OEM from dealer for ~$100.

Most of the time, there will be sign when battery is ready to fail, weak headlight, slow wiper movment...

[miflox]

C. reports says to have the battery load tested once a year after it's 2 years old in warm climates (like here in Florida) or after it's 4 years old if in colder climate. Interesting fact -is even in the midwest, where they have brutal summers, the summer heat really puts a strain on the battery's longevity. But, usually you don't have a problem till the winter. Thats when it's weakened state finally shows. I usually go 3 years out of fear of being stranded. I go off into the Southwest florida boonies and the everglades a lot, need a dependable battery, emergency kit, toolkit, and lots of water....

[billberry12]

I totally understand...so...what is your preferred battery for your avalon?

[messerchmidt]

using the optima red top in mine. 2 years and no problems

its my daily driver

[OptimaJim]

Hello, I noticed your conversation and wanted to offer some assistance. saabdriver59, our batteries can be mounted in a variety of orientations, but we do not recommend mounting them upside down. The sealed design of our batteries also minimizes the chances of acid damaging the engine compartment and AGM batteries in general are superior to their flooded counterparts in longevity. All of our batteries are produced in our own facility and we never re-label or re-spec our batteries for any retailer. That means the Optimas at Autozone are the same as those at Costco or anywhere else.

Boosted-fc3s, I'm sorry to hear about the problems you had with your RedTops, but I'm glad to hear your YellowTop is working well for you. If your vehicle only sees occasional use, a quality battery tender or maintainer would be an excellent investment and help extend the life of your battery. Miflox's suggestion of having a battery load-tested is excellent advice. Some retailers will even perform this service at no charge. If anyone has any questions about our batteries, I'll do my best to answer them.


Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
www.facebook.com/optimabatteries

[Mike Murrell]

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I thought most batteries supposed to last for more then 5-7 years. ???

Before clocks/alarms/and who knows what else - yes - they did last several years.

Look at the front panel on an '06 Avalaon with car parked. Little red light blinking every x number of secs for x number of years. How much current does that draw?

Factory battery in wifes '06 Avalon lasted 4 yrs.

I have yet to find anything that lasts longer than dealer/factory batteries.

Sams/Costco/O'Reilleys'/Auto Zone .....all of that stufff...good for maybe 3 yrs in a modern car.