Why? WHY can't I buy a green battery????

Back in the day, Toyotas came with 'green' batteries...no name on them,
not even Toyota. Just gree with a black top...

My Corolla GT-S came with a Panasonic. Now, I *LOVE* Panasonic stuff just
like I love Toyotas...except for their TVs, Car Stereos....and their Car
batteries.

About 6-7 months after I bought the Hachiroku (which was about 18 months
for the car) a cell shorted and spewed battery acid all over the hood. I
had to scrub the whole underside of the hood with Baking Soda, and
sprayed some around the engine bay for good measure.

Now, in 1980, I bought a new CorollA SR-5 with one of those green
batteries. In 1985 I got into the car one day...dead battery. I looked at
the cells and there was about 1.5" of water in each cell. I filled them
(from the tap...I was late for work) but no avail.

I went to work and got a ride home. I was going to roll the car down the
slight incline to try to start it and just for laughs, I turned the key.
It fired right up!!!!! No charger, no nothing but adding water 8 hours
earlier! I said screw the battery and drove the car for another YEAR with
the same battery, this time keeping an eye on the water level in the cells.


I parked the Scion Monday after work, and we had two good days, so I drove
the Supra. Thursday morning I was running late and had to jump the Scion!

Today I drove out to where I bought the car (50 miles) to pick up my reg
and have it inspected. "Oh, by the way, I parked it 2 days and had to jump
it. Can you check the charging system?"

Later on, he told me that the 1 year old Panasonic battery had...a bad
cell!!!!

And, they didn't have a new one in stock...I have to go back next week...


WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!


BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...

"Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...[color=blue]
> Back in the day, Toyotas came with 'green' batteries...no name on them,
> not even Toyota. Just gree with a black top...
>
> My Corolla GT-S came with a Panasonic. Now, I *LOVE* Panasonic stuff just
> like I love Toyotas...except for their TVs, Car Stereos....and their Car
> batteries.
>
> About 6-7 months after I bought the Hachiroku (which was about 18 months
> for the car) a cell shorted and spewed battery acid all over the hood. I
> had to scrub the whole underside of the hood with Baking Soda, and
> sprayed some around the engine bay for good measure.
>
> Now, in 1980, I bought a new CorollA SR-5 with one of those green
> batteries. In 1985 I got into the car one day...dead battery. I looked at
> the cells and there was about 1.5" of water in each cell. I filled them
> (from the tap...I was late for work) but no avail.
>
> I went to work and got a ride home. I was going to roll the car down the
> slight incline to try to start it and just for laughs, I turned the key.
> It fired right up!!!!! No charger, no nothing but adding water 8 hours
> earlier! I said screw the battery and drove the car for another YEAR with
> the same battery, this time keeping an eye on the water level in the
> cells.
>
>
> I parked the Scion Monday after work, and we had two good days, so I drove
> the Supra. Thursday morning I was running late and had to jump the Scion!
>
> Today I drove out to where I bought the car (50 miles) to pick up my reg
> and have it inspected. "Oh, by the way, I parked it 2 days and had to jump
> it. Can you check the charging system?"
>
> Later on, he told me that the 1 year old Panasonic battery had...a bad
> cell!!!!
>
> And, they didn't have a new one in stock...I have to go back next week...
>
>
> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>
>
> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>
>[/color]

OTOH, the Panasonic battery in our 95 Previa lasted 8 years.

Now we've got one of those sealed spiral Optima batteries in it.

Charles of Schaumburg

"Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...[color=blue]
> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>
> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...[/color]


The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.

If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of the
various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces the
space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.

"Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...[color=blue]
> Back in the day, Toyotas came with 'green' batteries...no name on them,
> not even Toyota. Just gree with a black top...
>
> My Corolla GT-S came with a Panasonic. Now, I *LOVE* Panasonic stuff just
> like I love Toyotas...except for their TVs, Car Stereos....and their Car
> batteries.
>
> About 6-7 months after I bought the Hachiroku (which was about 18 months
> for the car) a cell shorted and spewed battery acid all over the hood. I
> had to scrub the whole underside of the hood with Baking Soda, and
> sprayed some around the engine bay for good measure.
>
> Now, in 1980, I bought a new CorollA SR-5 with one of those green
> batteries. In 1985 I got into the car one day...dead battery. I looked at
> the cells and there was about 1.5" of water in each cell. I filled them
> (from the tap...I was late for work) but no avail.
>
> I went to work and got a ride home. I was going to roll the car down the
> slight incline to try to start it and just for laughs, I turned the key.
> It fired right up!!!!! No charger, no nothing but adding water 8 hours
> earlier! I said screw the battery and drove the car for another YEAR with
> the same battery, this time keeping an eye on the water level in the
> cells.
>
>
> I parked the Scion Monday after work, and we had two good days, so I drove
> the Supra. Thursday morning I was running late and had to jump the Scion!
>
> Today I drove out to where I bought the car (50 miles) to pick up my reg
> and have it inspected. "Oh, by the way, I parked it 2 days and had to jump
> it. Can you check the charging system?"
>
> Later on, he told me that the 1 year old Panasonic battery had...a bad
> cell!!!!
>
> And, they didn't have a new one in stock...I have to go back next week...
>
>
> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>
>
> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>
>[/color]

The 2 OEM battery suppliers for Toyotas assembled in Japan are Matsushita
(Panasonic brand) and Yuasa.

The dealers carry Exide batteries for warranty replacements - they seem to
be pretty good batteries.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

I had one of those sealed 'orbital' coil bound units in both of my Jeeps.
Stood up to hours of winching without complaining once. A little pricey but
worth the cost when you are stuck 80 miles from anywhere and only your
battery can get you out. I recall draining it down to nothing on several
occasions. It was from Napa, I do not recall the brand name.

HTH

Carl


"Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...[color=blue]
> Back in the day, Toyotas came with 'green' batteries...no name on them,
> not even Toyota. Just gree with a black top...
>
> My Corolla GT-S came with a Panasonic. Now, I *LOVE* Panasonic stuff just
> like I love Toyotas...except for their TVs, Car Stereos....and their Car
> batteries.
>
> About 6-7 months after I bought the Hachiroku (which was about 18 months
> for the car) a cell shorted and spewed battery acid all over the hood. I
> had to scrub the whole underside of the hood with Baking Soda, and
> sprayed some around the engine bay for good measure.
>
> Now, in 1980, I bought a new CorollA SR-5 with one of those green
> batteries. In 1985 I got into the car one day...dead battery. I looked at
> the cells and there was about 1.5" of water in each cell. I filled them
> (from the tap...I was late for work) but no avail.
>
> I went to work and got a ride home. I was going to roll the car down the
> slight incline to try to start it and just for laughs, I turned the key.
> It fired right up!!!!! No charger, no nothing but adding water 8 hours
> earlier! I said screw the battery and drove the car for another YEAR with
> the same battery, this time keeping an eye on the water level in the
> cells.
>
>
> I parked the Scion Monday after work, and we had two good days, so I drove
> the Supra. Thursday morning I was running late and had to jump the Scion!
>
> Today I drove out to where I bought the car (50 miles) to pick up my reg
> and have it inspected. "Oh, by the way, I parked it 2 days and had to jump
> it. Can you check the charging system?"
>
> Later on, he told me that the 1 year old Panasonic battery had...a bad
> cell!!!!
>
> And, they didn't have a new one in stock...I have to go back next week...
>
>
> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>
>
> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>
>[/color]

On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
[color=blue]
> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...[color=green]
>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>
>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...[/color]
>
>
> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>
> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of the
> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces the
> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.[/color]


They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
out...

On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
wrote:
[color=blue]
>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>[color=green]
>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...[color=darkred]
>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>
>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...[/color]
>>
>>
>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>
>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of the
>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces the
>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.[/color]
>
>
>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>out...[/color]

At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.

Not a bad investment on their part...


--

Scott in Florida

"Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
news:gvcrg2hn1cdhhabvdgpuo9gkurg567dh0o@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>
>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good
>>>> way
>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>
>>>
>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>
>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of
>>> the
>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces
>>> the
>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.[/color]
>>
>>
>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>out...[/color]
>
> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>
> Not a bad investment on their part...
>
>
> --
>
> Scott in Florida
>[/color]

The battery won't cost the dealer anything if the car is still under 12
months old.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:46:26 +0000, Scott in Florida wrote:
[color=blue]
> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>
>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>
>>>
>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>
>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of the
>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces the
>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.[/color]
>>
>>
>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>out...[/color]
>
> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>
> Not a bad investment on their part...[/color]


One of the largest dealers in Mass. 350 units a month!

About 20-30 miles north of Worcester. I know you know where THAT is!!

On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:48:41 -0500, Ray O wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
> news:gvcrg2hn1cdhhabvdgpuo9gkurg567dh0o@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
>> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>>
>>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good
>>>>> way
>>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>>
>>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of
>>>> the
>>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces
>>>> the
>>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
>>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.
>>>
>>>
>>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>>out...[/color]
>>
>> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
>> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>>
>> Not a bad investment on their part...
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Scott in Florida
>>[/color]
>
> The battery won't cost the dealer anything if the car is still under 12
> months old.[/color]


It's 17, but under 12,000 miles. And it has a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty.
(Remainder of the Factory warranty...)

"Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
news:k3mPg.564$ht6.286@trndny06...[color=blue]
> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:48:41 -0500, Ray O wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>> "Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
>> news:gvcrg2hn1cdhhabvdgpuo9gkurg567dh0o@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good
>>>>>> way
>>>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of
>>>>> the
>>>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a
>>>>> more
>>>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces
>>>>> the
>>>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries
>>>>> are
>>>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>>>out...
>>>
>>> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
>>> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>>>
>>> Not a bad investment on their part...
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> Scott in Florida
>>>[/color]
>>
>> The battery won't cost the dealer anything if the car is still under 12
>> months old.[/color]
>
>
> It's 17, but under 12,000 miles. And it has a 3 year, 36,000 mile
> warranty.
> (Remainder of the Factory warranty...)
>[/color]

I believe that full replacement of the battery under warranty is 12/12, then
pro-rated for the remainder for 3/36.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
news:i2mPg.563$ht6.351@trndny06...[color=blue]
> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:46:26 +0000, Scott in Florida wrote:
>[color=green]
>> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
>> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>>
>>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good
>>>>> way
>>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>>
>>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of
>>>> the
>>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces
>>>> the
>>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries
>>>> are
>>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.
>>>
>>>
>>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>>out...[/color]
>>
>> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
>> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>>
>> Not a bad investment on their part...[/color]
>
>
> One of the largest dealers in Mass. 350 units a month!
>
> About 20-30 miles north of Worcester. I know you know where THAT is!!
>[/color]
Hmmm. I think the owner of the store in Fitchburg has changed since I called
on them. The guy that owned that store had a brother who owned a store in
Wilbraham. Is Fitchburg owned by Herb C?
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:49:18 GMT, Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:
[color=blue]
>On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:46:26 +0000, Scott in Florida wrote:
>[color=green]
>> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
>> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>>
>>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
>>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>>
>>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of the
>>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces the
>>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
>>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.
>>>
>>>
>>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>>out...[/color]
>>
>> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
>> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>>
>> Not a bad investment on their part...[/color]
>
>
>One of the largest dealers in Mass. 350 units a month!
>
>About 20-30 miles north of Worcester. I know you know where THAT is!!
>[/color]

North?

On Route 9?

I really don't know the area that well. I know how to get to the
in/out laws house and back on the Mass Pike. That is about it...LOL


--

Scott in Florida

On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:34:58 +0000, Scott in Florida wrote:
[color=blue]
> On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:49:18 GMT, Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:46:26 +0000, Scott in Florida wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>> On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:02:26 GMT, Hachiroku <Hachiroku@ae86.gts>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:47:44 -0600, Mark A wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> "Hachiroku" <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote in message
>>>>> news:V80Pg.71$x11.56@trndny02...
>>>>>> WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
>>>>>> to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> The weight of a battery makes it impractical to ship it from Japan.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you live in warm climate, get a "premium" South battery from one of the
>>>>> various brands sold in the US. South batteries are built to with a more
>>>>> robust construction, although the robust construction slightly reduces the
>>>>> space available for the plates and the cold-cranking power of South
>>>>> batteries is slightly less than North batteries. But South batteries are
>>>>> more resistant to physical damage and damage from heat.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>They're replacing it. I think maybe they knew the battery was on the way
>>>>out...
>>>
>>> At least it looks like you have a decent dealer. That won't cost them
>>> much, and will make you feel kindly toward them.
>>>
>>> Not a bad investment on their part...[/color]
>>
>>
>>One of the largest dealers in Mass. 350 units a month!
>>
>>About 20-30 miles north of Worcester. I know you know where THAT is!!
>>[/color]
>
> North?
>
> On Route 9?
>
> I really don't know the area that well. I know how to get to the
> in/out laws house and back on the Mass Pike. That is about it...LOL[/color]


HA HA! This is WAY up on Rt 2!!!

On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 23:54:29 GMT, Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:
[color=blue]
>Back in the day, Toyotas came with 'green' batteries...no name on them,
>not even Toyota. Just gree with a black top...
>
>My Corolla GT-S came with a Panasonic. Now, I *LOVE* Panasonic stuff just
>like I love Toyotas...except for their TVs, Car Stereos....and their Car
>batteries.
>
>About 6-7 months after I bought the Hachiroku (which was about 18 months
>for the car) a cell shorted and spewed battery acid all over the hood. I
>had to scrub the whole underside of the hood with Baking Soda, and
>sprayed some around the engine bay for good measure.
>
>Now, in 1980, I bought a new CorollA SR-5 with one of those green
>batteries. In 1985 I got into the car one day...dead battery. I looked at
>the cells and there was about 1.5" of water in each cell. I filled them
>(from the tap...I was late for work) but no avail.
>
>I went to work and got a ride home. I was going to roll the car down the
>slight incline to try to start it and just for laughs, I turned the key.
>It fired right up!!!!! No charger, no nothing but adding water 8 hours
>earlier! I said screw the battery and drove the car for another YEAR with
>the same battery, this time keeping an eye on the water level in the cells.
>
>
>I parked the Scion Monday after work, and we had two good days, so I drove
>the Supra. Thursday morning I was running late and had to jump the Scion!
>
>Today I drove out to where I bought the car (50 miles) to pick up my reg
>and have it inspected. "Oh, by the way, I parked it 2 days and had to jump
>it. Can you check the charging system?"
>
>Later on, he told me that the 1 year old Panasonic battery had...a bad
>cell!!!!
>
>And, they didn't have a new one in stock...I have to go back next week...
>
>
>WHY!!!! can't I buy a Green Battery?!?!?!?!
>
>
>BTW, I later learned they were made by Yuasa, and there is not a good way
>to get one here in the US, unless it comes with a New Car...
>[/color]

This may be an unlikely source but try calling some Honda dealers.
I've caught dealers carrying oem batteries which are Panasonics too.
Some carry other brands.