Optima vs. OEM 28800-21171

I agree no mods required for charging.

 

Yes, "sealed" batteries (AGM or otherwise) end up being surprisingly more expensive than flooded type lead acid batteries. Since the Prius battery is inside the car, it would not be desirable to have it venting fumes. A flooded cell starter battery would require cap vents to take the fumes outside. Or one could use Hydro Caps, (if I remember the name correctly) which contain a catalyst that recombines the vapors back into the electrolyte. But they are expensive and would negate the cost savings, most likely.

I wonder how many 10 Farad boom box caps would be required to boot the Prius? I have heard of people using a cap bank that could turn over a small car's engine, so it could work. A smaller keep alive battery and trickle charge solar panel was also part of the mix.

 

All I know is the OEM battery in my 06 lived a charmed life. Unlike my other car, my car never had the vanity mirror light left on or the door left open overnight. As far as I knowthe battery was never deeply discharged. Never the less, it crapped out in less the 4 years. If I stopped and listened to the radio for 10 minutes waiting for a client, I could not get the car started. I bought a yellow top from E learn aid in 2010. Only time will tell if the yellow top provides superior service to the crappy OEM battery. I hope so and by all accounts here I have no reason to believe it shouldn't last 6 or 7 years at least.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

As I reported in another thread there is now another option in the US the Exide Edge battery FP-AGM51JIS a deep discharge AGM battery 45amp/hr capacity direct fit for the Prius at around the same price as the Optima with a longer guaranty.

 

My 05 just passed it's 7th birthday, as did it's original batteries. I feel only time will tell how the Optima compares to OE. Optima serves the auto parts stores well as they now can carry it without adding a new supplier. All the autozones here have one on the shelf, which would be great in a pinch. At the moment I am installing OE in my customers cars as I know they are good. If real world experience will show Optima to be better I may recommend them in the future.

I was told the other day that the OE battery now has a two year free replacement warranty as well as a longer pro-rate warranty. This might only apply to certain areas. I doubt I'll ever have to claim one though.

Either way, spending ~$200 will get you at least two or three years of Prius starting.

 

The Exide battery is around $160 and has 4year full replacement guaranty.

 

Where can I purchase this battery for $160, please?

Thank you very much.

Julia

 

Exide Edge FP-AGM51JIS Automotive Battery - Battery Service Corporation - $167

Toyota Prius Starting Battery - Exide Edge 51JIS Flat Plate AGM - $160

Found using Google - Never bought from either vendor.

JeffD

 

Thanks, Jeff. I found both of those using Google earlier as well. Was just wondering if any of the members had done business with them before. Prior to ordering, I emailed the companies to find out if they have any in stock.

I just heard back from Side By Side Sports and they have them backordered.

I may have to go with the Yellow Optima. Advance Auto does not have them available for order online, but the local store is telling me they can get them.