12v battery question

Optima batteries are overpriced, but AGM batteries are the best and longest lasting you can buy.

My original battery lasted for 10 years and I replaced it with one from Advance Auto. Believe I got it for under 200 bucks with a 20% coupon on pickup.

 

NAPA is running a 20% off discount + a $20 MIR on batteries.

You can get a NAPA Legend battery (I believe they are made by DAKA in the USA) for around 150 to 155 bucks OTD after MIR and your return the core.

 

You may also want to check with your Toyota dealers. I was there this morning (got a new radiator cap for my daughters Sienna) and I asked them if they have any, now. (They've been on back order for months) She said they do have limited quantities and can see if one fits with a VIN number. My dealer has them for around $190, a great price, IMHO.

 

Some of the Optimas (my yellow top for example) have higher Cold Cranking Amps but lower amp hours, compared to the OEM battery. Not sure of the ramifications; suspect there are some though.

I’m able now to source the OEM Yuasa battery for $220 CDN through Saskbattery up here. It’s NOT showing on their website, but another Priuschatter said it was doable, and I confirmed with them by email.

they DO show Optima Yellow Top (for ridiculously high price) but told me they actually don’t have them.

 

I think the OEM battery has a cold-cranking-amps rating (just because a car battery's gotta have one) around 330 amps or so, and yes, some replacements will exceed that rating.

In a car where the positive battery clamp has a 140 amp fuse built into it, none of that on-paper rating is ever going to serve any purpose.

Typically, though, batteries are given higher CCA ratings by making their plates thinner, and that means the occasional (intentional or unintentional) deep discharge will hit them harder.

 

The original Yuasa battery is always the best and last the longest even it has lower capacity or CCA than aftermarket. It is just well made