Update battery thread: is the Optima Yellow Top still the preferred choice?

Originally, yes. I fail to find any indication Toyota still uses this route. Please source me.

 

Yeah I think it went something like this:

1st gen: don't know
2nd gen: AGM (in hatch)
3rd gen: AGM (in hatch)
4th gen: flooded-acid (in engine bay)
5th gen: flooded-acid (in hatch)

 

an extra 12v comes in handy when changing the 12v. you can use it to open the hatch from the jump point, or keep memory while disconnecting the 12v for replacement.
idk if that makes it worth hanging onto

 

Yes. My focus is; if you buy an OE battery for gen2 now (they are never actually made by Toyota, just sourced), will you get AGM? Seem unlikely in my mind, that tech is not meant for cars and is very much more complex to manufacture, hence perhaps out-competed and they now supply SFM Leads…?

 

The battery I bought for my 2012 is S46B24R group and it is AGM. I imagine it's the same for Gen 2.

 

A compatible third-party AGM is readily available at our local Canadian Tire store, and OEM through dealership I'd wager (the latter at an eye-watering premium though):



(I believe it's the same one as required for my gen 3, was just checking that yesterday.)

 

Agms for Prius are available at auto supplies and walmart in addition to the dealer. Toyota sources most things from third parties; however they hold those suppliers to rigorous quality control better than other manufacturers. Of course quality is first designed in by Toyota but third party suppliers have to consistently produce those products to high standards.

It is typically the consumer who keeps marginal aftermarket products in business by shopping by price first.