I was just wondering... I always buy the Optima red top battery because I live here in Arizona and it's the battery that I have had the most luck with. Now I'm wondering if it is worth the money to buy a yellow top because it handles more accessories (I don't have a lot) or if the marine battery would be best? I noticed in one of Tom's pictures he was using a marine battery. Optima claims that the marine battery has longer recharges and running time. Sounds like the marine battery will out last the others. I'm not really stuck on Optima batteries, but I do like the jell cell batteries. What's your favorite battery? Thanks!
I've always had good luck with Interstate. The one in my T-bird is at least 8 years old and going strong. It has been flat-lined several times and always charged right back up. I will say I was not impressed with the factory Motorcraft battery in my wifes 2010 Fusion. It ped out on us this summer...I guess the heat got to it.
50tbrd88,
That would be my 2nd choice. The price was less and it held up to our summer heat also.
I have Optima Yellow Top in my red bird and brand new Banner Starting Bull in the silver one.
Whatever starts my car is my favorite...
2007 Grand Marquis, original Motorcraft(Johnson Controls)
2003 Marauder, Super Start(Dist by Ozark Automotive Products, not sure of mfgr)
1998 Grand Marquis, Energizer(Johnson Controls) Replaced original MC in '10
1993 F-150 Lightning, Sears Diehard Gold(Johnson Controls)
1988 T-Bird, Driving Force(Johnson Controls, bad from setting)
1969 Fairlane Cobra, Super Crank(Exide)
Running Optima Yellow Tops in all my rides. They all have been Rock solid for around 3 years now.
Don't expect any problems outta them until they hit at least 5-7 years old. Which is more than I can say for any other battery I've ran. I usually got around 2 years tops outta the el-cheapos like Neverstart or Duralast.
Here's a nice chart for Optima Batteries:
http://www.1st-wholesale-batteries.com/?gclid=CMf90MvEz7ICFYeDQgodrzIAyw#redspecs
Walmart middle of the line with best cca I can afford. Or biggest I can fit in the box.
thewestie,
It's been a while for me... but check the price on the Interstate batteries, they do seem to be a good product and from what I remember the price was fair. Mine lasted almost as long as my Optima.
DEKA= familiar with thier high end 12v systems.
Motorcraft=dono, they seem to last.
Diehard= same as above
The best one I ever had was an 800cca diehard gold. It lasted 10 years. Probably would have lasted longer if I hadn't allowed it to sit for 6 months discharged.
Next replacement will be motorcraft, i called a ford dealer, priced $10 cheaper than walmart with 5 year warranty
I have an interstate battery that came ith the car. It only reads 10v's fully charged, but hasn't let me down in 3 years. Sometimes doesn't always crank quick, but always starts.
[color="red"][size="7"]A joke right????[/size][/color]
Optima Red Tops, typically 7 years or so is what they have lasted me. If not the Optima then the Interstate batteries is the second choice.
Darren
My '01 Grand Marquis still has the orginal battery.
Bought a Cougar in 2002 with an Interstate battery in it (don't know how old it was at that time) that still works to this day despite numerous discharges and numerous periods of inactivity lasting months.
Now I'm curious about the age. Next time I'm around that battery, I'm going to see if there is some label with an indicator of the date or month and year of manufacture.
Don't buy a Walmart battery (Everstart). I have one and it's been awful since day one.