Prius 2nd Gen 12 V Battery Replacement Exide vs Optima Yellow Top?

no one knows, a study has never been done. and it wouldn't reflect real world conditions anyway

 

Don't know, never had either one. My 2004 is on its 3rd 12 V battery, but I honestly could not tell you what brand any of them were. Just "whatever the dealer put in".


-Graeme-
2004 Prius with >190,000 miles.
Sent ?.

 

Probably neither, even with additional maintenance/care (periodic external charging), it seems that 8 years might be doable, but with no extra care and regular driving of 1 hour or more a day 5 -6 years. Short drives and lots of sitting idle 2-3 years. A lot also depends on the original condition of the new battery, the use environment, whether you do a forming charge to start with, and whether the battery is fully charged when put into service.

But who really can tell the future?

 

$283 rivals the OEM Yuasa thru dealership parts dept?

When I bought one almost 5 years back, it was $220 CDN, free shipping, thru SaskBattery.

 

yellow tops are fine. that's a little steep, how much is the exide? i picked up an oem for $200. plus tax

 

In CA? I doubt any will.

 

Check dealer prices. Possible OEM Yuasa may have the lowest price and longest warranty. It was for me.

 

As one data point, my Yellow Top from eLearn Aid, is coming up on 9 years. Installed for $170 with conversion kit as the YT did not have the thin posts at the time.

I had even completely flattened it shortly after installing it.


iPhone ?

 

My Yellow Top lasted just a bit more than 3 years on one and just a bit more than 2 years on another 2nd gen. Whereas original one had last 7-8 years on both of our priuses.

 

The spiral style yellow tops have higher Cold Cranking Amps but lower Amp Hours. I have a YT currently, had it for over 5 years, but will likely go with a Canadian Tire conventional case AGM (ABSorbent Glass Mat) next time. I have coddled the YT with charging.

 

Original battery was nursed by previous owner for 15 years. Wouldn't hold a charge for more than a few days though.

 

My 2013 Avalon is going on 8 years and still has the original Panasonic battery.
My 2006 Prius also has a Panasonic battery, but I have my doubts that it's the original and that it's 14 years old, although I guess it could be.

But I cheat. I live in a cold area so I've had even cheap batteries last for way longer than they do in other parts of the world.

 

I cheat big-time: ours practically LIVES on a smart charger.

 

My 2010 has original 12 volt. I drive it 1 hour 5 days a week. Garaged every night. I get the batt. tested every year at Walmart. Still good!!

 

My battery was last replaced at a Toyota dealership in Dallas 6/2012@170754 miles. Our local stealership uses re-branded Interstate batteries for all their batteries. Just this week (8/23/2021) the battery is starting to showing signs of dying. I can only think of 1 time I ever let it discharge below 11 volts, and usually drive it ~60miles/day. I've got over 350000 miles now, and am considering the Optima for replacement. Anyone have a longer record for battery life?

 

I have the original Panasonic OEM battery in my 2006 and it still works (though I need to replace it since it's on its last leg). But I do believe the cool weather where I live has more to helping batteries live nearly forever than the brand.

 

Local Toyota dealership has the OEM 12V battery for $209, and they accept the free shipping promotion (for purchases over $75) that's on the Toyota parts website. Has anyone found another dealership honoring the free shipping promotion which is selling the 12V battery for less than that? For the price, I find the 84 month warranty attractive.