Optima Yellow Top (DS46B24R) vs OEM Battery (36AmpHour)

That's jut another reason to "bite the bullet" and buy the replacement battery from Toyota.

It's like getting the wrong aftermarket hose clamp can cost you the price of a new radiator.

For years, I've replaced the OEM radiator hose clamps on all of my cars with worm drive stainless steel ones.


No more! With plastic radiator necks, I only use the OEM or OER spring tensioned "Constant Tension Clamps."

 

$28 each for those tiny cables? That's crazy. Plus, there shouldn't have been anything wrong with the size of the original ones. I just replaced my battery, and the stock cables fit the Optima without any trouble at all.

 

It is possible to buy the Optima with the narrow JIS terminals, and it is also possible to buy the Optima with the larger terminals found on most 12V batteries in the US. Obviously the former is preferable assuming your Prius has the original equipment battery cables.

 

I think it is time to replace the battery, I don't think you will save much money by putting it off. The cost per year of having a good battery that will likely give you another 7 years, is like $2 a month. I vote change it now drive your car and enjoy it being dependable. I just changed an altinator on my sons car today, break downs are inconvient! just my $.02

 

The Houston Toyota ad specifically excludes hybrids. Did they still sell it to you for that price? Local dealer here in MD wants $198, so I might just buy from them. Toyota branded batteries have been good to me so far, usually last me 6 years or so.

 

When I bought mine in January 2013, I looked up their price on the website. Then I called them at the 800 number and talked to Jake who is in charge of the internet sales dept. He took my order over the phone. I drove across town and picked up a brand new Toyota battery and I paid $135 for it. I used to have the receipt for it, but when I bought the new Prius I disposed of all the records I had been keeping that pertained to the old Gen II Prius.

The new battery held up well for me during the time I kept driving the Gen II that the battery went into. Very easy to put it in too. I hear the Gen III is even easier. I haven't looked back there yet. But I will when I am killing time and want to know more about this new Prius I now have the honor of to drive. I love the Gen III. It is head over heels better than the Gen II. More power, easier to hyper mile, and better MPG to boot. I am still breaking it in, but my fuelly demonstrates that I am exceeding the EPA estimates at this time.

Getting back to your question, the Houston dealer that handles "Internet" sales did sell me that battery for $135.00 I purchased it from TOYOTA Parts at AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway Parts | Genuine OEM Toyota Auto Parts and Accessories - Houston, TX

Those folks can beat just about anyone's price with the exception of Olathe Toyota and Camelback Toyota. Those two and Autonation I believe all have the same prices for "Internet" sales. Much cheaper than over the counter at your local "stealer".

Don't fall for the "Yellow Top" gimmick. At one times they were GREAT batteries. Today, the quality has dropped immensely. There have been several post's here on Prius Chat recently about "new" Yellow Tops failing and having to be returned within the warranty period. Think about that for a minute. Unless you buy your YT locally, you might find it difficult to return that battery since most companies do NOT like to ship batteries.

Best of luck to you!
Ron (dorunron)