I need to replace the 12v battery on my 2012 Prius. My mechanic says to get an AGM. I read that this is a safer battery, but it will cost me $35 more. Is it worth it?
i put a toyota oem in mine 2 years ago. easy job, diy to save money. plenny of youtube vids. $200. plus tax at the dealer. 8 year limited warranty. 2 100%, then prorated over 6
Yes it is worth it. Still experimenting with/using LiFePO4. Since you are using a mechanic I don't recommend it because of the wait to get it shipped....
This was the only battery under $200 before tax and after core refund in my area. Autozon lent me a rachet set and wrenches to install it. It cost me $212 total. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/p/duralast-platinum-agm-battery-46b24r-agm-group-size-46b24r-410-cca/766475_0_0
Can you share more detail, what are the two batteries you're price comparing? Is one of them through a Toyota dealership? FWIW, up here I can get the original Yuasa (AGM, proper posts/dimensions and vent port) mail order through SaskBattery, for $220 CDN, with only the federal tax (no provincial sales tax, saves 7%), no core charge levied, and free shipping. They're not currently showing it on their website, and they are showing compatible Optima Yellow Top, but they have the former, and don't have the latter. Long story short, they're slow to update their website. Canadian Tire (retail automotive outlet up here) DID have a compatible battery, that seems to have dried up. Woah, just checked: battery back in stock, but they're asking $251 now. Think SaskBattery for me. I've used them before and it went well, but still, I'd rather not do mail order, just in case.
Got mine from Batteries Plus for $200 with free installation. Duracell AGM same size as factory with vent, 4 year replacement warranty not a prorated one, and Batteries Plus's are everywhere.
I happen to have a spare Optima blue top Full sized battery sitting around the house. If you take the bracket out of the space where the smaller battery goes, the full-size one will fit. Some yellow ring, terminals and 10 gauge wire, large if if you prefer, Is all you need to hook it up. Large capacity 55 amp hours versus 40 amp hours.
Where have you been for these four and a half years? The author of the topic was forced to park the car permanently.