Optima Batteries

[stevej37]

My 84 Carrera used an Optima red-top for 13 years. It was still starting the car with no
problem, but I figured it was time to replace it before it left me stranded.
Bought the same model red-top...it lasted less than 3 years. Won't hold a charge.
What happened to Optima??

[Ctopher]

I believe they were bought by a larger company and as usual cut cost to make more profits! Apparently they moved manufacturing to mexico in the early 2000s. I had some that lasted 8+ yrs but the newer versions are lucky to get a handful of regular use now. So sad.


Ctopher

[Jack Stands]

No longer worth the money. My experience has been the same as yours.

[porsche930dude]

I just put my 13 year old optima on the scrap pile. It actually went soft a few years ago and i used it in my lawn tractor for a few years. now its no good anymore. My brother brings home batteries all the time so i used one of those but i think next time im going to put a lawn tractor battery in it. Cheap and lightweight.

[stevej37]

Walmart sells a 5 yr warranty H-8 Everlast battery for $119
I think I'll prob go with that...if I get 5 yrs out of it..I'm happy.

[gregpark]

I'm 5 years with a lawn mower battery now, still works great. Not sure what it weighs but just a fraction of a normal car battery. Probably less than half the size too.

[smadsen]

Hey, you can't make money in the car battery business if your product lasts 13 years. Re-design & re-engineering were clearly overdue.

[chuckr]

I have been using a red top for 4 or 5 years now with no problems at all.
I do keep it on the Optima charger though.