Optima batteries promotion this month - free tender/charger

[jdbunda]

My 7-year old battery was starting to crank more slowly. After researching, I decided to go the Optima route, picked up a 34R at my FLAP. Decided to do this instead of a cheaper online source in case I need warranty replacement, which would be easier locally.

One of the things that convinced me the planets were aligned for this is Optima is currently running a promotion on their chargers if you buy during the month of April (2014). You can either get the 400 for free or the 1200 for half price ($100). Since the 1200 is available on Amazon for $149, I decided the free 400 is the better deal for me. You can buy the battery from any authorized dealer, and apply for the deal online afterwards on the Optima site.

One thing to know - take a picture of the serial number on the side of the battery BEFORE installing it in the car, you need to upload it to get the deal. I didn't realize this until after I had everything put together. You will also need to scan or take a picture of your receipt.

I used the popular cutting board method, search this forum for details. The 34R has reversed battery posts, but since they are on the centerline of the battery, I suspect you could use other models also and just flip them around the other way. I did need to pick up a longer ground cable, as the old 8" one in my car would not reach the terminal.

[Joeaksa]

John,

Good info... which one did you get? I have the "red top" model in my car but it came from Costco years ago and they no longer handle it, so am in the market to replace it with a good one.

Thx,

Joe A

[jdbunda]

I got a red top R34, but I believe the 75/25 also fits.

[frannyB]

Hi John,

That is interesting they are selling the batteries with a tender. They need it... We have had one for several years (6V) in the 356 and it has been great. I leave it on the tender all the time and it has never let me down. So, when the battery in the Boxster started to weep acid, I went ahead and bought a Red Top to replace it. All was great for about 4 months when I went to start the car after it had been sitting for about 10 days and it had 4V (car freaked out). I took it back to Batteries Plus and they charged it and let it sit for a week and it was fine. Meanwhile I put the old battery in the Boxster (still almost completely charged after sitting for months) and it has been fine so it isn't the car and I've never had a dead battery on that car.

I don't know what to think other than I think I will put the Optima back in and be diligent about the tender. I've heard the manufacturing of the Optima was sold and they are a bit hit and miss now.

Franny

[dad911]

The Optimas were great in the 90's. I had two that lasted for 7+years, until I sold the cars. Not so good since, After 3 bad ones in as many years, I gave up on them.

Optima Jim used to chime in here, claimed he'd help me out but never did.

And since Byron got screwed, I will not buy them again. Group Buy Not Honored

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by dad911

The Optimas were great in the 90's. I had two that lasted for 7+years, until I sold the cars. Not so good since, After 3 bad ones in as many years, I gave up on them.

Optima Jim used to chime in here, claimed he'd help me out but never did.

And since Byron got screwed, I will not buy them again. Group Buy Not Honored

Complete agreement. I've had a couple friends and my brother have their Optimas go bad very quickly. Seems like they are running off the momentum of what used to be a good product.

[911 Rod]

Promotion only available in the U.S.

[Jack Stands]

I don't know what they changed, but had the same experience with the Optimas, the first two I bought lasted for years, and the last one died all too quickly. After looking at their current pricing, I went back to an Interstate (however, almost all the batteries are made by just a couple of manufacturers, so shopping by price and warrantee probably makes sense). Using a battery maintainer is always a good idea for seldom driven cars.