The stock battery on my 3yr old 13GT is dying and I am in the market for replacement. The life-span on these factory ones seem pretty short. Naturally I'd look for the 'performance' batteries, preferably the ones they use in car audio shops.

What are the performance batteries out there that's strong and lasts? I'm seeing a lot of Optima brand?

 

I have a friend with a 12 year old Optima. We were literally talking about it yesterday. I however had 2 red tops that only lasted 2 years each. A lot of guys I know all agree the old Optimas were great and the new ones don't seem to last as long. Is this a national sampling? No... Just the small group of guys I know. And just our observations. When it comes time to replace the battery in my Stang I will be going OEM. For appearance purposes. But also Interstate is the Manufacturer for most OE replacement batteries. I know they do Toyota and Dodge. I think Nissan also. Not sure on Ford. But popping my hood and seeing a OE battery is what I want. Let's face a simple fact folks. Batteries will no longer consistently last 8 years. There are too many computers on the vehicles now. And they keep the battery in a constant state of use. Batteries are a huge frustration at work because we are frequently doing warranties. I would not call it a epidemic. But consistent.

 

Only 3 years on a battery? I sold my 2004 Dodge pickup a year and a half ago with the factory battery, and changed the battery on our 2007 Mazda after 6 years. The thing was the size of a motorcycle battery, I was pleased to find there was enough room for a normal battery to fit.
I have had very good luck with Interstate. I would avoid Batteries Plus, The battery I bought there died after 6 months and they refused to take it back because I did not have the paper receipt with me. Even though the battery was their private label and the date of sale was clearly marked on the battery and the purchase was in their computer.

 

My battery went out on my 12 gt and I was looking into optima and everywhere I went they said they wouldn't fit my car without modification. I went with interstate. They have a good reputation and the best warranty.

 

I used to work for Interstate and I never recommended and Optima over anything.
The newer Optima's are built in Mexico.

 

I concur about Optima Batteries not being worth the money as I had one in a previous car and after a year it wouldn't hold a charge, so it was replaced under warranty and the second didn't last much longer.

 

Hey Paul, I have had my battery for 2 1/2 yrs, 26k miles, and I can feel the cranking is not as quick as it once was. I haven't had any of the problems you've experienced though. I always figured I would go with the Optima when it was time, now not so sure. Maybe OEM is the way I'll go, or whoever offers the best warranty.

 

I've had same experience with Optimas. Red and yellow. Neither lasted more than a couple of years. The original motorcraft sucked in 2007 on both my car and my wife went through 3 of them just in the warranty period for bad cells.

I just use Interstate now and that's all.

 

Optima - I will agree that the older ones seem to last, but... I have had excellent luck with Optima batteries. They are smaller and slightly lighter than OEM. I have no complaints.

 

Will go with OEM when I have to replace mine. Original is 4 1/2 yrs old & no signs of weakening. My '06 GT OEM battery was 5 + yrs old when I traded it in.

 

That's good to hear!

 

My OEM battery lasted less than two years. Replaced with Intersate, but I also keep it on a smart charger since it's not my daily driver.

 

Thank you all for kind replies! (Thank you Brian, Richard)
Moving away from Optimas then. OK, the Interstate. I'm surprised many of you are recommending OEMs. A little hesitant to goto the dealership if getting the OEMs though, sadly I may be out of warranty zone. Is Sears a good place for a battery?

 

What ever you do don't get a OPTIMA battery!!!!!!!!

I got a Optima Red Top Battery to match my red cam covers in my 2000 GT. It lasted 36 months. When I called Optima they said sorry...it should have lasted longer! They offered to sell me a new Optima at a discount...only $148.00. The one in my car cost $143.00 at Sam's club, so I told them no thanks and took my original 12 year old Ford battery (which I had kept to use as a jump battery for my 4 wheeler's and lawn mower) and it is still going strong even though it is now 15 years old!!

 

LOL!!! Thank you I won't be getting Optima, not after all the good advise I received from fellow Stangers. You guys ROCK!