Have a question about battery life for those of you who had their Max's for awhile.

As you can see mine is a 99 but it only has 43k miles on it. I believe most stock batteries don't last much past 6 years or so. Since I live in OH and the winters can get cold (plus it looks like this year might be colder than the past few) I want to make sure I have a solid battery. I'd rather replace it a bit early than have to deal with the hassle of having it die at the wrong time. But I don't want to be stupid about it.

Is a batteries life more affected by time or actual use? Since my mileage is low will it last longer than the normal range?

Also, if I do replace it what are some good recommendations? I don't need one for a big stereo system because it's stock Bose and that will be the last mod I do to the car. I just want one that's powerful and has good cold cranks. I think getting a great battery is worth and extra 50 bucks or so over the life so I don't like skimping on batteries, meaning something in the $100+ range is ok.

Thoughts?

 

You should be good with your battery for another few years atleast. Its always hard to say thought and is a unknown variable.

I'd say wait till maybe next winter atleast to replace but if you anxious to replace now, get a optima yellow top, if you will do a stereo system at some point might as well get the battery for it in advance so you wont have to update it later.

I'd say wait a little bit.

 

It's hard to tell with a battery. They can go at anytime. I would consider having it tested this year, see if the CCA's are still at or above rated CCA's, then consider replacement based on that.

 

My 99 has over 100K miles on the original battery. Still starts pretty strong even on the past few cold NJ mornings. You can have the battery load tested to see how much power it puts out. Most auto parts stores could probably test it for free. If the load output is lower then normal, consider a replacement before it leaves you stranded.

 

I bought my 95 SE on October 1, 1994 and the battery died on April 7, 2002 at just over 41,000 miles and just over 7.5 years of use. Granted the winters where I live are pretty mild. You may get another year with the OEM battery as they're fairly powerful. I then bought a crappy Canadian Tire battery. It died after 20 months and I told them where to put it. I now have an AC Delco battery, but doubt it will last as long as the original battery.

When the time comes look for a sale or buy an Optima or whatever at Costco as I hear they're pretty good for batteries.

 

Thanks for the input guys, having it tested first sounds like the route to take.

Should have thought of that myself.

 

I just put a MAXX 1N battery in from wal-mart. I had them test it before installing it, it's rated at 875 CCA's and this one was at 1060 CCA's . $58.84 installed, consumer's digest best buy.... can't go wrong.

 

Many of you will be surprised but mine 1993 Camry XLE V6 still has the original Toyota battery and it has 170000 miles on it.

 

i replaced battery at dealer's, so never have a problem of battery. I guess yours will be fine.