decent battery replacement

[Henrythewound]

I tried a search but didn't find a dedicated thread here. I am looking to replace the battery in my 2000 4Runner. My local shop typically installs Interstate batteries for ~$93 out the door but recommends the 34R Optima Red top if money is no object (for me it is). I have no problem buying a battery and installing it myself to save a few $$s. My question is what battery would you all recommend for "normal" conditions? I live in tucson so it doesn't get cold, but it's definitely HOT all summer. Something with a warranty is best I suppose.

My options are Costco (not sure what brands/warranties they carry), Sears Die Hard batteries(I have heard they are good, but they irritated me by refusing to test my battery w/o charging $15, something auto zone and checker do for free), checker, auto zone, batteries plus etc.

Optima 34Rs seem to cost ~$170 here, I would prefer to spend less than $100 for something decent that can stand the heat. I do not have winches or compressors onboard. Any Tucsonans or other desert dwellers out there w/ battery advice?

[04 Rocko Taco]

Sears has a nice battery that is actually a relabled odyseey battery, its mentioned in a thread around here.... I forget what it is though, sorry. hit up Lance, I know he just bought one.

[paddlenbike]

I can no longer recommend the Optima Red Tops after going through three of them in the past five years. The OEM Toyota (Panasonic) batteries are out-lasting the Optimas 2:1.

I am running a Napa Orbital now. It may or may not be made by Optima...guess I'll find out in another year.

[cplvc]

I installed another Interstate in my 96 since the previous one was good for 5 years. Picked it up locally for $86 and they took my old one as core.

[4x4mike]

I wouldn't buy another red top. I went through 2 of them in less than 3 years. Each time I had issues with AutoZone (where they were purchased) warrantying them. I did replace the red top with the Sears Diehard platinum. It was about the same price of the red top and had the side posts and top posts. The battery I got was for my full size Chevy truck and you'd have a hard time getting one into the factory location on a 4runner because of the size. I assume they make several popular sizes.
I liked the gel cells because the truck always ran hot and in the summer the stock battery would boil creating what I thought was a dangerous situation (at least that's what I told my wife as an excuse to get an Optima). Do a little battery research and find out how many CCA you need and what RC numbers you want. Additional electronic devices you run or have added to the vehicle may play a part in the selection of the battery.

FWIW my 4runner had a WalMart battery in it when I got it and it has worked fine and I have no complaints. I think it says that on the side it says it was manufactured by enterstate.

Oh, by the way, never pay someone to "install" a battery in less you... never mind just do it yourself.

[Henrythewound]

Thanks all, looks like the Red top is thankfully out based on your experiences. I had read something similar about the Optima YT being overrated too. I should call Auto zone or Checker to see what they have in stock, I know they test batteries too. I was mainly thinking Costco because they have a really nice warranty and possibly anice price. I typically just look up what battery on the rack is suitable for my vehicle, I have never had to research specs before. Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it.

~Joe aka Henry

[MTL_4runner]

I've had good luck with both the OEM toyota and interstate brand batteries.

[Good Times]

I picked up the Sears Diehard Platinum. It's a re-badged Odyssey battery. Good stuff but they don't fit in the stock battery tray because it's a bit longer (by an inch or so).

Another option would be Exide batteries. That was the other battery I was considering.

At a minimum I would look for a battery that has a really long warranty program. The Sears one I picked up has a 4 yr warranty so I figure I won't be buying a battery ever

[slosurfer]

I liked the gel cells because the truck always ran hot and in the summer the stock battery would boil creating what I thought was a dangerous situation (at least that's what I told my wife as an excuse to get an Optima).

I'm so using this one of these days! (except for the optima part)
I plan on going with the Diehard Platinum.

[4x4mike]

I liked the gel cells because the truck always ran hot and in the summer the stock battery would boil creating what I thought was a dangerous situation (at least that's what I told my wife as an excuse to get an Optima).

Well at the time it was for an Optima, plus she was my girlfriend then. Who knows why the hell I was so whipped back then. I went with the Die Hard when the red tops were dying. It was in the winter and I had to get jumped twice so to her it really didn't matter what was wrong or how much it really cost, she wanted it replaced. I guess that one of the reasons we own the 4runner now.

I'm so using this one of these days! (except for the optima part)
I plan on going with the Diehard Platinum.