Optima Worth It? [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum (2024)

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Mad Swede

6th August 2022, 12:46

My battery is 5 years old and seems ok, but I know they don't last forever. I checked at Batteries Plus and a Duracell (made by East Penn) is $200. A yellow top Optima is $280. I it worth the extra $80?

BobotheMonkey

6th August 2022, 14:40

Yellow top is more of a deep cycle battery. Red top would be typically what you want. Tons of cold cranking amps and you can mount them in any direction since they are gel. I have heard the quality has gone down over the years, so I can't necessarily speak to that, but they used to pretty much be the best out there.

GreyQuickCat

6th August 2022, 15:39

I'd avoid Optima all together now. It's hit or miss whether they will last even a year after purchase ever since Johnson Controls moved their battery factory to Mexico in 2008. Quality control went into the tank. I've got an old marine blue Optima built well before that and it's still working as a backup sump pump battery, but I wouldn't replace it with a new Optima if you paid me. I did kind of retire it and I'm using it as a spare and bought a large Odyssey battery for that purpose since the Optima was getting old and no longer holding a full charge. But Odyssey doesn't make a Group 51R for the ND and I wish they did because I like their batteries and I've got one in my FJ Cruiser. If you want an AGM, look at the Diehard Platinum version as an alternative.

Mad Swede

6th August 2022, 16:52

Why would I want AGM? I have it in the NA but that battery is in the trunk and I don't want a flooded battery there. However, I see it is $220 at O'Reilly, so not much more. If someone has a good reason to go for AGM I would like to hear it since I can go either way for about the same cost.

GreyQuickCat

6th August 2022, 17:35

All Optimas are technically AGM batteries. I assumed you were wanting to stick with that type of battery.

Mad Swede

6th August 2022, 17:47

All Optimas are technically AGM batteries. I assumed you were wanting to stick with that type of battery.

I have an open mind. Are there advantages to go AGM?

GreyQuickCat

6th August 2022, 18:01

I have an open mind. Are there advantages to go AGM?

Other than a higher CCA rating, capacity and no maintenance, I can't think of one. There's the issue of AGM's requiring a higher charging voltage to charge properly, but the other important issue with AGM's in our ND's has to do with heat. Supposedly the heat in that tight engine compartment is not good for the battery, even for an Optima. Mazda did include that flimsy heat shielding, but it's probably not much protection so close to the engine and radiator. I've got a Diehard AGM in my ND, so time will tell if it survives the heat. I kept my OEM flooded battery and keep it charged for the eventual AGM failure, it's just a question of "when". LiFePO4 batteries can take the heat and are the best, but they are EXPENSIVE.

https://nyln.org/agm-batteries-pros-and-cons-list

But then I found contrary information to the heat issue, so I don't know what to tell you until my own AGM bites the dust.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378775308024968

I did find my battery listed as best overall, but as I pointed out earlier, the heat issue may or may not be a problem with our ND's. I guess I'm going to be a beta tester for the Diehard Platinum AGM battery in an ND. :D

https://www.automoblog.net/5-best-car-batteries-for-hot-weather/

Mad Swede

6th August 2022, 19:26

My flooded battery is almost 5 years old. Doesn't look like the heat is an issue. The CCA is the same for both types. I do worry about the AGM not liking being discharged too far, although the ND (like most modern cars) avoid accidentally drawdown.

#sand

7th August 2022, 09:11

Just sharing my experience in the northeast with some cold winters. My first and only optima yellow top went bad in less than 2 yrs so gave up on thinking because I was spending more it must be better somehow. Since then I've gone exclusively with Interstate ($100~150) and just change every 4-5 yrs on a schedule....zero issues over the last 15 yrs or more with several different cars.

Mad Swede

7th August 2022, 09:32

Good input. Now to decide between AGM and flooded.

Bill W

7th August 2022, 14:34

Here is a car starter that works with a completely dead battery.

https://www.amazon.com/HULKMAN-Alpha85-Starter-20000mAh-Portable/dp/B08M41FX48?&linkCode=ll1&tag=portable-jump-starters2022-325585-20&linkId=cb4b73bda9124384d46592da822c74f5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Lance Schall

7th August 2022, 14:45

I do worry about the AGM not liking being discharged too far.That's what the Optima Yellow Top is supposed to be good for. It doesn't mind being deeply discharged. I had one Yellow Top die right at the end of its warranty about 15 years ago. The rest of them all go 6-8 years. Maybe they got their groove back. But, yeah, you give like $280 for each one. I've got them in my Miata now and another in the X-90.

Mad Swede

7th August 2022, 15:39

Here is a car starter that works with a completely dead battery.

Company laptop flags it as a dangerous website.:dunno:

GreyQuickCat

7th August 2022, 19:26

Been doing some researching on DieHard batteries. Apparently that brand has been made by several companies, originally Globe Union for Sears, then Johnson Controls (Optima and Exide) and finally Clarios LLC, but in 2019, Advance Auto bought the brand from Sears, so Clarios LLC is the manufacturer. Their batteries are still highly rated and have a 3 year warranty through Advance Auto and if you want to make sure you get the warranty, buy it from there, not Amazon.

Interstate also makes an AGM version, but reviewers have them pegged as sensitive to overcharging, so you may want to consider a flooded version of their battery if you go with that brand. There are other ratings on other popular batteries at the bottom of this link as well. NAPA's warranty is not as good as DieHard's either. I really wish Odyssey built a Group 51R AGM battery for our ND's because they are the best.

https://batterytechie.com/diehard-battery-review/

If you want a really powerful and well built AGM battery, XS Power makes one, but it's pricey and heavy, a pound heavier than the DieHard AGM if weight is a consideration.

https://4xspower.com/product/d5100r/

Daggert1

7th August 2022, 22:05

Here in hot AZ I've found AGMs to be generally better for couple of reasons. They don't outgas like flooded - corrosion on the terminals, trays/underneath can be a real problem here (I've seen cars with $$ damage from messy flooded batteries). Given many folks don't check/top off their flooded versions the AGM solves that issue entirely. They also seem to do well high under-hood temperatures, and in my experience in AZ last about 1.5 times longer than flooded (2.5 years is an elderly flooded battery in Phoenix). Now, from a pure $$ standpoint it's often a wash, but the clean factor tilts me that direction.
The best I've found is calcium/lead AGMs (in some Mercedes, some AC Delco AGMs), these tend to last 2x of flooded in AZ, I replaced my last one at proactively at six years and it was still going strong (unheard of life in the heat).
Best of luck in your decision!

Mad Swede

8th August 2022, 09:22

XS power is ridiculous at $333. The AGM I am looking at is from OReilley: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/platinum/battery---accessories/batteries/31624da3221a/super-start-platinum-battery-group-size-51r/ssbq/51rplt/v/a/136803/automotive-car-2016-mazda-mx-5-miata?pos=0

Anyone have experience with this?

Also, I just read something that states that AGM batteries don't tolerate heat above 120 deg F. That seems to rule them out for engine bay....

ophidia31

8th August 2022, 11:23

Used to be diehard optima but after one died on me all of a sudden early 2000's, that was it for them. Was working 100% in the morning and go out to go home from work, completely dead. Wouldn't take a charge at all. Back to normie batteries and never looked back.

Mike72s30

8th August 2022, 11:27

Anyone have experience with this?

Also, I just read something that states that AGM batteries don't tolerate heat above 120 deg F. That seems to rule them out for engine bay....

I have one of the O-Reilly batteries its 500-550 CCA. It gave the car Hyper start capability (tm).:p compared to the 350 CCA stock, The starter motor has no issue spinning things now. its overkill for most Mx-5's but I dailiy mine and its stuck outside when i'm at work in the winter. zero starting anxiety when its cold and i have not had an issue yet with the heat this year.

sad to see the prices have gone up since i've changed it last December.

Mad Swede

8th August 2022, 11:30

The issue of spillage was a big one for the NAs since in the trunk. Spilling may not seem to be an issue in the engine bay, although I had a battery ooze out juice in a Previa and ruin a cable bundle that ran below it. Major repair at an electric specialty shop. That may be reason enough to go AGM.

KyllerBee

8th August 2022, 11:35

Also, I just read something that states that AGM batteries don't tolerate heat above 120 deg F. That seems to rule them out for engine bay....

I'd like to see that source. Pretty odd that a car battery would not be able to tolerate the heat of an engine bay, since that's where 99% of them live.

Mad Swede

8th August 2022, 12:13

I'd like to see that source. Pretty odd that a car battery would not be able to tolerate the heat of an engine bay, since that's where 99% of them live.

It does seem over the top...I can't find that mentioned anywhere else. Beware what you read on the internet...

Mad Swede

8th August 2022, 12:30

What about this baby? https://www.amazon.com/Deka-Intimidator-Battery-Sealed-Non-Spillable/dp/B08SCHJ7H1/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2MY12EC9424XR&keywords=group+51R+AGM+batteries&qid=1659976123&s=automotive&sprefix=group+51r+agm+batteries%2Cautomotive%2C117&sr=1-8&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d977788f-1483-4f76-90a3-786e4cdc8f10

KyllerBee

8th August 2022, 12:34

Too intimidating.

Daggert1

8th August 2022, 13:31

Last I heard - Deka had a very good reputation (made by East Penn I think) and wasn't part of the Johnson Controls conglomerate (a good thing). I'd have no qualms going with that choice.

Red of course

8th August 2022, 13:47

If Hensley Battery is somewhat close to you....... 7203 E 47th Ave Dr Denver...
Maybe worth the trip...they are Deka dealer, I bought that same battery at the store here in Colo Springs for $162 w/vet 10%discount. So $180 if not apply to you. Bought the one for my 90 few years ago much cheaper that anything else also.

Put in your zip to see who else in your area sells...... https://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/applications/automotive/

Spicywolff

15th August 2022, 08:19

Costco sells interstate bend with 36 month warranty for 109. Id stick with that.

Mad Swede

15th August 2022, 09:17

Put in your zip to see who else in your area sells...... https://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/applications/automotive/

That is a bit of a drive. I would need to bring the old one along so as not to require two trips.

FlyingWrench

15th August 2022, 14:06

Why would I want AGM?

quality control issues with Optima aside there are quite a few advantages to an AGM battery, theoretical longer life and high power output.

But the killer feature IMO is minimal out gassing and no leakage, the battery acid is trapped, vastly reducing corrosion around the battery, look at any old car and the battery area is usually completely rotten.

but if you are looking at $280 for an AGM that puts a small light lithium battery within reach.

Mad Swede

15th August 2022, 18:11

I am looking at about $220 for a Deka "Intimidator".

FlyingWrench

15th August 2022, 19:03

I am looking at about $220 for a Deka "Intimidator".

I know Deka from flooded electric forklift batteries, quality brand from that perspective, no idea if that transfers to their automotive batteries.

GreyQuickCat

18th August 2022, 18:24

I am looking at about $220 for a Deka "Intimidator".

Saw some negative reviews on Amazon about the Deka. Early failures and warranty gripes. I'm still liking my Diehard AGM battery so far, but I noticed that the O'Reilly Super Start Platinum AGM has a better CCA rating, 500 verses my DieHard at 430 and at a better price. I might take a look at their offering in the future whenever my DieHard eventually dies. I found that Clarios, who makes DieHard, also makes O'Reilly's Super Start AGM battery as well, so I can't tell you which one will last longer. Clarios is obviously the battery supplier for several major auto parts stores now.

GreyQuickCat

20th August 2022, 16:25

What battery did you decide to purchase Mad Swede?

Mad Swede

20th August 2022, 19:48

What battery did you decide to purchase Mad Swede?

Sorry -- I am just doing research at this point. I suspect I should do it before cold weather, so in the next couple of months for sure. I am leaning toward the AGM, and may drive to the Deka outlet to get the "Dominator" (I just like the name). I would get it from Amazon if I knew for sure what to do with the old one. I guess I could just call Batteries Plus and tell them I have this old battery sitting around and need to get rid of it. Or sneak it into the trash bin (:D)...Naw, I wouldn't do that.:bang:

RADOne

20th August 2022, 20:27

I got 9 years out of my Optima. But the last 2 years it needed to be on a float charger in the winter. Cold temps would drain it in a week if it wasn't.

flylow7f39

20th August 2022, 20:27

10ecmx5

21st August 2022, 08:35

I've got 3 other vehicles, all have Walmart's top of the line batteries, I have had very good luck with the Walmart battery!