mcgene

Well, the battery just died in my 2005 SC430.
I'm certainly capable of doing an internet search for a reliable replacement, but thought I'd ask here if anyone has a preference based on experience.
Thanks for your thoughts.
-gene

DshngDaryl

If you have a costco battery in your car, it is usually cheaper to have them replace it at their pro-rated replacement cost.

If you don't, then I highly recommend an AGM battery. Though they came out after the SC430 was designed, they do better than a traditional battery because they handle vibrations and heat better.

I tend to stay away from the National Autopart stores to buy batteries. They always seem like they are 150% in cost.

Warehouse stores are usually great in price. I have bought car batteries from Homedepot and have been happy also. If you have AAA, they have a battery van that comes out and replaces the battery for you (at least in Arizona)

https://www.samsclub.com/b/automotive-batteries/3990107
https://www.costco.com/automotive-batteries.html
https://www.homedepot.com/s/car%20battery?NCNI-5

mcgene

Thanks for the quick response. I love Costco but they don't have a store near me in this isolated part of Florida
I'm definitely going with AGM. I'll check the SAM's club near me. That may be a good enough alternative to Costco.
Thanks again for your quick response..
You might remember me as the dude that can't spell your name

Tanker

I use Costco for my cars and truck. But for my boat I use Odyssey. Expensive but worth it.

AVSRacing

Costco 5 year warranty!

OBP

Costco Interstate batteries - mine is probably 6-7 years old and going strong. I tend to hook up a battery tender when not using the car though.

NEWONE1

Interstate AGM...great battery, and yes....Costco

Dean2

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...questions.html

Read thread.

Long and short, you live in Florida. Heat kills the battery faster than anything else. AGM does not last enough longer to be worth 2 to 3 times price of lead acid. Get an inexpensive Walmart or Interstate Lead acid, replace it as needed when heat kills it. Lead acid cost about the same as two tanks of gas. Guys WAY overthink these expendables.

mcgene

Thanks, Dean2!!!
Excellent logic and very much appreciated. I will reconsider my options based on your recommendation.
Regards,
-gene

DshngDaryl

That is good logic, but my personal experience resulted in a different opinion.

I live in Arizona. It is HOT! Frequently 120f/48c hot. Most lead acid batteries last 2 years here. In fact, Costco changed their battery policy here recently, no more 5 year guarantee. My AGM only costed $50 more and has lasted 4 years.

GmanSC

Costco now offers 36 months warranty on their batteries. If heat kiils your battery prior to the warranty expiration, you'll get a new battery.

DJWLDW

I have had great success with the Duracell AGM batteries. I got 6 years out the original one in my 2006 SC. I also have one in my 2010 LS 460L and my son has one in his 2005 SC 430. You can get them through battery plus stores I think they are group 24?

Dennis

Dean2

In Canada lead acid batteries will often last 8 to 10 years, AGM the same. That is why Costco in Canada gives 4 and 5 year full replacement warranty and prorated for a further period out to 9 years. Arkansas would be on the long life end of batteries too. Battery type has only minimal effect on service life, at least in on pavement, car use. Heat, and how often they are allowed to discharge below 70% are the two prime determinants of how long a battery will last.

Canada Costco Battery warranty on Kirkland Batteries; Is 48 month full replacement, then prorated to 100 months. AGM is full replace to 60 months, prorated to 100. Our LSs are configured for lead acid, which have a diofferent charge profile than AGMs, so that is what I use in them. On top of that, the AGM batteries are significantly more expensive and they do not last enough longer than lead acid to justify the extra cost. Like I said before, the thing that kills batteries the fastest is high heat. It kills AGMs almost as fast as lead acid. It is why the battery warranties in the States are so much shorter than up here, they have to consider Texas, Arizona and Florida.

mcgene

Experience is a wonderful thing
Here are my two options locally:
EverStart Plus Lead Acid Automotive Battery, Group Size H6 / LN3 / 48 12 Volt, 660 CCA - Walmart.com

EverStart Platinum AGM Automotive Battery, Group H6 / LN3 / 48 12 Volt, 760 CCA - Walmart.com

This is FL and it is HOT. I drive my SC430 pretty much everyday -- but most of the daily mileage is minimal. Also, I don't have a 3rd garage like many in my neighborhood, so the baby car has to live outside

Dean2

Not quite double for the AGM but close, however the AGM also appears to have double the warranty so it might depend on the terms tied to the warranty. You already know what I think.