2008 Tacoma Battery Replacement

In case you are interested, or are in the market for a new car battery...

So I needed to get a new battery for the truck & Rav4. Naturally I went a little over the top looking at all the different batteries and mfrs of batteries for the last couple weeks. *Normally I wouldn't have gone through that process; I would have just bought another Optima Battery for both vehicles. But in my experience lately with Optima battery quality going in the toilet after Optima moved Mfg Operations from Aurora CO. To Mexico resulting in a product not lasting longer than about 2.5 years; and unlike the very 1st Optima I bought, which lasted like 10 years in my Bronco, (most of that time sitting in the truck and not being driven for sometimes months at a time), I figured it was time to look at other brands of AGM batteries and see what the reviews said.

During my research... I found the below article interesting, as it seems there only a few manufacturers for all battery suppliers these days with Johnson Controls being one of the largest. (Other noted Mfrs are: Delphi and Excide) I have seen other articles that list multiple other *manufacturers of batteries, so I'm not sure if they are manufactured by one of the three mentioned or if they truly mfr their own. So according to what I found, it looks like Johnson Controls builds most of the more popular batteries including Diehard, Duralast, Interstate and now Optima (need to verify that!)??:

http://bestbatterytips.com/tags/who-makes-die-hard-batteries/

(“who makes die hard batteries « Batteries | Compare Reviews and Trusted Advice from Battery Experts,” n.d.)

Consumer reports rated the Group 34 battery (the one I bought) as a recommended buy. I really wanted their highest rated battery in the category (the Diehard 34/78DT) with the dual posts, but since Toyota has the positive and negative posts opposite of typical, the only battery I could get in this group was the G34R. (which was rated 89/100 with a 92 as the highest in this category.) Man - I wish SOMONE made a 34/78DT Reverse Battery! I really love having the side terminal option for vehicle accessories. So for those of you who are interested - the hands down (IMO) and per Consumer reports rating would be the Sears Diehard Gold AGM 34/78DT Battery.

(Absorbed Glass Mat - AGM)

Info: http://www.batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/absorbent_glass_mat_agm

(“Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Information - Battery University,” n.d.)

In any case, the battery I bought has 775 CCA (vs. my Optima red G35 of 710 CCA). So I think the new battery should do well. I paid $149.00 for each battery (*online pricing.. in store they would have been $166/ea.) for a total of $310 and change from Sears.

If you are in need of a battery and decide to use the Diehard Group 34R (part # 50733) as I did.. Make sure you get a battery with the plastic spacer. it will lift the battery up so it can be properly secured with the factory battery strapping bracket. http://www.sears.com/diehard-advanc...p-02850733000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

(“DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Battery 34R: Power and Longevity From Sears,” n.d.)

FWIW

I attached PDFs of the Consumer reports ratings for your future reference, in case you are in the market for a battery.

Consumer Reports attachment Resource:

(“Best Car Battery Reviews – Consumer Reports,” n.d.)

 

Thanks for this info, I just bought this battery recently but Sears is terrible about supplying specifications