Car Battery Recommendation

Ambitious1

Ambitious1

New member
I am looking at buying a new car battery for the MM. I don't run any wild electronics or stereo systems. I drive all year round in the hot and cold weather. I have always had Motorcraft or DieHard. I have heard great things about the Optima Red Tops and have read the previous threads on it. However, I have heard that Johnson Controls have bought the Optima brand a number of years ago and production is now in Mexico with quality declining. I am reading that buyers are experiencing Optima battery failing and having to return the Optima battery (sometimes twice) after only one or two years since Johnson Controls bought Optima.

What is everyone's current new car battery recommendation?
Thank you in advance.
 
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I would steer clear of Optima these days. I had great luck years ago, then noticed first hand that the quality was declining. Motorcraft, or Delco AGM are my choices, I've had great luck with both.
 
I'm running Interstate 1000/800cca's in both cars. Motorcraft that came in the car lasted along time as well.
 
Odyssey AGM, but they are expensive. Really good starting power. Most don't need AGM tech.

Motorcraft 850 is also very good at much better price.
 
Zack said:
There are 2-3 battery manufacturers worldwide, just re-branded.
Click to expand...

Zach is basically right. I learned at SEMA the 2 biggest in the U.S. are East Penn Manufacturing and Johnson Controls. They make the majority of batteries you see in stores and dealerships. I've had good luck with the Everstart batteries sold at Walmart. They're made by Johnson Controls who I believe also makes the Motorcraft, Interstate, and Diehard batteries.
 
motorcraft, 650,750,or,850. more cca as you go higher if needed.

i have had good luck with interstate mtp850. these are not the ugly green top ones, black top with small interstate letters on it.
 
Costco has the best warranty and prices for Interstate batteries with a 42 month warranty.
Dealer had to replace my Interstate battery after the Alternator fried it out
(under warranty).
The Motorcraft replacement battery lasted 6 months.
Costco's usually last 3 years before needing replacing.
Remember, I live in a high heat area that takes a lot out of the battery.
 
I bought the Auto craft Platinum AGM from Advance Auto online and used a coupon. $40 off $100

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
 
I believe interstate batteries have a 60 month warranty, they are ok batteries, not the best

When I drove my DD MM to Florida and back 3300 miles in 3 days the battery shorted out and had a busted cell. No idea why it did that 3 days after I got home

I looked online, called around to places... it was 20.00 cheaper to buy online and pickup at store at NAPA


As Jim said, diehard batteries used to be the best ones around, Western Auto and Sears sold them. My dad and grandpa swore that diehard was the best
but I haven't bought one of them in years

Are diehards still great ?
 
Johnson Controls manufactures DieHard, Motorcraft, AC Delco, Interstate,Duralast, prostart, etc if I recall
 
Motorcraft BXT65-650, BXT65-750, or BXT65-850 depending on whether you need the higher CCA for colder areas. I've had good experience with the Motorcraft. It is a 100-month battery. I am on my 2nd one in 14 years.
 
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