Which car battery is best?

Question

Car is a 52-plate Nissan Maxima QX (A33) 3.0SE Plus Auto that we intend to keep until it dies a natural death so if the higher priced battery is better I'll go for that because it's not a 'bung a cheapie on and sell the car' situation.

Just looking at the website of a shop local to me and it comes up with a choice of four batteries for our car:

Exide Premium 096 @ £89.95 Varta Blue Dynamic 096 @ £89.99 Varta Silver Dynamic 096 @ £99.99 Varta AGM 096 @ £139.99

I haven't a clue what an "AGM" battery is, other than it's a lot more expensive!!

Thing is, our financial situation may soon take a turn for the worse so if the more expensive battery is worth the extra and will last longer, I'd rather buy that now while we can afford it rather than perhaps making a false economy in going for a cheaper one that will need replacing sooner when we may not be able to afford it. So, what do the team recommend?

TIA

Dave Plowman (News) · Accepted Answer

Very difficult. Does anyone still do a battery with a lifetime warranty?

I got a 'no name' one from a local accessory shop for the SD1 - more a case of getting one to fit the space than anything else. Some that allegedly would were too high for the clamp. And it's now 9 years old. Despite being run flat a few times due to non use of the car.

Newshound · Answer

I've never felt tempted to get a fancy battery for stuff this age or older, and never had a bad experience. In fact I don't think I have ever put a second battery on a car, even the one I just scrapped after 8 years.

You'll probably get a fiver for the old one at a proper scrap metal dealer (just got £5-75 for a *big* one) so don't just give it away.

Mrcheerful · Answer

yuasa if possible  or bosch as a very good second choice

Peter Hill · Answer

I've had a bad and good experience with a cheap 3 year warranty battery. Drove home, checked levels and found one cell was half empty. Drove car back, they topped it up. Needless to say after starting the car twice with a half empty cell the damage was done. Cell died before

3 years was up. The warranty replacement lasted another 5-6 years, so I got over 8 years use for my money.

Fred · Answer

Thanks everyone.

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

Do these offer a longer and or better warranty than others - given thepremium price? If not, why not?

Chris Whelan · Answer

Presumably because they are a premium product, and consequently less likely to fail?Chris

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

Then it would cost nothing to give a longer warranty.

Chris Whelan · Answer

They do.For example, Halfords standard batteries have a 2 year warranty, and their premium range a 3 year one.Yuasa Elite have a 4 year warranty.Bosch S4 have a 4 year warranty.Bosch S6 AGM have a 6 year warranty.Whether the warranty is "better" is clearly subjective.Chris

Mrcheerful · Answer

the yuasa on the ls400 lasted 14 years, which is incredible, it did have to be nursed for the last 18 months :)  bit like an old human!

Mike P · Answer

On Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:09:58 +0100, Fred dribbled:How much???? and a few friends have used these people over the years.Nissan Maxima batteries with 3 year warranty here VAT and free delivery...

Which car battery is best?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?