Just about a month ago I was saying how surprised I was that my original battery that was fitted when I purchased my Camry 2.2 in new 1995.
Was still working close on 9.5 years in service WONDERFUL.
However 2 days ago without warning it was DEAD. When I went to start up. ON checking the SG I found one cell would not even float the hydrometer.
The rest showed rather poor.
I thought well the OE lasted so good I will get new battery from Toyota. I once tried this for an MR2 I had. But the cost was GB£250 = Circa US$ 500,and that was about 12 years ago,
On ringing Toyota the quoted GB£60.= US$120 My comment was " for a proper TOYOTA battery"
Reply "AH NO this is an OPTIFIT cheaper unit." Question so what's the cost of the Proper one. WOW GB£380 = US$ 760. I said no way . Do you have an OPTIFIT in stock.? NO but we can get one next week for you. Well.!!!!!!!!! Further comment was " we have never sold one of the other batteries ever " I asked if they had not got the message.. No answer.
I just purchased a new one from HALFORDs that is one of our bigger motoring sales houses,off the shelf.
Calcium Battery 4 Year warranty.
540 Cold cranking currant,
105 mins discharging at 25 amps. Cost GB£57.00 = US$ 114.
In passing the original battery was made by PANASONIC.
cheers Johnny UK.