12 Year old battery

Matt90V6SR5 · 10-16-2009, 12:45 AM

You guys ever hear of a battery lasting for 12 years? Went to my local sears thursday afternoon to get a new battery.I knew it was going bad because a week ago when it snowed,it would barely start(only had 4runner 2 mos. now).So after deciding on the Diehard Platinum 880 CCA and getting free install the guy comes back inside store and says 'oh BTW your battery is 12 years old.I blurted out ' holy crap! your kidding me! He found the round sticker on the side with year '1997 on it.Moral of the story: Im lucky it started every day.Now it starts easier/faster,headlights are brighter,windows roll up faster.Used to sit at red lights at night with heater/ blinker/headlights and maybe radio on and could feel an see power drain.Problem solved! : ) guys at sears and one other customer had never heard of a 12 yr. battery.Any weird battery stories guys?

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Elton · 10-16-2009, 12:54 AM

thats a new one on me didn't think they last that long

snwbrdr852 · 10-16-2009, 01:08 AM

My Ranger had an Optima yellow-top in it when I got it from the PO. Not sure how long he had it in there before, but it lasted me about 6 years more. That thing was awesome... Anytime I had trouble starting my truck I would assume that the battery was finally dying, but I think it was 3 starters and 2 alternators before that was actually the case.

Matt16 · 10-16-2009, 01:41 AM

How long do they usually last? I replaced my last one before checking the alt. It was the alt, and now I have two batteries.

flyingbrass · 10-16-2009, 02:29 AM

Driven daily or at worst every few days, mine have lasted about 5 years. I've used whatever NAPA sells because they are the closest place to buy a battery.

86 pickup with factory alternator.

Mstrkage · 10-16-2009, 02:30 AM

My buddy gave me a Red Top that was 6 years old someone turned in to the parts store for recycling said it was dead. He cycled it on a charger for a couple of days and managed to bring it back to life, 3 years later still going strong.

Matt90V6SR5 · 10-16-2009, 02:35 AM

Yeah the yellow top optima I had put in my 00 ford taurus in 02(after factory battery crapped out after just 2yrs)lasted me 4yrs.The car was totalled in 06,towed to body shop where the employees promptly stole the optima!

AZkid · 10-16-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingbrass

Driven daily or at worst every few days, mine have lasted about 5 years. I've used whatever NAPA sells because they are the closest place to buy a battery.

86 pickup with factory alternator.

here in arizona? 5 years? usually extreme tempatures eat them alive!

malteserunner · 10-16-2009, 02:47 AM

I changed a battery in a BMW 5 series wagon a while back that was original (14 years old at the time). That was due to the fact that the battery is located under the rear seat in the passenger compartment. If a battery is out of the elements it will last much longer. I haven't previously heard of a battery lasting 12 years while exposed to the elements. That's pretty amazing.

Matt90V6SR5 · 10-16-2009, 03:03 AM

Funny thing is it was an old diehard he pulled out of it.Wasnt even top of the line like the one I put back in it.AZkid,Sears guy told me that extreme heat kills a battery alot quicker then extreme cold.

flyingbrass · 10-16-2009, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZkid

here in arizona? 5 years? usually extreme tempatures eat them alive!

Yep, here in the Phoenix valley. I've had my truck since '93. The battery that was still working until I took it out recently to pull my engine was made in June, 2004. I bought it in January, 2005. It has been sitting on concrete for a few weeks, and right now shows 12.68v (curiosity got the better of me). The label says "Professional Line Sure Start."

I did a quick search on Optimas recently and got the impression their quality has gone downhill in recent years. I don't remember if that applied to the reds, yellows, or both. I'd certainly do more research if in the market for that type of battery.

clydehatchet · 10-16-2009, 05:46 AM

i worked at advance auto parts and now sears auto center and as for optimas go i saw more new ones come back recently than i have ever seen any red or yellow tops with a bit of age on em, my dad has a red top and he loves it to death and its only about 4 yrs old. its pretty rare to see any battery last more than 5 years anymore, but i have seen 10, 12, even 15 yrs on an original battery. Not only does it seem like optimas quality has gone down, but die hard too. of course that might have something to do with the change of ownership involved.

clydehatchet · 10-16-2009, 05:48 AM

btw, where is interstate sold?

DJ99 · 10-16-2009, 06:00 AM

My "Les Schwab 4x4" battery has 8 or 9 years on it. It'll probably die now that I mentioned it. I have been amazed that it hasn't let me down. Factors in it's lifespan include how much shaking and slamming the plates get (read wheeling) and temperature extremes. My truck doesn't wheel or go out of the garage all that much. When and if it dies, I'll be replacing it with a Walmart battery.

I did have an Interstate 60 month battery in my car that didn't last 4 years. I couldn't get warranty, because I didn't buy it and it's not transferable. Never again, although everybody says they are supposed to be great.

clydehatchet · 10-16-2009, 06:08 AM

ive never actually heard anything positive or negative about interstate, just figured i might give them a try when mine craps out. i dont like die hards too much, will never buy a nEVERSTART, duralast and autocraft are both made by interstate, duralast has been horrible for me (have had 2 within 2 years) autocraft has been awesome, so thats 1 and 1 for interstate on my chart. batteries plus?? maybe for my timex.

James Dean · 10-16-2009, 06:10 AM

Here in AZ where the summers can hit 115, mine usually last betwen 2-4 years. I've had ones last alot longer and I've had ones go bad in as little as 8 months.

There is a oil additive you can put in a liquid battery than helps with out-gassing and evaporation. I have it in my dual battery since it's in my passenger compartment. I'll try to find out the name, can't remember it now. This may not be a good idea if your a hard core 4-wheeler and you bounce your rig around alot. There is evidence that it can coat the plates and prevent the transfer of current. However it works great in daily drivers.

SL_97 · 10-16-2009, 08:15 AM

I replaced the stock Panasonic battery last year in my 97 Runner. 11 years isn't too bad.

CHEEZBURGER · 10-16-2009, 08:22 AM

I have had an everstart in my plymouth for almost 9 years and it's still kicking just fine

sb5walker · 10-16-2009, 08:29 AM

The most important factor in automotive battery longevity is whether you let them run down. Doing so drastically shortens their life. That's not so much true with batteries of deep cycle construction that have solid plates as it is with the typical "starting" batteries (high CCA, low AH) which have plate "sponges".

http://www.solar-electric.com/deep_c...of%20Batteries

CHEEZBURGER · 10-16-2009, 08:32 AM

My plymouth just sits there right now, I have only driven it 22000 miles in almost 9 years

Lumpy · 10-16-2009, 08:34 AM

My Dad had a 1976 Datsun 610 wagon that died in 91 with the original battery. I guess that it would make it 15yrs old.

His was yellow though. Good running little car.

.

peow130 · 10-16-2009, 09:53 AM

I think the battery in our boat is original from 1991.
Though i could be wrong.

Matt90V6SR5 · 10-16-2009, 10:44 AM

Interesting stories guys.I agree optima has gone down hill recently,thats why I went with diehard.Always had good luck with them.Platinum came with 48 months full warranty + 52 months pro-rated,I can live with that for 189$.

camo31"10.50" · 10-16-2009, 10:55 AM

well since im cheap bastard i buy everstart...and honestly they have been ok for my family..lol

we've had some of their deep cycle boat batteries last as much as 12yrs...or as little as 6months..i believe all batteries nowadays are going to crap...i was lucky enough to get a brand spankin new battery in the runner when i bought it...LOL

crafthorse · 10-16-2009, 04:33 PM

My GMC I sold recently that was driven once every couple of weeks had a Autozone Battery (dont remember brand) that was 9 years old. It would crank with authority, and did so when I sold it in Febuary.

10-16-2009, 12:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,665	thats a new one on me didn't think they last that long __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

10-16-2009, 01:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
snwbrdr852 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SoCal, soon to be Utah Posts: 30	My Ranger had an Optima yellow-top in it when I got it from the PO. Not sure how long he had it in there before, but it lasted me about 6 years more. That thing was awesome... Anytime I had trouble starting my truck I would assume that the battery was finally dying, but I think it was 3 starters and 2 alternators before that was actually the case. __________________ WTB- 4.88 E-Locker '86 Runner SR5 22RE '91 Ranger XLT 3.0 '90 F250 Lariat 460 '98 Accord LX Coupe '92 FZR600

10-16-2009, 02:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
malteserunner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ca Posts: 520	I changed a battery in a BMW 5 series wagon a while back that was original (14 years old at the time). That was due to the fact that the battery is located under the rear seat in the passenger compartment. If a battery is out of the elements it will last much longer. I haven't previously heard of a battery lasting 12 years while exposed to the elements. That's pretty amazing. __________________ 87 4Runner, 22re, 5 spd, 4.88, ARB rear, Mile Marker PE8000, Downey Header, TG Sliders, 3" BL, Home Fab Front and Rear Bumper, WabFab Bikini Top, Rustoleum OD Green. Build Thread 98 Tacoma Prerunner, 2.7, 340k. 91 4Runner, V6. 5 speed, Pro Comp lift, 33's, Rock Crawlers. Sold. Parting Out- 97 T-100

10-16-2009, 06:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
DJ99 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SW Washington Posts: 72	My "Les Schwab 4x4" battery has 8 or 9 years on it. It'll probably die now that I mentioned it. I have been amazed that it hasn't let me down. Factors in it's lifespan include how much shaking and slamming the plates get (read wheeling) and temperature extremes. My truck doesn't wheel or go out of the garage all that much. When and if it dies, I'll be replacing it with a Walmart battery. I did have an Interstate 60 month battery in my car that didn't last 4 years. I couldn't get warranty, because I didn't buy it and it's not transferable. Never again, although everybody says they are supposed to be great. __________________ 1993 T100 3.0L V6 3VZE 4x4 (47K)

10-16-2009, 06:10 AM	#16 (permalink)
James Dean Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 583	Here in AZ where the summers can hit 115, mine usually last betwen 2-4 years. I've had ones last alot longer and I've had ones go bad in as little as 8 months. There is a oil additive you can put in a liquid battery than helps with out-gassing and evaporation. I have it in my dual battery since it's in my passenger compartment. I'll try to find out the name, can't remember it now. This may not be a good idea if your a hard core 4-wheeler and you bounce your rig around alot. There is evidence that it can coat the plates and prevent the transfer of current. However it works great in daily drivers. __________________ Custom painter and Toyota Stripe and decal supplier. http://jamesdeancreations.com Custom Safari and Crawlin accessories. http://www.jamesdeancreations.com/4runner_project.htm Last edited by James Dean; 10-16-2009 at 06:21 AM.

10-16-2009, 02:29 AM	#5 (permalink)
flyingbrass Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 189	Driven daily or at worst every few days, mine have lasted about 5 years. I've used whatever NAPA sells because they are the closest place to buy a battery. 86 pickup with factory alternator.

10-16-2009, 02:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mstrkage Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 35	My buddy gave me a Red Top that was 6 years old someone turned in to the parts store for recycling said it was dead. He cycled it on a charger for a couple of days and managed to bring it back to life, 3 years later still going strong.

10-16-2009, 02:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
Matt90V6SR5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Firestone,Co. Posts: 303	Yeah the yellow top optima I had put in my 00 ford taurus in 02(after factory battery crapped out after just 2yrs)lasted me 4yrs.The car was totalled in 06,towed to body shop where the employees promptly stole the optima!

10-16-2009, 03:03 AM	#10 (permalink)
Matt90V6SR5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Firestone,Co. Posts: 303	Funny thing is it was an old diehard he pulled out of it.Wasnt even top of the line like the one I put back in it.AZkid,Sears guy told me that extreme heat kills a battery alot quicker then extreme cold.

10-16-2009, 05:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
clydehatchet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: KY Posts: 58	i worked at advance auto parts and now sears auto center and as for optimas go i saw more new ones come back recently than i have ever seen any red or yellow tops with a bit of age on em, my dad has a red top and he loves it to death and its only about 4 yrs old. its pretty rare to see any battery last more than 5 years anymore, but i have seen 10, 12, even 15 yrs on an original battery. Not only does it seem like optimas quality has gone down, but die hard too. of course that might have something to do with the change of ownership involved.

10-16-2009, 05:48 AM	#13 (permalink)
clydehatchet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: KY Posts: 58	btw, where is interstate sold?

10-16-2009, 06:08 AM	#15 (permalink)
clydehatchet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: KY Posts: 58	ive never actually heard anything positive or negative about interstate, just figured i might give them a try when mine craps out. i dont like die hards too much, will never buy a nEVERSTART, duralast and autocraft are both made by interstate, duralast has been horrible for me (have had 2 within 2 years) autocraft has been awesome, so thats 1 and 1 for interstate on my chart. batteries plus?? maybe for my timex.

10-16-2009, 08:15 AM	#17 (permalink)
SL_97 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Provo, Utah Posts: 5	I replaced the stock Panasonic battery last year in my 97 Runner. 11 years isn't too bad. __________________ 97 4runner V6 Auto 4x4 265/75 BFG ATs

10-16-2009, 08:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
CHEEZBURGER Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Longmont, Co. Posts: 94	I have had an everstart in my plymouth for almost 9 years and it's still kicking just fine __________________ It's an '87

10-16-2009, 08:29 AM	#19 (permalink)
sb5walker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 353	The most important factor in automotive battery longevity is whether you let them run down. Doing so drastically shortens their life. That's not so much true with batteries of deep cycle construction that have solid plates as it is with the typical "starting" batteries (high CCA, low AH) which have plate "sponges". http://www.solar-electric.com/deep_c...of%20Batteries __________________ 1989 V6 4x4 X-Cab 5spd 281k miles, Borla cat-back, K&N Filtercharger, 30x9.5 Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVOs

10-16-2009, 08:32 AM	#20 (permalink)
CHEEZBURGER Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Longmont, Co. Posts: 94	My plymouth just sits there right now, I have only driven it 22000 miles in almost 9 years __________________ It's an '87

10-16-2009, 09:53 AM	#22 (permalink)
peow130 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 771	I think the battery in our boat is original from 1991. Though i could be wrong. __________________ 1987 Toyota Pickup DLX. 30" Cooper Discoverer S/T's. 1" AAL lift and Tbar crank. and two KC HiLites. IFS Club #5 1978 Camaro Z28, 454 Big Block V8 with a 4 Speed.

10-16-2009, 10:44 AM	#23 (permalink)
Matt90V6SR5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Firestone,Co. Posts: 303	Interesting stories guys.I agree optima has gone down hill recently,thats why I went with diehard.Always had good luck with them.Platinum came with 48 months full warranty + 52 months pro-rated,I can live with that for 189$.

10-16-2009, 10:55 AM	#24 (permalink)
camo31"10.50" Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vian, OK Posts: 2,088	well since im cheap bastard i buy everstart...and honestly they have been ok for my family..lol we've had some of their deep cycle boat batteries last as much as 12yrs...or as little as 6months..i believe all batteries nowadays are going to crap...i was lucky enough to get a brand spankin new battery in the runner when i bought it...LOL __________________ FOR SALE 1986 Ext. Cab 4x4, rebuilt 22R, 5spd, 31x10.50 X-Terrains FOR SALE 1992 SR5 FO RUNNA V6, 5 speed, 4in. trail-master lift, 33x12.50 BFG muds, 4.56 gears!!! and an IMMACULATE interior..yes..you should be jealous "Its still a toyota man.. Dont deprive it of its capabilities.." "If you can read english, Thank a teacher...If you can speak it, Thank a soldier!!" Kelli Ruark-2009

10-16-2009, 04:33 PM	#25 (permalink)
crafthorse Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 128	My GMC I sold recently that was driven once every couple of weeks had a Autozone Battery (dont remember brand) that was 9 years old. It would crank with authority, and did so when I sold it in Febuary.

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