Mine seems to be factory original Panasonic, from the early '99. Still cranks pretty strong, but the starting is not too quick; probably related to something else. Wait till it's broken or replace it now?

 

take it and have it tested. it takes about 10-20 minutes. they'll tell you if it's still good or not

being a mechanic that works on tires and batteries. i would just hold off. i got cautious when one morning i started my car and it would crank, but it sounded sluggish. i took it to the tire/battery center at my work (where i now work) and they hooked it up to the battery tester. turns out it was bad.

got a new one for 40 bucks

it went bad about 4 months later. started sluggish again. tested it, sure enough, bad battery. with my 36 month free replacement warranty, i got a new one for free.

 

I just replaced my original batt after exactly 3 years. That's pretty good for the desert.

 

just replaced my battery last month...so may 2003 minus march 1996....about 7 years!!!!!!!!!!

 

My fathers Xgirl friend had a 92 Camry bought as a left over so it could be considered a 91, her battery lasted at least 8-9 years and the car is driven nowhere car has about 50k on it, she drives about 5 miles to work and then home so not like it gets on the highway alot to charge up, my father broke up with her so I don't know if it made it through this past winter

 

It's still lasting ...

My 95 4Runner is still on its original Panasonic battery. 8 years, 6 month and counting...
The truck is mostly driven on freeways on it's way to the desert trails and then on the trails Has 83K miles on it now.

I've been reading the board for a few month now, this is my first post. I'll introduce myself in a separate thread.

 

The battery on my 98 Taco lasted 5 years and 60K miles before it exploded at the gas station. Put a bump in the hood and ate the surrounding paint. Yeah, that was fun.

 

and of all places, a gas station

 

Bought my 94 truck new Dec. of 93. Just replaced original battery this spring. Lasted over 9 years!!!!!!!

 

My battery lasted only 2 years in my '99 :cry: I got a DieHard now but am going to Optima next...just hate those water filled black boxes.

 

The battery lasted 7years and 105K. It was getting a bit weak with the colder winters here in WV. Replaced it with an AutoZone Duralast 7yr battery - now the engine spins on a "dime". Did the same for the wife's Volvo as their original batteries are lucky if they make it off the dealers lot.

Andrew

 

I've still got the original battery in my 96 after 76k miles. I've got a mild stereo, but tons of lights. I've had to jump/recharge it twice and it's still going strong. It does labor just a bit on reaaaly cold mornings (single digit temps).

 

4 years, 9 months, 95,000 miles and counting

 

Just repalced mine back in Feb. Original from '99...

 

My original '96 battery seems to still be cranking strong, although I'm keeping an eye on it. I may have it checked this fall. Since I'm reading all the battery related posts I guess it's on my mind.

Mick

 

lasted to just over 80k.

 

6 years,11 months, 127,500 Km and counting

 

Whats with the 96 panasonics that makes them last so long. Mine is still going with 96K on it (knock on wood). Never had to jump it, though I have never had any extra electrical load on it.

Question. Is this a battery we can buy from a store. I've never seen a panasonic offered for sale. Do they sell them at auto stores? When this goes out, if it ever does, I would like to replace it with the same one.

 

Y2K 4Runner battery just died a week ago. That would make it 3yrs and 5mos.

 

My wife's '99 Taco lasted to just over 60k.