shimmeringtypex

So i have an 04 rx8 with an after market stereo system in it. i have not replaced the battery before (the previous owner did once). recently i was put out of commission due to a knee injury and my car has had to sit for about a month (does anybody else not have ONE friend who knows how to drive stick but themselves??).

anyhow, my battery has died (not even a jump will get it to turn) and i am looking for suggestions on a high end battery to replace my old one. recomendations?

i've been looking at two so far (optima yellow top and diehard platinum) and would like some feedback.

what do you have? is the higher price gonna be worth it?

thanks for the help.

1.3L

Usually, a jump-start will get you going, no matter how bad/dead your battery is. Before you rush out and buy a new battery, I would suggest that you pick up an inexpensive battery tester (specific gravity tool) and check your battery. It may be ok and something else could be wrong with the car (bad starter, bad cables, etc).

1.3L

shimmeringtypex

I have tested the battery and i'm sure it's dead. i'm positive the car is just fine otherwise. it is a pretty old battery anyhow and i have a fair amount of electronics in the car. i don't want a second power source either, just a battery under the hood that will be able to handle the extra work.

Go48

Check out the Interstate MTP-35. Decent battery with 640 CCA. I have no experience with the Optima batteries, but have read of mixed experience. Keep in mind--other than the Optimas--there are only about 3 battery manufacturers. Their batteries are marketed under a variety of names, so you may pay more for the name than for the battery at a "high-end" store.

BTW, any battery will run down eventually if not periodically charged. The length of time that takes is dependent on the current draw while the car is shut down. If you have a dark current draw that is high, the battery can die in a few days of weeks. After you replace the battery, get a low-amperage maintenance charger if the car will sit for weeks at a time.

mac11

iTrader: (1)

A battery will do nothing to aide your electrical system when the car is running. All a battery does is store juice to turn the starter or run the electronics when the motor is off.

machfive

Optima batteries are top of the line. The have spiral cells are are filled with an acidic gel if I am not mistaken. They have several different applications for those who have lots of aftermarket stereo mods and such.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

i'm pretty sure you have some sort of parasitic draw. buy a new battery and do a draw test. consider investing in a capacitor as well...

Razz1

Yep capcitor is a must.

No need to spend too much money on a battery like Optima.

Just get a good heavy duty high crank power battery.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Never fear, Jedi is here!

If you need to get a new battery, you might as well just spend a few extra bucks and get an optima. I've had a yellow top in mine for a year and it's been great. (despite leaving the trunk open for a week...oops!)

gnj152

optima all the way!!!!