Optima yellow $25 rebate at Costco in Toronto/GTA area

[rlim]

For those living in the Toronto/GTA area who is looking at converting their traditional battery to Optima, Costco is offering a $25 rebate on the Yellow top battery. I purchased the Group 35 (with the post already reversed) battery at $168.99. With the $25 rebate, it lowers it to $148.99 which I believe is a great value ... at least compared to most stores that sell them at $200. The rebate is offered until Sept 15.

I performed the conversion and it fits the battery compartment perfectly. I used an old plastic kitchen cutting board to secure the battery. The thickness of the board is similar to the thickness of the battery mount.

Edited July 11, 2008 by rlim

[Lee Quave]

Do Optima batteries last longer than standard batteries? At $150 the cost is almost twice as much as a standard battery. If it does last twice as long I don’t see the reason to get the Optima. They are pretty and trendy and it’s lighter but that really should matter to anyone except maybe the dedicated track junkie. Additional to use the Optima I would have to buy or fabricate an anchoring system. IMHO

[klueless7571]

I'm on my second OEM Porsche battery from the dealer on a 2002 Boxster S. My p-car is a daily commuter, about 35-60 km per day. I hook up a batter charger to it once every few months, and I never let the battery drain to zero. I have been trying to top up the charge for the past week, charging with a CTEK-3300 for about 9 hours each night. I've not gotten the full charge green light to come on yet. The car still starts fine, but the CTEK just doesn't show green. Battery acid tests OK.

My wife's Lexus LS400 has an Optima deep cycle Blue Top and it tops up with the CTEK overnight without any problems. And she only drives her car on short trips a few times a week. Actually, the 5+ years old battery that was pulled from her car also tops up with the CTEK overnight. (I replaced the battery because another charger I was using couldn't fully charge the battery!) The cranking time to start her car is noticeably shorter, and the headlights don't dim during cranking (daylight running lights) like with the previous battery.

I think it is more than simply having the battery last twice as long. Optimas give peace of mind. Looks like I'll be replacing my battery soon, and you bet it is going to be an Optima. I'll check if the Costcos here in Vancouver have the special as well. Thanks for the heads up rlim.

Derek