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optima battery opinions...

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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:15 AM
  #1  
98jeepcher's Avatar
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From: LaGrange, Ky
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l inline 6, bored tb.
Default optima battery opinions...

Does anybody have any opinions for optima batteries in general? I was thinking of buying one for my xj beings that im needing to replace my battery. My battery is lookin pretty sad and i have a slow start up figured i might spend a little extra and see how i like it! opinions please would it be a waste money or not or should i stick with a regular ole battery?
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:27 AM
  #2  
tannerp89's Avatar
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From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 rebuilt w/ bored TB, banks header, upgraded ignition, 3 row rad, high flow h2o pump, 180* t-stat
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i got an optima red top and it seems to start quicker and it lasts alot longer on accessory draw so it was worth it to me. that and there vibration resistant so why not?
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 11:12 AM
  #3  
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From: Coventry, CT
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 high output, Alabama Cylinder head, 60mm bored TB
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I've got an optima yellow top. My lights seem a bit brighter and it definitely handles the accessories better than my old battery. I have an H4 conversion with 80/100 watt bulbs, two 55 watt fog lights, and two 130 watt KC longrange lights, along with a decent sound system so it gets worked fairly hard.

What I like about the optima is its acid free. My last battery leaked acid all over my garage floor, which is why I replaced it.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 11:16 AM
  #4  
krash83's Avatar
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From: Saginaw, Mi
Year: 99
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worth every penny and ya can't beat the waranty
jumped a semi off my old yellow top, proof enough for me
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:15 PM
  #5  
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From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
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The fact that they won't leak all over the right front corner of your Jeep would seal the deal for me.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:21 PM
  #6  
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Year: 2000
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Engine: 4.0 I6
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I'd do a little searching on some of the other forums just due to the fact that I have come across numerous threads in the recent past where some were not very happy with the performance of the newer Optimas. Some complaints I recalled were battery would not recharge properly, wouldn't hold a charge, and that some of the merchants were not honoring the warranty like they use to. Now whether this was a change in Optima policy or not I don't know.

I have tossed around the idea of buying one, but because of some post I have read elsewhere I am holding off. Some like'em, and some have had problems. Supposedly most of the problems were due to the fact that the manufacturing of the batteries was out-sourced and wasn't up to the orginal standards.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:30 PM
  #7  
Narbu's Avatar
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From: Houghton, Michigan
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 Cly 4.0 HO
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i have an optima red top and it kicks butt i run 2 130amp and 2 100amp kc lights and i have 2 12in subs with a 760 watt amp and it gets er done i have had to change my alternator but that was bad from sand and mud so i just got a highoutput alternator and i have had no problems at all, so i would say go for it cuz they are good strong bateries
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:39 PM
  #8  
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From: Lawrence,KS
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: H.O. 4.0 I6
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I had a Yellowtop for a while, biggest waste of money I've ever spent. That thing would not hold a charge for anything, if I was going to spend that much again on a battery I'd go with an Odyssey. I've been running the cheapo batteries from walmart since my Yellowtop, and the cheapies are better batteries than the Optima that I had, it's definitely possible that I just got a lemon, but I won't buy another. And the batteries from walmart have a 3 yr. warranty too, just to let ya know,lol.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:44 PM
  #9  
89cherokeelimited's Avatar
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From: Hendersonville, TN
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 litre
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I've had red tops in every ones of my vehicles. I had a 4cyl toyota tacoma and jumped off a 3500 dodge like it was nothing. You can't beat red tops. Never had a yellow top but sounds like they are good to. Optima is the best IMO
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 12:49 PM
  #10  
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Have a yellow top in my Mustang,Love it.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 01:02 PM
  #11  
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From: 9000 ft, CO
Year: 1999 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
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I've run an Optima Red and Yellow top for a while now. The yellow top about two years, the red top about 1. I frequently start my XJ up near timberline and in sub-zero temps with ease. I've completely discharged the red top twice and the yellow top about 5 times. Thought I'd have to replace the red top but it took a 2 amp trickle charge and has worked very well ever since. I think the Optima battery line is prone to lemons because I've heard very neagtive reviews on a few and yet they've outperformed any other battery I've ever owned.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 01:03 PM
  #12  
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Default Love mine now

The first one I bought was bad off the shelf and inwas pissed cause inwas expecting fireworks and an amazing crank time to stat my jeep well I took it backto az and they tested it and it was bad, they gave me a new one and now I am very impressd. It starts like a my chevy silverado does. Good luck.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 02:46 PM
  #13  
98jeepcher's Avatar
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From: LaGrange, Ky
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l inline 6, bored tb.
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Wow well thanks alot guys i think from all the feedback so far this friday im gettin one! Thanks
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 02:50 PM
  #14  
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From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
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Engine: 4.0L
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If your looking for a quality battery you might want to check out Sears, their DieHard Platinum is a rebadged Odyssey. Just giving you an option..
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 02:59 PM
  #15  
98jeepcher's Avatar
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From: LaGrange, Ky
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l inline 6, bored tb.
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Well just checked that out do you run that specific battery? Anybody else run this battery on here?
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