Battery OPTIMA or Exide

I had an Optima battery in my 2006 WRX for about 7 or 8 years before deciding to replace it with another Opitima battery. I ran that second Optima battery for about 5 or 6 years before trading in the vehicle towards a 2021 WRX. The OEM battery may end up turning over just fine when the temperature is -20F'ish, but Optima batteries have never let me down in the past.

Bought the Optima, not yet installed. Have had good luck with them, 5 yrs or more each,

Last batteries I’ve owned where Exide Sonnak, very happy with price, longevity and performance.

My last experience from them was a yellow top from 2015 that I got for my '01 Mustang. Had it for 4+ years starting up just fine and survived despite having been drained dead 5 times or so. Sold the car before the battery died.

I had one. It lasted a good seven years. Still good quality, its worth it if you can swing the price.

My red top from 08/09 finally let go last week it has already been replaced by another red top. Highly recommended.

installed new Exide EK950 AGM 95AH to replace same model been there 3years. No change, and also former battery checks to be in nearly new condition still with measured 90AH capacity from fully charged to 10,5v 9hours with 10Amp load.

Optima used to be a big name but they switched manufacturing to Mexico and ever since they just don't hold up.

My Tiguan factory battery was an Exide and it failed after 2 years, mostly in the Northeast US weather.

Optima are junk now as well since they were bought out a few years ago.