New Battery

[*DarthRX8*]

I had to take my 8 into Bob Penkus Mazda this morning. My 8 wouldn't start yesterday and when I check under the hood, there was a lot of battery acid around my positive terminal.

I cleaned it with some baking soda and got it started again, but deceided to take it in this morning. They told me that they would clean the terminal but that my battery was bad also.

They said that a new one would be about 100 to 120 bucks?! Does that sound right. I just checked checker auto parts online and the cheapest was $72.99. Am I getting ripped off?

[Huzer21]

Anytime you order a part from the dealer, it's a potential rip off, price wise. You may want to check and make sure the battery/starter TSB was performed on your car. You might snag a battery from that if it wasn't upgraded per the TSB. Can't remember what years/VINS were affected.

[Ranger]

That price does sound a bit expensive...you could get a small, lightweight race battery for that much. However, that price from Checker probably includes the core charge rebate, where you give them your old battery. I'd go with whatever is cheaper...I don't think your car has any special needs in terms of electrical stuff?

[*DarthRX8*]

I asked them if they could check to make sure my 8 has received all of the recalls and TSB updates. He told me that they always check for the TSBs and any recalls when I get my oil changes (I had one a couple of weeks ago).

My 8 is a late 2005, purchased by its original owner in Mar 2006. I am the second owner, purchased in Sep 2007.

I want to make sure I get a good battery too. Esspecially because it is going to start getting cold.

[Obie2kenobe]

Do not for the love of goodness get a checker battery. Get a name brand battery. Your OE replacement battery is a interstate in disguise. I can't remember what the actual OE is but I know that Johnson Controls doesn't make it so its not even close to an interstate. I would prefer you use an AC-Delco or a motorcraft or an Interstate or if you really have to then a Dynacell. Its just a really really bad idea to use walmart, checkers and napa batteries. Anything made by the Exide corporation that is located in the US is pretty much going to be shit. If you have more questions or need some battery info feel free to PM me.

[Obie2kenobe]

Oh by the way I sell batteries so if you aren't in an immediate hurry then I might be able to hook ya up; depending on what you want/need.

[jt2589]

You want to get a Mazda battery. Mazda has a special battery for your rx8. It used to be a group 35. But, now it's a 6535. Made special for you RX8 owners. It's supposed to help with the no start TSB. Normal price is $127.53, but If you come see me at burt I'll do it for $99.10 including tax. Let me know.

[Obie2kenobe]

That sounds like one hell of a good deal I would go with that but if you absolutely can't afford the lil extra money they do sell a secondary line of batteries there, that are cheaper as well. Go OE whenever possible though. Sounds like JT2589 can get you the hook up either way.

[goldrocket]

Personally, I agre with Obie. Stay away from crap, low priced batteries. Walmarts "N(everstart)" is the biggest P.O.S. on the market. As a builder of high end sound systems and an automotive electrical troubleshooter, I woudl recommed a Kinetik. They are small, light, and very powerful. I have a 1400 amp Kinetik as my starting battery and a second 950 amp as auxilliary power for my sound sysytem. I used optimas for many years prior to going to the Kinetik. Can't bad talk an Optima, but the Kinetik is a lot more power at a little less weight. The 950 Amp battery is real small. Anyway, Obie can probably hook tou up with one, if not, pm me I'll give you a price. You can view my vendor page here. Soundimpressions

[Obie2kenobe]

I only sell AC Delco, Motorcraft and FVP batteries, but I do alot of training for quite a few regions. I also sell blems for the really cheap people. In the long run a shitty battery can damage all sorts of sensors and electrical systems and its not worth it at all. I pick up at least 5 full replacement walmart, napa batteries everyday usually closer to 10-15. These are batteries that could be turned in for a free battery again. That means "on average" these batteries didn't last a year. I haven't every looked into a kinetic but whenever someone is offering you a good deal its silly to at least not look into it.


P.S. The only two downsides to a Optima are:
1. Price
2. They charge different than a normal lead acid

[*DarthRX8*]

DAMN...I wish I would have seen JT2589's post earlier. I ended up paying for OE battery from mazda but I didn't get that good of a deal. How come Bob Penkus Mazda isn't as good as BURT?!

Anyway, thanks to all for the heads up. I always like to do everything through the dealer (even though it costs wayyyyyy more), that way it is documented and if anything drastic goes wrong my warranty will take care of the rest.