Anyone ever tried to source the Panasonic automotive batteries?

The 24F battery that came with my 2TR-FE powered 2022 Tacoma still works but won't last forever. Call me crazy but I don't like any batteries for the American market since I know the Panasonic vehicle batteries that we have seen in some Toyota and Nissan imports have lasted many years. I know of a few examples where the Panasonic stock vehicle batteries lasted 10 years. To get the same quality of batteries for American market, we have to spend over 300 dollars but Japan and Australian markets, etc. are getting a high quality battery that is much cheaper.

The Hilux with the same 2TR-FE 4 banger that is sold around the world comes with such a Panasonic battery if I understand correctly. This would mean that it's supplied all over like Australia, etc. Is there a supplier you think that ships to U.S.A? Do they use a different group size number? I'm not even happy with Optima's anymore. Back when they were 175 bucks and lasted 8 years...they were worth it. Now they are not.

 

I’ve had 6+ years out of my Costco battery and it’s still going strong. Original panasonic didn’t even make it two years in Florida heat. I’d buy Costco batteries all day every day before trying to find another oem for any price.

 

Panasonic has ceased lead acid battery production. Try GS Yuasa or Odyssey.

 

Walmart NeverStart ( EverStart ).... best value for the money.

3 Year Battery for like $139.00

 

I have a 2021 4Runner that came stock with a Panasonic battery. Failed a year or year and half ago.

I have a 2021 Tacoma without the panasonic battery they has 50% more miles and still doing ok.

I thought they were better too, but actual on hands hasn’t proved it.

 

Don’t overthink it, it’s not worth it, shipping a magical battery from overseas, just go to your local store and check warranty.

 

these batteries are actually known to fail early.

 

Go with a cheaper AGM then. If you go off road, get AGM just because it's sealed, so the sulfuric acid doesn't spill out of the vents at steep angles.

 

I saw many test well beyond the standard 5 year date here.

My dads 4runner sold with a 10 year old battery that still tested fair.

That said I will always agree with others that warranty is the key to a good battery. Interstate and Costco have the easiest warranty policies.

I usually just buy whatever. I have an AC delco right now because I didnt want to ride my dirt bike any further than lordco.

 

Hmmm, thanks guys. You are all right that I should not overthink it. Not worth shipping that far, etc. But I am kind of confused on some of you got only 2 years out of them but others got 10 years. I wonder if Panasonic no longer makes them all in Japan? Many companies like Denso, KYB, Hitachi now have overseas productions whereas 15 or more years ago they made it all in Japan. I would be amazed if a made in Japan car battery only lasted 2 years unless one heavily modified their vehicle. At any rate, I'll just stick to domestic as it will be cheaper to ship.

 

Ship a battery from Japan? Or maybe go to your local Walmart and get the same (or even better) quality battery with solid coast to coast warranty? Hmmm?

 

OEM in my ‘19 with 100k is strong but will swap it out with a Walmart Everstart before winter number 7. Probably not as good as OEM but good enough.

 

I think warranties are only there to make you feel warm and fuzzy. I have an Odyssey battery that has lasted over 12 years and still holds a perfect charge...and it only comes with a 24mo warranty..

 

I thought folks were a bit nuts with all the early failure posts. But, mine barely lasted 3yrs when we typically get 8yr to 10yrs out of batteries. One day, it just didn't crank.

I dropped in a Costco / Interstate battery in and was surprised to hear it crank faster than ever. Almost 5yrs on, a few deep cycles, and running a fridge at times, this battery is still going strong and cranking better than the original one.

Someone screwed up the specs on the OE batteries.

 

I did like that their motorcycle batteries were sold with the electrolyte separately. No wasted life on the shelf.

 

The negative terminal of the OEM battery in my 2022 Taco is heavily coated in corrosion. I will clean and spray with battery grease, but I do not expect it to last more than another year.
Wal-Mart Everstart or Sam's Duracell after that.

 

Exactly! Manufacturers assume a certain failure rate and thus they build in that "confidence factor" with warranties. With Walmart, I am betting the only real difference between the EverStart and the EverStart Max is cost. You are simply purchasing a better warranty with the latter.

But then again, what the hell do I know?

 

too much overthinking it! if you want a lead acid battery just go to Costco or BJ's and get an interstate or go to walmart and get the best everstart if you don't have a club membership. If you want an AGM battery get an Odyessy or get one of the AGM brands Batteries plus sells.

 

because they all seem to be hit or miss, that's why checking the warranty policy was stressed multiple times.

 

Toyota puts one type battery in their trucks. Aftermarket batteries are made differently for northern and southern states. Some brands will put S or N after the battery model number to note what region of a country it was made for. From my experience, batteries in GA do not last as long as batteries in Alaska did. Higher temps are harder on the batteries than lower temps (unless electrolyte freezes, and I saw it only a handful of times in my life). Batteries in WA, OR, CA will last longer than batteries in AZ, GA, MS, LA or TX.