I went with a Red Top...Optima's 75/25...primarily because it is smaller. It only weighs 31 lbs and is slightly smaller in overall size. It still has 720 cold cranking amps and I do not have 2 tons of stereo equipment to push. If you got 4 years from you stock battery that is GREAT. But everyone I have spoken with said this was the LAST battery they purchased...some going on 7 years now. Although the terminals ARE reversed on this model for our European applications...I have PLENTY of stock cable length to make the connections. I paid $100 for mine at my local Batteries Plus store...
Before anything I'd replace the battery, something like an Optima Yellowtop. I never bothered with caps, the yellowtop put an end to the lights dimming rather quickly.
love my red top. i dont run much in the stereo dept (just a small amp/woofer) - but i do live where -28c or colder is commonplace. the CCA's on the red kick ass - starts no problem no matter how long the car has been sitting.
Red top!!! 3 years later I can have a new one with a new warranty if I want it.
Bought my Red Top @ Costco for $105.95. Fits like a glove
Ah, but the Red Top fits in the TDI without problems. About $109 at Costco.
I have the stock VW battery under the hood and an optima yellow top in the trunk with a 5 farad cap as well, now Im doing DB drags, and I also use my car as a daily driver, I have yet to see a single bit of strain on my electrical system and belive me I have two Autometer volt guages just to be safe for monitoring.
My battery died a hacking death with my stereo system and HIDs after 2 years. I wanted a red or yellow top Optima, but they don't fit without modification. In a pinch I got an 800cca direct replacement, can't remember the brand, too lazy to look.
I have had nothing but problems with optimas and I am far from the only one. Go with either an Odyssey or a walmart brand yellow top. I had one sitting around for 6 months hooked up to a non running vehicle. Tossed it into my gf's bronco to fire it up one day and it started right up. Also, I run those in my diesel, and I left the interior light and cargo light for over 12 hrs. Got in and she fired right up.
FYI New optimas are the suck. Good luck though.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads NIPPARTS got the first review!
The brake discs Hella got the first review!
The brake discs OEM Suzuki got the first review!
For tires OEM Toyota already 25 reviews.
For tires IRONMAN already 25 reviews.
For starter motor OEM Volkswagen already 25 reviews.
In the rating best ignition coil already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best fuel pump already 5 brands participate!
In the rating best turbocharger already 4 brands participate!
In the auto rating headlights for Volkswagen Golf already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for Mazda 5 already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for BMW M2 already 5 brands participate!
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
