TTRon

What kind of life should I expect out of the stock battery?

Since my car wouldn't start and the battery failed the load test (towed to the dealer), the dealer replaced it. This is fine with me since I can't drive it, duh, but charged me $240 for the new one and labor.

They didn't even give me a prorated discount since I bought the car new 19 months ago. it current has 10,000 miles. Most stock batteries are warranted for at least 36 months.

Curious on what people are seeing out there?

Going forward, I purchased a solar battery maintainer that plugs into the cig lighter for $30. Porsche wanted $100 for theirs.

mkhn

omgd. that seems way over the top. I am in the process of installing my odyssey 925mjt battery which is lighter than a stock car battery by about 15-20 lbs and with a billet aluminum mount for about $295. The battery is a efficient dry cell type and cost $195 on its own. labor to put in the battery is a funny idea. figure that would be in the premium they charge for the battery they supply which i am assuming is the standard lead acid type.

Fred R. C4S

I stored my 993 during the winters, and kept it charged with a Porsche battery maintainer. None the less, it still expired after 4 years. I replaced it with an Interstate battery of equal or greater capacity. The price was roughly $125.

Never, ever, buy a battery from a car dealer unless you ABSOLUTELY insist on having a battery with the car makers name on it. Porsche (Varda?) batteries are not the best. There are lots of lower cost alternatives including the Optima sealed unit.

Sorry you didn't ask me sooner,

TTRon

I hear ya!! I've replaced a few batteries over the years and thought it was the easiest thing in the world to do. However, I thought it was the silly starter motor so the dealer had me!

Appreciate the guidance because my friend's 996 needs new battery.

Thanks

mkhn

For anyone interested, this is a link to the batter I am installing in my car:
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/auto.htm

its the PC925MJT which I feel is a good mix of weight savings and cranking power. Here's the link to the billet aluminum battery mount as well:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/billet.htm

I don't have any affiliation with the company other than as a satisfied customer.

Cheers.

mkhn

For anyone interested, this is a link to the batter I am installing in my car:
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/auto.htm

its the PC925MJT which I feel is a good mix of weight savings and cranking power. Here's the link to the billet aluminum battery mount as well:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/billet.htm

I don't have any affiliation with the company other than as a satisfied customer.

Cheers.

ypshan

Ron, My battery ran low and had a crack. Dealer replaced it free.

Why do they ask you to pay for a battery when the car is still under warranty?

ebaker

You can get an Interstate battery from Autozone, Walmart, etc. for about $60 that is superior to the OEM battery. Interstate makes the Sears diehard also. For about $110 the Optima dry cell battery is available which will save about 17 pounds. It's supposed to last much longer and self discharge much slower. It takes some minor fabrication to mount.
If yout car is under warranty the battery will be covered IF you drive the car regularly or use a maintainer.

1AS

On my last 2 Porsches, I've asked the dealer to throw in the charger for free after the deal has been finalized. The dealer has always said yes. I do feel it prolongs the life of the battery. AS

Trojan Man

1st, the battery should have been covered 100% by the dealer if the car was so new. I bought my car used 2 years old and had a battery problem in my 2nd month of ownership. Dealer replaced it free of charge and even gave me a loaner to tool around in while they fixed it.

2nd, the Porsche battery maintainer is a fantastic investment, but it should only cost $75 retail, and you can probably get a discount off of that.

I would go back to your dealer and raise a big stink.

BTW, my dealer who helped me the right way was Beverly Hills.

Steve in FL

I've heard Porsche doesn't warranty the battery if the mileage on the car indicates it's a garage queen. And for people mounting smaller batteries, take a look at the bracket and cables for a GT2/GT3 as Porsche ships them with a battery that's smaller than a standard 996/Turbo battery.

Pierre

Just had mine replaced at 153'000 km and 3.5 years (Aug '00 car)

Greetings,
--Pierre

Joe Weinstein

My car is either being driven or it has the Porsche battery tender
plugged in. My battery is fine, the original delivered with the car
in August 2000.
Joe

1AS

My wife's 99 Boxster (now in our possession for 5 years) sits from November thru April with the Porsche charger. It now has 28,000 miles. The battery has been fine. AS

Bill in Atlanta

Does anyone know the correct ( or best) Optima battery for a 996 Turbo? Mine is also dead, and I have been very pleased with the Optima red top in my '97 C4S ( 5+ years and still going strong !). I have seen 2 optima red top batteries...34/78 and the 35/75...anyone know which one fits best in a 996 Turbo.

Thanks in advance,