When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
How much do they run? I'm running 2 Bosch Group 65 batts. 875 CCA w/ 165 Reserve capacity. About $150 for 2 with 3 year replacement and I think maybe 6 pro rated (I forget what the pro rated is).
I usually stick with Motorcraft or Interstate. I have had good luck with both and normally do not keep a vehicle long enough to justify the cost of a more expensive battery. Myself and a couple of others I know have tried the OPTIMA batteries and they just do not seem to like the cold weather. I junked mine after only one year...
Odyssey is a great battery if you are looking for something for long term or extreme use, but it can be hard to swallow the $500 - $600 price tag for 2 batteries...
I got the batts from AutoZone for the 3year replacement and all over availability for when traveling. Just had to replace them last week. (no charge!) Close to year and a half old.
I disagree with you on replacing both batteries if just one shows it's bad... Don't know what dealer you are talking to but maybe........ they just want to sell you two batterys instead of just what you need. I have been in the military for 27 years and all of our vehicles use two or more batterys...... when one goes bad we replace it not the whole bank............ If I sell batteries for a living of course you need two batteries. BTW if both batteries are good.... they won't discharge each other.