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2,234 Posts
I bit the bullet today and decided to replace the AGM battery in my Optima at 51 months. After having to use my jump-starter with increasing frequency of late, I just got fed up with the potential for further aggravation and bought a Bosch model with its 5-year warranty.
Had I been thinking of selling or part-exing the car in the near future, I would probably have removed the battery and put it on a smart charge for 48 hours and I suspect that would have seen me through the summer. Having to street park some distance from my home though, I can't charge the battery in situ with a cable trailing across the pavement.
These lengthy lockdowns have taken their toll on many car batteries from what I have read, not much of a problem for those with parking adjacent to their property but an expensive PITA for those forced to street park. That said, as I have never had to expend any significant money on my Optima since new, I wasn't too perturbed about paying out for the battery. I have to say that it is many years since I have had to replace a battery in my own car and my previous experience has been that 6-8 years of useful life has been typical in my hands.
It took less than 15 minutes to swap the batteries, including testing the charging system output, and I used my memory saver which is a useful tool, though not essential. Curiously, it does not save the trip meter reading but at least there was no problem with radio code, instrument panel warning lamps or the infotainment system.
I'm a little disappointed at the rather premature demise of the battery but it has been heavily used in my hands; lots of hand and seat warming, climate, lights and so on. After my next lengthy drive, I expect the ISS will start making a nuisance of itself again so I shall have to remember to switch it off at each start-up.
Costs to date: Pre-paid 5-year service plan £609.00 (one remaining)
Wiper blade set - £20.00....ish
VED (years 2/3/4). £90.00
Fuel @ 43 mpg average. £whatever?
All Season Tyres x2 £300.....ish
Battery £175.00
SW Update (1). £25.00
Cabin filter (2nd service extra) £32.00
Cabin filter (self-fit @ 4years) £13.00....ish
Depreciation £probably loads!
Insurance £whatever
The wipers and tyres still had quite a bit of life in them but I chose to replace them early. The car has been totally reliable apart from the recent failing battery so I'm happy with the costs. I really can't knock the Optima Sportswagon as it is very roomy, has lots of luggage space, adequate performance, decent, measured fuel economy and a pretty comprehensive array of gadgets and gizmos, including a first-class sound system.
I don't know how much longer the £30.00 pa VED will continue but at my time in life, maybe I should just hang on to the car? To replace with something as competent and well-equipped would cost a lot of dosh and I have no doubt that the government will continue their pursuit of full-electric cars which, as time passes, will cost just as much to run, if not more, in taxes, duty and in electricity. There are no free lunches so good luck to those early adopters who are enjoying the best of it at the moment but be assured, it won't last.
By way of an addendum, today, not unexpectedly, my ISS functioned when I had to pull up at a temporary traffic light after about 2.5 miles. On my return journey, I had no need to stop so there was no further action from the system. With the approaching warmer weather and possibly more frequent driving than over the last year or so, I expect that I shall be pressing the 'off' button as part of my start-up regime. Hey ho!
Had I been thinking of selling or part-exing the car in the near future, I would probably have removed the battery and put it on a smart charge for 48 hours and I suspect that would have seen me through the summer. Having to street park some distance from my home though, I can't charge the battery in situ with a cable trailing across the pavement.
These lengthy lockdowns have taken their toll on many car batteries from what I have read, not much of a problem for those with parking adjacent to their property but an expensive PITA for those forced to street park. That said, as I have never had to expend any significant money on my Optima since new, I wasn't too perturbed about paying out for the battery. I have to say that it is many years since I have had to replace a battery in my own car and my previous experience has been that 6-8 years of useful life has been typical in my hands.
It took less than 15 minutes to swap the batteries, including testing the charging system output, and I used my memory saver which is a useful tool, though not essential. Curiously, it does not save the trip meter reading but at least there was no problem with radio code, instrument panel warning lamps or the infotainment system.
I'm a little disappointed at the rather premature demise of the battery but it has been heavily used in my hands; lots of hand and seat warming, climate, lights and so on. After my next lengthy drive, I expect the ISS will start making a nuisance of itself again so I shall have to remember to switch it off at each start-up.
Costs to date: Pre-paid 5-year service plan £609.00 (one remaining)
Wiper blade set - £20.00....ish
VED (years 2/3/4). £90.00
Fuel @ 43 mpg average. £whatever?
All Season Tyres x2 £300.....ish
Battery £175.00
SW Update (1). £25.00
Cabin filter (2nd service extra) £32.00
Cabin filter (self-fit @ 4years) £13.00....ish
Depreciation £probably loads!
Insurance £whatever
The wipers and tyres still had quite a bit of life in them but I chose to replace them early. The car has been totally reliable apart from the recent failing battery so I'm happy with the costs. I really can't knock the Optima Sportswagon as it is very roomy, has lots of luggage space, adequate performance, decent, measured fuel economy and a pretty comprehensive array of gadgets and gizmos, including a first-class sound system.
I don't know how much longer the £30.00 pa VED will continue but at my time in life, maybe I should just hang on to the car? To replace with something as competent and well-equipped would cost a lot of dosh and I have no doubt that the government will continue their pursuit of full-electric cars which, as time passes, will cost just as much to run, if not more, in taxes, duty and in electricity. There are no free lunches so good luck to those early adopters who are enjoying the best of it at the moment but be assured, it won't last.
By way of an addendum, today, not unexpectedly, my ISS functioned when I had to pull up at a temporary traffic light after about 2.5 miles. On my return journey, I had no need to stop so there was no further action from the system. With the approaching warmer weather and possibly more frequent driving than over the last year or so, I expect that I shall be pressing the 'off' button as part of my start-up regime. Hey ho!
