AFAIK, the AGM style batteries are still lead/acid. Are you meaning flooded (wet) cell batteries?

 

Yep, the kind that leak and corrode everything around them.

 

I put a set of those in my 98 over three years ago and they are still going strong.
Great value IMO

 

Run red tops in everything have a total of nine. oldest ones are 5 years old never a problem. Bought two new ones for my daughters 01 2500 six months ago just sorted thru them at sams everytime i was there till they got a fresh shipment that was u.s. made, 125.00 after rebate for 34's redtops.
Have heard about trouble with the mexican made ones but never witnessed it personally.

 

Never had a problem here...

I love Optima Red Tops.

 

Sears Diehards. always get at least 6 yrs out of them.

 

Every year or two, Consumer Reports tests car batteries. Optima is never at the top. The top three are usually Sears, Autozone, and Interstate. I have an Optima in one car. And that's only because the battery sits right over the passenger foot well. Now that NAPA is selling the same type of battery, I might buy one of theirs when this one dies.

 

I got 3 years on the first pair, 2 years on the next pair and a year on the last pair. As long as they replace them for free 'll stay with them. Best part on Sears is the warranty starts over when they replace a battery.
I wish I new why they fail. Replaced the OEM battery clamps with military style. Cables are good and the grounds cleaned. Alternator rebuilt and charging per specs.

Got a 5 year old Optima in the Mommy van. The OEM and first replacement (Exide) caused a lot of corrosion. The Optima is much better, but I still clean the clamps & posts yearly. Even without the flowing acid, lead still oxidizes from the air. A quick clean with emory cloth every fall prevents cold weather start problems.

 

OK fellas,,, here's one for ya.
I'm in the market to replace the batteries in my 99 so this looks like a good thread to follow. I would love to get another set like I have now because other than the posts starting to weep which is starting to corrode the battery clamps,,,,, they are still going strong. Well,,,, maybe not as strong as when new,,,, because I did notice the WTS light stayed on longer than usual after it sat in the parking lot at work all night at 7 degrees. However, the cranking sounded strong as always and it has never had to turn over a couple of revolutions before it fires up. BUT,,,, here's the kicker,,,,,

They are the original factory batteries that came in it when I bought it new! (TEN YEARS!)

Hard to believe huh? I've never done anything special to them. Never rotated them from side to side like some have said will help with longevity. Matter of fact, I don't recall ever adding water to them. So why is it a 1999 battery can perform so well while some of the other top brand name companies can't come close? I doubt that I'll have this kind of luck with the replacements, so I guess I'll have to chalk this up to being just pure lucky. Shucks,,, if I could find a way to stop the weeping and corroding,,,,, I would be interested in finding out just how long it would take before these originals finally go dead. Course my luck,,,,, it would be in the middle of nowhere,,, in the middle of night,,, and pouring down rain.
I reckon I'll go with NAPA or Sears unless I read of something better.

 

I bought Interstate batteries this time, hope they last.