I tried a search on this but didn't really find any specific info...so if this has been asked before I apologize.

My CPO 07A3 is starting to slow start again. I live in Florida and the car is black, so I know the battery gets punished. However, none of my other cars have ever gone through batteries like this one. I put a Diehard in my Lexus and that seems to go forever. In the Audi this would be third battery in 4 years. The original one as replaced about a year and half after I got the car (so it was prob about 2 years old), and that was almost exactly three years ago. They told me it was only covered for 12 months under warranty, so since I was at about 16 months at the time I had to pay the $250+. I believe these only carry a 36 month warranty, so even if I went in today I assume with pro-rating I would ending getting about a $10 discount.

I would like to get a better after market battery, but I can't figure out the size or type. I figure after market would most likely last longer, and cost about half as much. Has any replaced theirs with after market? If so, what is the group size for this battery (91?). And what brands/types have people gone with?

Thanks!

 

Anyone?

 

I have had a subaru for awhile before getting my A3, and the original subaru battery made it almost 13 years, so I don't know how that happened. I did have very good luck with the red top optimas and would check with costco/sams club as they usually have very good warranties on their car parts. I know people who have had cars for years and never paid for a third set of tires after replacing the original ones from costco.

 

Here's a decent description of replacing the battery with a larger one.

OOOO-A3: Group 48 Battery

Mine was abused by a stereo installer once. They left the lights on alll day while wokring on the car, and killed the batt. I also spent 30 minutes once with the lights and fan running off the battery while doing some VAG-COM progrmamming, which led to the car needing a boost the next morning. After all that, I replaced mine with the group 48, and have had no problems since. Always starts fast and strong, though I haven't had it long enough to know how it works in the winter.

Do you have anything extra added on to your car? Ipod or GPS constantly plugged in? etc? If so, and they're on unswitched circuits, that could lead to decreased battery life. Just a thought...

 

Thanks for the info. No, my car is totally stock. No mods, nothing ever plugged in (occasionally my phone charger, but usually only when running). The replacement battery is almost totally dead now...just after the 24 month warranty has expired. Figures. I live in Florida and it is a black car, so I know it gets hot under there. But I have never had an issue like this before. I'll check out that thread and see if it makes sense to do. I am surprised there isn't a straight replacement for this size, but I guess it is not common.

And one other question...I am still under my CPO warranty. Do you think putting in a larger size battery would cause me any grief with warranty claims? I wouldn't think so, but you never know.

 

There is a straight replacement, but the larger one will last longer and stay stronger than the direct fit one.