> Factory installed batteries are always an automatic red flag in my world..
> like on a small japanese car and the battery is 3 or 4 yrs old and not
> performing well, for example.

Scott, my camper is the only non-Japanese, non-small car I have had in over 34 years.  I have had Toyotas, Hondas, and Subarus.  The factory battery always lasted six or more years, lots of driving time included.  I have a Toyota Prius now.  The small startup battery, about the size of a motorcycle battery is now six years old.  In a six year vehicle checkup a couple months back, I had the battery load tested.  I was told that it is like new.

Could it be that the factory batteries are like other things in Japanese cars, simply better than anyone else puts in?  Just wonderin'.  mcneely