I need to replace the battery on my 97 t5. Searching for the correct replacement I come up with group 47 or 48 on the forums; however when I search Sears, Advance etc they are calling for a group 90. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

It's always been a 47 that showed up for the stock replacement.

I'm running a 48 because it has a higher cold cranking rating. It's an inch or so longer but the same height and width, fits perfectly.
It also turned out to be $5 cheaper than the 47 but I'd happily have paid more for the increased power here in Minnesota.

I checked on a 90 and it would fit also. Depending on what you're looking for, more power, best warranty, cheap ... I'd get info on all three before making a choice.

 

And if you get a chance, pick up a pair of the battery washers with the new battery. I used to think they were crap till I tried a set. They really do keep the corrosion down on the battery. I just wouldn't use them on a side post. They tend to get in the way of a good connection IMHO.

 

Thanks Frog I appreciate it. And I do not think we can use cheap and battery in the same sentence anymore.

 

I'm with Kiss on the post pads.

1997 Volvo 850

 

Nope, they jumped a couple years ago and it takes people by surprise as they usually tell me they'll go to wally-mart and then they find out it's about the same there. They are running in the 85-115 range for an average battery now of days.
I've sold Autolite, Oreilly and Autozone batteries and I haven't seen any difference. If you get a chance to go in back and look at the battery return pile you'll see there isn't any brand that fails much faster than another. Sears, Interstate, Walmart or parts store it's pretty much the same.

But if you spend a little more on the same brand, it usually is built a bit better and has a better warranty.
Warranties changed too last year. Now it's just the first or first two or three years free exchange and then nothing pro-rated.

I look at CCA, warranty and $$$ and then go for the best I can get for the least $$$.