[kathyricks]

One OE battery I had that lasted up to 9 years was a Delco battery! And I drove that vehicle daily up and down California's furnace like Central Valley in the summertime. So I disagree with the suggestion that hot climates kill batteries.

I've found that batteries that suffer frequent partial discharge via parasitic drain due to not driving for 2 weeks or more don't live more than about 2 years. For that reason, I buy the Walmart batteries that come with a 3 year free replacement guarantee for the cars I don't drive regularly. And I've used that guarantee to my advantage several times.

Country where a Toyota is built is not a reliable indicator of the brand of battery or other parts it may carry. Example: My 1992 Toyota pickup was built in Fremont, Calif. yet it came equipped with a Panasonic battery and Tokico (Japanese) shock absorbers. And my '93 Toyota pickup was built in Japan yet came with a Delco battery and Monroe shock absorbers.