As much as I hate to hear this, I too was told by a store that stopped carrying them, that they had numerous quality issues since production was moved to Mexico, and had replaced so many of them under warranty, that they decided to stop carrying them. Can't be sure it's accurate info since the store sells their own brand, so they have a vested interested in poo-pooing the Optima.

That said, I have a Red Top in the VX 28 months, and a Yellow Top in Dave's FJ for about 7 months...it just went through the coldest winter here in a long time, and his sits outside, no problems.

I've read lots of good input on various car forums about the Odyssey brand, it's the newest "best" AGM battery now. Has a slightly longer warranty than Optima too, IIRC. Think it's 4 yrs, vs. 3 yrs. They're even more $$ than Optima. I'm going to check them out now, for Group 27 I need for the Lexus.


TIP-
I ordered a Blue Top thru Amazon for our RV with free shipping....it came damaged, plastic corner was dented in. Very minimal packing material! Can't return hazardous material, so Amazon shipped us another ( and it had tons of padding). Just last week I started shopping for an Optima for the Lexus...and read many reviews on Amazon....MANY people have had the Optima damaged in shipment from Amazon.
TIP- buy a battery in person somewhere, pay a little more if you have to, avoid hassle.

p.s....COSTCO sells Optimas and many other brands...great prices. ALso, MANY here recommend the Sears Platinum AGM battery.