My last battery (not Volvo) died internally. I drove home then when I went back out to to go to the store the car was dead. One of the plates (or something) broke and my battery only put out about 4 volts. The car parts place told me that internal failures were becomming more common.

I think 4 years is pretty standard with newer cars, there are a lot more electronics, computers, and power everything on newer cars. I have always bought the biggest battery with the longest warranty made that will fit my car. The standard battery is too small in my opinion. I always opt for the largest optional size.

My 2 cents are: 4 years on a small battery is OK. 5 years on the larger size sounds better.
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Nathan Valles, Black 855R, Tint