My wife drives a Stratus that we bought in 2001 as a program car. Recently it showed signs of needing a new battery. There was some discussion as to where the battery was and we found it in front of the left front wheel. I know that I had never changed a battery in such an odd location and the mechanic who replaced it said that it was the original battery that was put in at the factory. Has anyone ever heard of a battery lasting 11 years? The car has 132K miles.

 

I needed to replace mine in the 2001 Stratus about a year ago. It was the factory original. I was amazed as well that it lasted so long.

 

Although the battery terminals are difficult to access for charging, there is a large positave and negative terminal in the engine compartment. There are many factors in battery life. Extreme hot or cold climates shorten the battery life. If it inot a maintenance free battery, not keeping the electrolite level proper will shorten tthe life. Etc, etc, etc. But 11 years? After fifty years in the auto service business, I have yet to see a lead acid battery last eleven years. Unless it was stored without electrolite.

 

I have a 2001 and it still has the original battery and it's going strong