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I own a Toyota Yaris MT sedan and have been hypermiling it to the low 60's MPG US. I'm becoming concerned about my battery - because about half of the total time I'm driving, the engine is off with the key in the run position, drawing current from the battery. Starting within the past couple weeks, my 45 mile commute home has been with the headlights on. Regular car batteries weren't made to be cycled like this. The battery (whole car) is 2-years old and Winter's coming. Has anyone experienced issues with the battery due to "FAS'ing" a non hybrid car?

If/When it dies, I'm wondering if it would be more cost effective to get a battery like an optima yellow top that should last longer, or the cheapest wal-mart battery that may die sooner, but cost less to replace.

I have seen a reduction in voltage and I do keep a constant eye on that using the SG. I went with an Optima Yellow Top as a replacement when the battery gave out on me last year (after 5 years) and haven't had any issue with it. The performance was much better during cold weather with FASing.