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Just put an AGM battery in my '04 vert. Mechanic talked me into it. Was this a good decision? What about hooking a battery tender up to it in the future?
Well, it isn't really a "bad" decision, just a more expensive one. Many people think that non-AGM batteries are prone to leak, and while this was true during the 97-00 time frame, it hasn't been true since 2000. Starting in 2004, all batteries installed at the factory are non-AGM and I think you'll agree that any posts regarding leaking 2004 and newer batteries are extremely rare. Even the $60 Costco Kirkland battery is an excellent battery that'll last 7 years or so.
But to answer your question about battery tenders: Yes, they are especially helpful for extending the life of AGM batteries if you leave your C5 idle for 2 weeks or more. The exception may be the Sears Platinum AGM, but at $190 and enough weight to sink a ship, I'd say they are a bit overkill.