The main reason to go with a Gel Cell battery for example, over a 12v generic plate battery, is if you off road, and the battery is subjected to more vibration, etc...or maybe being upside down, etc.
The el cheapos fall apart, as they ARE CHEAP because they didn't waste money on the battery's construction.
They KNOW some people will buy whatever is cheapest, as long as its 12v and is rated to put out the cranking amps to start their engine.....period.
As the rating doesn't say how it holds up to abuse, it doesn't HAVE TO be able to hold up to abuse, it can fall apart, and your prorated warranty will mean they get you AGAIN.
An el cheapo battery is more easily damaged by drawing it down too low too....better batteries can survive more of that.
The deep cycle gel cells (Optima, Exide Orbital, etc...) survive being drawn down further and longer, and tend to survive the cold, being upside down, rattled around, and so forth...as they are made very very well.
So - if you do not have to depend on your battery, you only break down where AAA can get you - and you never need to be anywhere that a dead battery might keep you from being, sure, go el cheapo.
If the above DOESN'T apply to you, and you have a lot of power stuff, you go where AAA doesn't (Off road for example), and being late to an appointment, etc, might BE a problem, consider getting something more reliable.
:wink-big:
PS - If you are at 116k miles.....
Did you already change you TIMING BELT? (Due at 105k Miles)