MX5 battery

[Carlsanders]

Tried one of these Westco gel batteries and special charger, a complete of time, will go for standard battery in future, the Westco did not hold its charge, even using the intelligent expensive charger. Never again, do not be fooled! Purchased from MX5 parts.

[J-Tuner]

Agree the westco's are not as good as what people make out. Bosch S5 for the win. Mines been brilliant so far and doesn't mind being stood for weeks on end in the garage

[bbg1400]

We've had a Halfords battery in my wife's 1998 mk2 1.8 since 10/01/09. It failed this week. There's no corrosion around the battery and I think £38 for nearly 7 years has been good value.

[iguana]

Needed one for my mk1 sniffed about & all the proper size ones appeared to be £90-£95, so have just bunged a regular cheapie ecp Lion jobbie in £33, won't fit the clamps or holder etc so just lashed in there at the mo, but I'm sure I can sort a better set up when I have a few mins.

[pewe]

iguana said:

won't fit the clamps or holder etc so just lashed in there at the mo, but I'm sure I can sort a better set up when I have a few mins.

Don't leave it too long.
I've seen some horribly dented rear wings caused by batteries thrashing about in the boot (admittedly on Autosolos) but just bear in mind a battery's a heavy object with corners so enthusiastic cornering or hard stops can cause damage.
Cheers, Pewe.

[Micraupgrade]

Typically can't start my car in the morning until the radio's properly come on (it just clicks and turns off the radio). Other times it starts straight away. Does this sound like the battery? Been like this since I got the car nearly a year ago.

[oldbanger]

I have just bought a Mk1 Eunos. I knew the battery was going to need to be done soon as it's stood for more than a year. Unfortunately the first time I go to drive it, after it's back from the MOT and all legal, and it's flat. Nada, nothing.

The current battery is a Bosch. It isn't fixed in properly so whatever I do, I think I also need to get a new clamp.

Is it worth going for another Bosch? The WestCo doesn't sound particular impressive and the Panasonic is a lot more expensive.

I plan on using it for commuting, if possible, so it will be run at least a couple of times a week.

[VladD]

oldbanger said:

I have just bought a Mk1 Eunos. I knew the battery was going to need to be done soon as it's stood for more than a year. Unfortunately the first time I go to drive it, after it's back from the MOT and all legal, and it's flat. Nada, nothing.

The current battery is a Bosch. It isn't fixed in properly so whatever I do, I think I also need to get a new clamp.

Is it worth going for another Bosch? The WestCo doesn't sound particular impressive and the Panasonic is a lot more expensive.

I plan on using it for commuting, if possible, so it will be run at least a couple of times a week.

My WestCo has been fine. To be honest, I'm on my second, but the first one died after I didn't drive the car for over 6 months. I tried several times to get it back to life using my Optimax, but nothing. Of course as soon as I bought my second WestCo, I tried charging the first one again and it worked.

[98elise]

oldbanger said:

I have just bought a Mk1 Eunos. I knew the battery was going to need to be done soon as it's stood for more than a year. Unfortunately the first time I go to drive it, after it's back from the MOT and all legal, and it's flat. Nada, nothing.

The current battery is a Bosch. It isn't fixed in properly so whatever I do, I think I also need to get a new clamp.

Is it worth going for another Bosch? The WestCo doesn't sound particular impressive and the Panasonic is a lot more expensive.

I plan on using it for commuting, if possible, so it will be run at least a couple of times a week.

If you can get a Bosch then do so. Westco's are very expensive and not very good. Only get a Westco if you have the small battery and have no choice.

[Oldandslow]

oldbanger said:

I have just bought a Mk1 Eunos. I knew the battery was going to need to be done soon as it's stood for more than a year. Unfortunately the first time I go to drive it, after it's back from the MOT and all legal, and it's flat. Nada, nothing.

The current battery is a Bosch. It isn't fixed in properly so whatever I do, I think I also need to get a new clamp.

Is it worth going for another Bosch? The WestCo doesn't sound particular impressive and the Panasonic is a lot more expensive.

I plan on using it for commuting, if possible, so it will be run at least a couple of times a week.

How much for a Westco? Mx5 parts doing Panasonics for £101. Westco is £120 on there. I went through a couple of Westco and ended up getting a Panasonic that has lasted for nearly 5 years but it does get a trickle charge.

[cdady]

When I was researching a new battery for my MX5 I found this in the blurb of the Panasonic batteries 'As with all gel batteries, they must not be jump started' which is something I did not know. I bought a non gel battery from Euro Car Parts (£34 - a big saving over the gel ones) and it has been absolutely fine with no starting problems - my old gel battery would keep losing its charge even though it tested as being OK when charged up.