batteries...

[princeperch]

...so the mazda is currently at my parents as I now live in the smoke and don't need it day to day.

The old man goes out there and shifts it around the drive for a bit to turn it over and make sure there arent any worn spots on the tyres. He was apparently doing this 2 times a week or so..

However, it seems tonight that the batt is now dead and a replacement needs to be purchased. I don't really want to spend the thick end of 80 quid on one from mx5 parts - would either of the ones below prove a problem??

I can get a so-lite battery from http://www.carbatteriesonline.co.uk/car-batteries.... for 45 quid, or this one off ebay for 42 quid http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-MX-5-Mk1-(1990-%3e1998... or an unbranded one for 41 quid from this chap http://www.batmanuk.com/, or this chap http://www.carbatteryshop.co.uk/i-063-Numax-Car-Ba...

Should do the job non? Must admit that I have never had cause to buy a battery. The now dead one seems to have lasted for about 8 years I think so not too bad an innings - although I could do without this after just having given ryan air 700 quid tonight..

[MrV]

Is it dead dead or just flat though ? if it is just being moved about for 5 mins then your find your taking more out of the battery than is being put back in

Might be worth investing in a trickle charger rather than a new battery

[missdiane]

When my last one went I Was just more careful, seemed to fix the problem, with the lotus we just bought a trickle charger. Never had a problem since

[princeperch]

never thought of a trickle charger.... would this http://www.4wheelplay.co.uk/motorcycle-automatic-t... do the job?

[Jonny671]

I've always thought this seems a good idea if leaving for a while..

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=11519...

Just stick it in the window and let it charge, no need for wires etc and free power

[princeperch]

Jonny671 said:

I've always thought this seems a good idea if leaving for a while..

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=11519...

Just stick it in the window and let it charge, no need for wires etc and free power

not a bad idea.

Ebay have quite a few for not a lot of coinage..

[NiceCupOfTea]

Not checked the links but make sure you buy a sealed gel battery. A normal wet battery will vent into the boot which will rust it out. Ask me how I know.

It should have a couple of nozzles on it to connect the vent pipes to. Also, make sure it fits securely in the tray and doesn't move around. I had a problem where the earth strap snapped due to stress.

The Mazda Panasonic battery is very expensive - the MX5parts one is a more reasonable price and is the one to get IMHO.

Trickle charger is the answer as already said - I have a CTEK 3600XS which is brilliant.