Which Replacement Battery Is Best?

[tony105]

The battery on my 1996 Mini Mayfair keeps going flat - in fairness it is standing for long periods but I do start the car and run it for long periods to keep everything going.
I have wondered if the standard Rover alarm/immobiliser is draining the battery? The battery I have in the car right now was now a very inexpensive one and I would like to replace it with a much stronger one. Does anyone have any suggestions of the make and best place to buy one?
One of the Mini Magazines ran a feature 'best buy' of batteries for the Mini some time ago - I can't remember which magazine it was or when it ran - does anyone remember this?

The current battery I have installed will only hold a charge for a few hours, then when I go to start the car it just makes a 'clicking' sound but the engine will not turn.

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Roger.

[asahartz]

The biggest battery that will fit in the box! Something like 075, 065 or 027. Tayna batteries for example has a good listing of battery types with dimensions and ratings - the CCA (cold cranking amps) is what gets a car started.

I have an 027 fitted in Skye now, never fails. It's ex of my campervan, we bought a new one for the camper but then found it was just my charger that was duff, so the 027 went into Skye and has proved to be fine.

An 065 fitted in Evy the Clubman still started the car 9 months after being parked up from the IMM...

You will probably get the best deal from a local motor factor; there are cheaper prices online but you pay delivery on top. When I bought the 027 for the camper I walked into my local specialist County Battery and asked for one. When he asked me for some £20 more than the price on the website I queried it. I was told that was an online discount. Irritated, I drove home, ordered online for instore pickup, then drove back and collected it! Oh to have had a smartphone to have stood in the shop and placed my order that day!

[kalkat]

Vanessa has an 069 battery ...

It's from a Transit diesel, that too nevcer seems to fail. It is worth remembering that starting a car takes a lot out of a battery, and leaving the car running for five minutes won't replace that lost charge. It takes approxiamately 7 miles of driving to replace that.

Batteries- especially lead acid types - like to be used. If you are leaving the car to stand for long periods, it might be better to remove the battery and 'cycle' it in your garage/shed/kitchen occasionally.

Emma

[tony105]

Many thanks guys for the responses. I will bear the advise in mind and can't wait to get the Mini back on the road in the new year.

Roger.

[clambod]

I recently bought a 075 from Tayna Batteries. Delivery next day and about 600 CCA!