Time to bite the bullet and replace my MK1 battery. I’m only interested in replacing my existing battery with either another Westco or perhaps instead lash out on a Panasonic. I would appreciate any suggestions as to which one I should choose based on owners personal experience.
Many thanks
Panasonic. The originals lasted 15-16 years in two of our Fives. The Westco 3…or less!
Westco: £99.60
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-westco-mk1-25-p-635.html
Panasonic: £99.60
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-genuine-mazda-panasonic-mk1-25-p-3756.html
Its a no-brainer.
There is no battery that comes close to the original Panasonic.
The Westco has a poor reputation.
If somebody gives you a Westco, fit it. Other than that you would probably be better off with a 10 year old Panasonic in good order.
Thanks. Very much appreciate the replies and links. The Panasonic seems an outright winner so far. On the MX5 Parts website it mentions that you shouldn’t jump start gel batteries. I’ve never heard this before and wondered if anyone had done this and lived to tell the tale?
I’ve jump started many times in 19 years of ownership of Mk1s,never a problem.
No problem with jump starting, although a properly managed battery should ensure that this is never required. The odd trickle charge when required ie voltage dropped, is much more preferable to jump starting. If the voltage drops too low on the Panasonic, jump starting may be difficult or impossible.
Problem with jump starting is that many people do not bother to remind themselves of the correct procedure and order of things before attempting it.
If the cables are connected wrongly, in the wrong order or round the wrong way, all manner of issues can result. Popped main fuse, damaged radio or worse case scenario blown ecu or immobiliser. On the rare occasions I jump start a car, always re-read the correct procedure to make sure everything done correctly and no problem:-)
I have had two Westco batteries and am not impressed with them, the current Westco is about three years old and goes flat if the car is left for a week. They are alright if you use the car daily, but my MK1 is only used occasionally.
I’ve just got my old Westco battery out of the car and am following MX5parts guidelines for charging an AGM battery which they say should take 3-5 days using a charger with an AGM setting. I’ll report back as to whether this has reconditioned it back to something like it’s original condition or if it’s instead going to the recycling centre.
I have used a Westco battery for the past 5 years without any problems In my NB.
The battery is disconnected when the car is not likely to be used for a ‘long’ period and maintained with an Optimate4.
One benefit of the Westco is that it’s cranking current is significantly higher than the Panasonic; 470 vs 326. Which is a bonus in cold weather.
I purchased mine from Tanya Batteries because at that time Mazda wanted approx £200+. MX5 Parts didn’t have the Panny then.
Peter
I couldn’t get rid of alternator belt squeal after starting in winter. I was sure it wasn’t a battery problem because the Westco was only 4 years old and I gave it plenty of charging time with my Optimate trickle charger. So eventually I bought a new alternator. Didn’t fix it.
New battery fixed it.
I don’t jump start my MK3 using leads when the battery is flat. Instead I use a starter booster from Halfords. Never fails.
Panasonic every time. My original 1997 one has charged up and holds a charge perfectly in storage for at least 6 months. I only bought a new one because i was getting concerned that it might die at any moment due to it`s age. Really great to know i have a very capable spare for a rainy day.
Have a look at the Panasonic N80B24L/R-C5
Was going to buy one of those as an upgrade but MX5Parts had a good deal on the genuine batteries so went for that. I would say they are FANTASTIC quality and TOP Value over time.