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Any recommendations for the best type of battery replacement for a 2002 NB - or brands/resellers to avoid? I live on the Gold Coast.

Snow White is having difficulties waking up these days - probably due to all the sleeping it's being doing these last three years. Current (no pun intended) battery is dated 22/08/04 - so It's had a good run. So, rather than wait to get stranded, I'm going to be proactive and replace the battery before it fails on me. So, any recommendations? I would prefer to use the club sponsors, if cost-effective.

Try Gold Coast Mazda for an OEM battery is what I'd do.

JBT wrote:Try Gold Coast Mazda for an OEM battery is what I'd do.

Thanks John, I use GCM for my scheduled services and I've been very pleased with the work to date, however, I don't consider the battery to be a 'Mazda' part, so I was looking for some advice for a suitable replacement item. The current battery was supplied by RACQ, and given the 'life' obtained (5 years is reasonable from my perspective) I'm inclined to seek a RACQ replacement. But, if anyone can provide any advice for a better deal then I'd like to hear from them. Thanks anyway.

The reason I suggest a Mazda (Panasonic) battery for the NA/NB is because it fits properly (with the vent tubes etc.) and generally gives about 8-10 years life. They do cost a bit more but are safe in the boot. I believe there are AGM batteries about, but it can be hard to find one that fits properly.

Thanks John - I wasn't aware of that, so I'll follow-up this morning.

There was a very recent useful thread on this subject recently advocating the use of an AGM battery but I have no doubt many will opt for cheaper $ outlay batteries. The agm is the better choice from a technical view point.

GP got the new Supercharge battery in QLD recently & by the sound of it might be a good alternative. It was for his NA, but it's a GT12-35HR AGM battery which is branded 'Absorbed Power' as opposed to Supercharge. It cost him $130 trade.

GP wrote:I put it in on the weekend and it fitted easily. I had to reverse the battery as terminals were on the opposite side. The + - connectors reached easily and because the battery is about 2cm lower It still fitted nicely under the cover. The original clamp fits as the battery is the same width. It's few cm shorter than the panasonic so a bit of packing in the tray helps hold it in place. I am happy and have the peace of mind that it's not going to rust the boot.
If you get one from Supercharge make sure thay supply the Terminal posts.

Full post here:
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42558

Don't put any battery in your boot except for an original one!

By using another type, you may THINK you're saving money, but you aren't.

Apart for the venting issues, most other batteries will only last 2-3 years, then they will have to be replaced, where an OEM battery will give you at leat 5 years, and if looked after (ie the car is run at least once a week), can last 15 years +.
And we all know how frustrating it is when your battery dies.

With the OEM battery, you can fit it and forget about it for many years to come.
I can't say that about other types.

They do cost a bit more but are safe in the boot.

A bit more? More than twice the price when I looked.

Apart for the venting issues, most other batteries will only last 2-3 years

AGM batteries don't vent Benny and suggesting how long this battery will last is pointless, None of us will know until the time comes.

GP wrote:

They do cost a bit more but are safe in the boot.

A bit more? More than twice the price when I looked.

I paid about 50% more for OEM vs a standard lead acid that would fit my NA a few years back. I considered it worth it in the long run...

there are plenty of MX5's around after 10 yrs on original batteries but there is a big sticker shock for one of the well known AGM's. Various threads and info around the traps say that many of the cheaper batteries barely last warranty period. Many people would have no idea that there was anything different about the "original" style battery and even retailers probably do not know either.

Interestingly, in the US Mazda dealers stopped selling the Panasonic AGM in 1998 & instead offered a so called sealed, but vented, wet cell. Apprarently they stopped selling the Panasonic AGM due to complaints from owners.
http://www.miata.net/garage/battery.html

93... the reluctance re the original was about cost- ie baulking at the sticker price and the same will apply here in that many esp young blokes with no money opt for a cheaper solution.

I second getting a replacement OEM battery. I got an aftermarket battery from supercheap a while back (the battery recommended for my car as per the booklet in store) and it didn't fit (I had to MAKE it fit ).

I had about $200 worth of reasons not to buy the OEM