General Panda Battery

[barney_mcgrew]

Hi all,

We're trying to keep our 93 Panda Selecta going for a few more months (we're buying a newer car from a friend when they're ready to get rid of it, but have to keep the Panda on the road into the New Year if possible).

It now seems to need a new battery - we had to jump start it the other morning, and it started okay after a little drive around. So the alternator seems to be doing its job, but it seems like the battery does not hold its charge, as the car's dead again today.

We're trying to avoid spending money on this car now (cost us £120 to have the exhaust fixed a few weeks ago, as we couldn't get a used center section for a Selecta! )

I know very little about maintaining cars (as is probably very obvious), but we really don't want to throw any more good money after bad. It seems a waste to pay £40 (Halfords) for a new battery if we're only going to be driving this car for another few months.

So, here's my question - if we were to go to a scrappy to try and find a replacement battery, what cars could we look at? Are these batteries very specific to makes and models? Would any small Fiat do? any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise!

cheers,
barney_mcgrew.

 

[John H]

AFAIK it it type "063".

If you are anywhere near Birmingham UK I have one from the scrapped CL -
it's just under 2 years old: yours to collect for for 5UKP.

Give my regards to Hugh, Pugh, etc


John H

 

[barney_mcgrew]

Thanks mate - I'll PM you later tonight to see if we can sort something out.

I'll pass on your regards to the others!

 

[dave]

you could try motor factors look in yellow pages for them be a lot cheeper, got one for 2ltr mercedes for £23, rover 213 for £13 brand new, batteries at scrappy wont be in the cars they have to take them out and store then in a special place that would prevent any spilage leaking into the enviroment so if you go that route just take your old one in to match up, where you live anyway? i might be interested in a deadish selecta panda soon.

 

[barney_mcgrew]

Thanks for that Dave - I'll have a look into it.

We live in Cardiff (but have family near Brum which is why I may be able to take John H up on his offer).

We do expect to be getting rid of the Panda by early 2005. It's still got less than 60k on the clock, and the motor's very sound AFAIK (just a shame about the rust in the area of the rear passenger side wheel arch - which I understand is a common problem on these cars) - so we'll keep you in mind.

I'll certainly be posting on this forum when we've finally got the new car sorted and are ready to wave the Panda off.

cheers,
barney_mcgrew