Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I need a new battery for my Elan. has anybody got any views? The present battery has not lasted 3 years yet the battery in my faithful old audi A2 has lasted 10years
Thanks
alun price

I bought one of these, it`s perfect, came next day, it fits, it`s powerful and it`s incredible value;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361361165691
Jim

Thank you Jim, that is cheap
Alun Price

I do not see how the battery that Jim highlights will fit in the standard battery tray of an Elan, unless an S3 has a different tray to an S4 / Sprint, as it is to wide and not long enough to fit the clamps.

I bought this one last year, ebay item no. 200519900436, and it has been a good servant thus far. When I bought the battery, I pointed out to the seller, that the battery was not a sealed battery as advertised, as it had several fill plugs in the top and was delivered upside down, with battery acid all over the packaging. The picture at the time even showed the fill plugs, and that was what was delivered, which was what I wanted.

Todays pictured battery does not show the top of the battery, so I do not know if what they are selling is a sealed battery or a battery that requires maintainence, but I shall be buying another one shortly for one of my other cars.

You get what you pay for Alun, and with a 4 year guarantee.

Leslie

Leslie, it just does. The outer edge sits on, but not over, the edge of the tray, and the clamps fit fine. It`s got more cranking power than the Halfords one that was fitted and is much cheaper. It`s Exide, and they`re reputable as far as I know, and not an option chosen on price, but there`s nothing wrong with saving money.
Jim

a d price wrote:(Snip)... The present battery has not lasted 3 years yet the battery in my faithful old audi A2 has lasted 10years

4-5 years is generically typical in cars that see regular use and in which the batteries are regularly excercised and kept fully charged. Less in cars that sit around a lot (seasonal storage, or show/ collector cars). Being allowed to go flat really hurts lead-acid batteries... it's the kiss of death. Ten years is exceptional, especially if it was still performing to full spec toward the end. If you were just tolerating poor performance in order to drag out the inevitable, then how many of those 10 years were really 'good' years?

Regards,
Tim Engel

jimj wrote:I bought one of these, it`s perfect, came next day, it fits, it`s powerful and it`s incredible value;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361361165691
Jim

I have one too and find it great value. Very good CCP and great value.

If you are not bothered about originality and prepared to do a little mod, then could I suggest the battery I put in my Plus2?
Its a Bosch S5 type 075 600 CCA 61 Ah and a five year warranty. Had to cut a bit out of the boot floor to get it in and then re fibreglass, but it's WAAAAY better than the old 38 type mini battery.
Cost a bit, but five year guarantee can't be sniffed at,
Kind regards
Jeff 72+2

My experience is very much in line with Tim. I had alittle VW pick up for 8 years with the same battery, but it was in regular use. My Elise which I only use occasionally and then only in the summer needs a new battery very 3 years, even though I use one of these battery conditioning trickle chargers.

Richard Hawkins