New battery for 1.9D, which make?

[skyship007]

Had a few slow to turn over starts in the last cold week (The engine not myself) and because I still have the original Volvo battery fitted I suspect it might just be time for a new one after 10 years. The battery in my car does need to have a fairly good capacity as it might not be getting much of a chance to charge up due to the number of short trips it has to suffer.
Looking at Fleabay it seems the phase 2 1.9D is supposed to have a battery of 74Ah plus with a 680 CCA. Not sure which number that is in size group terms, but it looks like the choice is between Varta and Bosche, as I am not buying anything with a name I don't recognise.
Anyone got any opinions on economic but long lasting batteries?? I am sure the Volvo stealer sells them, but I am not selling the car to pay for a battery, as the OEM spec one is a Tudor marine grade one.

[Paul S1]

Bosch or varta are both good

[skyship007]

What about an Energizer plus, as it is slightly cheaper? I presume it has nothing to do with Ever Ready these days.

[cjmcgrath]

I have a Bosch s6 in my 1.9D it is brilliant never given me any issues. If you get one get it from

http://www.carbatteriesonline.co.uk/car-batteries/

Only cost me £75 inc p&p

[skyship007]

I am slowly leaning towards a Bosche, but I can't buy batteries online in Germany without a deposit fee complication and there is a Bosche service center in the next town that will price match.
Which exact S6 battery did you buy as I can't figure it out from their web site as it only lists S4 and S5 ??
The S5 looks real good in Ah and CCA figures, so that might be the one you bought.

[sebaveh]

Optima anyone?

But seriously, I remember we had Delphi battery (70 Ah) in our tractor that lasted for 7 years! And it wasnt always an easy start, especially with blown glow plugs and 25 seconds of cranking.
I wonder if they are still making them in such quality?

[shaunv40]

I know you don't have halgords in Germany but,

Halfords own brand offer a 3 year warrantee or the advanced is a 4 year warrantee! I personally will be buying Bosch or halfords due to the fact I have a trade card.

[mikealder]

Originally Posted by sebaveh

Optima anyone?

Optima Red Top is what I have fitted but you do need to modify the standard Volvo battery leads to get it to connect as the terminals are slightly too far away from the edge of the battery, great cold cranking current ability though from the redtop - Mike

[skyship007]

OK I have decided it will have to be a Bosch S4 and the 72Ah version that has a 680 CCA. The minimum required CCA is 600 for the 1.9D, although I could not find what Volvo recommend for the minimum Ah. I don't park anywhere that I need to leave sidelights on etc and I think 72 Ah should be enough.