What new battery for a Passat?

FrankGrimes

The battery for my 2003 1.8T VW Passat needs replacing - I tested the voltage going into it with a multimeter so it's getting enough power but drains if I leave the car unused while I'm away for a week and it's died a few times too many at this point.

I popped into a German auto parts place on the Long Mile Road in Dublin 12 but they didn't have the right battery model in stock. Is there a specific battery I need to get for this model of car or will any do the job?

If it's an easy enough DIY job, I'll gladly give it a shot replacing it myself, reckon YouTube will be handy for guides. If replacing DIY, what's the best thing to do with the old battery?

I'm in D12 so could pop out to pick up a replacement today but amn't sure what kind of places stock them...assume if a generic battery will do I can just pop into any auto parts place or even Halfords?

Any factors should stock a battery for one, Halfords will too. A factors may well fit it for free and also take the old one off you. Years back when I worked in a factors we did that.

Easy to do yourself, earth off first, then the live, then the bolt for the battery bracket or strap. Lift out old battery, position new one, secure it, live on first, then the earth and job done

ConnectDJs

Go to an Irish Motor shop. I bought a battery for a Bora last week in a Motor shop in Finglas and later saw that it was a fiver dearer in Halfords.

Halfords charge looney money to fit it too.

FrankGrimes

Thanks, I rang a local motor factors and they quoted €60 for the battery. As I pulled in to them I noticed an Advance Pit Stop nearby so went in to ask their price - €100 fitted with 3 year warranty but about an hour or so before they could do it. Decided not to pay the premium and got the battery for €60 instead.

Have to say customer service in both places was pretty abrupt so I can understand why a lot of people just opt for the likes of Halfords and similar that they're less likely to be intimidated by.

The location of the battery in the Passat made it tricky to get at - had to remove plastic coverings etc, so it wasn't as straight forward as it would be on my girlfriends Fiesta, but after a bit of tinkering it was easy enough. Glad to have saved the €40 and to know how to do it for future, changed a headlight while I was at it - the Passat sure doesn't make it easy to get your fingers at things but was handy enough too.

FrankGrimes

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Have to say customer service in both places was pretty abrupt so I can understand why a lot of people just opt for the likes of Halfords and similar that they're less likely to be intimidated by.

Any factors I have ever been in I have always found the staff excellent, I worked in one for years and all of the lads I worked with were always tremendously helpful to folk.

Halfords staff I find to be rather clueless generally.

DrumSteve

I'm looking to pick up one for a 1.4 bora... anyone know the general price range?