Cheap batteries but not mates rates.

[California Dreamin]

I thought I would just pass on this just in case it can save others a few quid.

Every town has several battery retail shops...they sell dozens of batteries each week, particularly in the autumn winter months. A percentage of these batteries are returned under warranty often completely fat, some faulty but many that are not. This can be for a variety of reasons, an electrical problem perhaps or something as simple as a faulty boot light.
As it takes a day or longer to properly charge and check a battery the customer is often given the benefit of the doubt, a replacement battery FOC and sent on his way.
The battery shop then ends up with a steady supply of part used but 100% working batteries kicking around in the back store room, charged and checked but can't be sold in the normal way.
Now this is where you come in with the words ' I'm after a cheap battery..I don't want to pay much but willing to pay cash, I understand that you might have a few good batteries returned under warranty, it needs to be..etc etc'
It helps to wait for an empty shop...he won't like discussing such things infront of an audience so choose your moment. You might have to compromise on type/size so make sure you measure your available space and know the minimum power rating you are after (larger capacity is better of course) but be aware that T25 battery boxes need a lower profile (around 17.5cm max)

I've been buying batteries like this for several years....bought a Lucas Premium LP100 68ah 630CCA this afternoon for £20.00 (fits like a glove in a T25 battery box, lid shut) ....no warranty of course but at under 6 months old who cares.....The one it replaced lasted nearly 4 years and was bought in just the same way. I purchased a 110ah leisure from the same shop last summer for £35...less than four weeks old.

You may not have success with every shop but approach it the right way and there are definately bargains to be had (I would go into the shop, this probably wouldn't work as well over the phone)
I don't know any of the people and this is common practice..you've just got to be cheeky enough to ask. Under normal circumstances these batteries would be sold to family/friends and traders that they know..you've just gotta get in there and do the deal.

Martin

[Cableguy]

Good idea. Cheers
Wish I'd thought Of that sooner.
Just weighed out £70 for a new varta.
2 nd battery in 18 months, first one was cheap, but my battery drain killed it.
Will be fitting an isolating switch as I can't find the drain as yet.

[kevtherev]

Nice one martin
We have such batteries kicking around the workshop.
but they are only 27 A/h golf cart batteries (traction)

I can't give them away

[1664]

I can't give them away

you're not trying hard enough.....

[jamesc76]

Nice one martin
We have such batteries kicking around the workshop.
but they are only 27 A/h golf cart batteries (traction)

I can't give them away

What size are they????? I have a project in mind and one of those if 12v could be ideal!