looking for a decent battery .. 1989 Turbo Diesel

[wbmkk]

My current battery is about 5 years old but this evening it let me down .. leaving me stranded at the local supermarket (wife wasn't too pleased either)

The van stood for well over 2 years without moving which was probably not good for the battery, as it was broken. This year I got the van fixed and have been using the van quite regularly, but only for short trips

What is a good brand battery to buy ?

is there a recommended battery for the 1.6 Tubo Diesel California (1989)

Any advice would be greatly apprecuiated.

thank you
 

[mioba]

Bosch, Varta

Maybe try a battery conditioner / charger first in existing battery.

The cold weather soon highlights weak batteries.

[multisi]

Dont bother with the old battery its had it. A five year old battery will be starting to come to the end of its healthy life.

[wbmkk]

Dont bother with the old battery its had it. A five year old battery will be starting to come to the end of its healthy life.

yes, I agree it's time for a new battery
 

[wbmkk]

Bosch, Varta

Maybe try a battery conditioner / charger first in existing battery.

The cold weather soon highlights weak batteries.

The current battery was a Bosch and it lasted for just over 5 years years ... just checked my receipts and the 5-year guaranteed has actually just ran out in Novemebr 2022 ... very annoyingly so :)
 

[Simon Baxter]

Buy a British standard type 100.
Also buy a smart charger and leave it pliugged in when the van is not in use.
Batteries don't like being left to go flat.

[mike the van]

 I had an OEM  (which turned out to be an Exide) on my 2010 polo that expired after 10 years, best battery life I have encountered, maybe just lucky?
Had a few Bosch that seem to not last well as they used to, modern batteries seem to just die without much warning. 
Totally agree on keeping charged if possible with a smart charger

Mike 

[bigherb]

Varta, Exide, Banner and Yuasa are the top brands. Top end Bosch are made by Varta, budget are Far east imports.

[mioba]

Best Bateries I have had in my cars are Merc batteries. last 13 years on average