G'day people,

My 1998 Polo did not feel like starting this morning, the doors opened really slowly and when I put the key in the ignition, nothing moved at all - I suspect it's the battery or something. I last used the car 7 days ago and it seemed perfectly fine so this came as a surprise to me.

Do you reckon it needs a new battery (I haven't driven it much lately and it just sat around most of the time) or would it be fine if I get someone to start it and drive around for a while for it to be recharged ? - if the battery is the issue here that is.

Cheers !

- Nick

sounds like the batt to me.. charge it up see how you go..

cool mate, I'll try that !

if its the orig batt maybe on its last legs hey..
also check the water level in it if its down, top it up to give some more life maybe..
keep us posted..

you'll be laughing mate but I really don't know how to check the waterlevel of the bloody battery - the only car I knew in and out was my '87 Golf MK2. Not sure if the battery is original, I hope it's not but I reckon the car is too old for that - it's done 127.000kms. I just need to use the car rather fast. How much is a new one, you reckon and where would you get it from ?

Cheers mate.

mmmkay.. just go to your local (no idea where you are) battery shop; ie battery world or alike; and ask them to give you a newy and for a few bucks extra they will fit it up in a jiffy as well..
worth it if your a bit unfamiliar with 'under the bonnet son' yeah..
btw i did giggle a wee bit..
good one n good luck

Hello mate,

just thought I'd give you an update - car wouldn't clutch-start and thought battery = finished - then got another car to start it, drove to garage and once I got there it was working just fine again. The new battery is $130 including fitting. Is this an average price ? I find it quite expensive. I didn't get it cause the old one looks rather new to me and I figure it might have to do with the fact that I hardly ever use the car. The battery is still very low so I might drive around Sydney over the weekend - hopefully that'll do.

Thanx for listening mate ;o)

unfortunately batteries dont last forever... 5 years is usually the maximum life expectancy these days before a new one should be bought. checking water levels and topping up with distilled water etc will help it survive. short trips will also effect the life of a battery.
$130 including installation is probably reasonable, however that would depend upon the battery you put in..
the last battery i replaced cost about $120 - heavy duty one.

yeah $130 fitted is about right.. the thing is if your not too mechnikly minded it will be done correctly and you have recourse to take it back if any more problems happen, as oppossed you saving a few dollars and hooking it up incorrectly thus melting down the fuse box of tricks.. your call but i know which way id be going..
goodluck with it..