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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 31
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2004
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Hello All, semi-newb here. I have searched through the forums and found some generic information, but nothing specific on what battery to purchase for Contiques. I have a V6 Duratec Manual 95 Mercury Mystique that has been sitting for a while and the battery died (I now know to disconnect the terminals when storing). I am selling it to a coworker who is going to take it to northern Maine where it gets VERY cold. She has given me a budget of $100 and wants a good battery with a good warranty. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!
95 Ford Contour SE ATX:-( 84K V6
95 Mercury Mystique GS MTX 134K V6
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
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Look at the ratings, you want the highest CA (cranking amps @ 32�°F) and CCA (cold cranking amps @ 0�°F).
Then just look for the best warranty, also I suppose brand names would be best (maybe Die Hard from Sears, see stuff on TV about them a lot...)
That's about all I know, the more CCA, the better it will start the car in freezing weather. My old Cadillac had a gargantuan battery with over 1000 CCA (like 1500 CA), thing started one day in -10�°F temps when my mom's 6000 with a new battery wouldn't.
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693 |
The factory Motorcraft battery is an exceptional battery. Current production of Motorcraft batteries are of much higher quality than they were just a few years ago. The warranty is three years full replacement and pro rated from there for some unbelievable long time (a total of something like seven or eight years). If you buy the battery over the counter the warranty will not include labor. If you have a dealer install it, it will include labor. If I remember correctly it will also include towing if the battery fails. Expect to pay about $80.00 over the counter when on sale and about $85.00 to $90.00 when not on sale.
My personal preference for a battery is a brand called DayStarter. It is a much smaller company. Their battery is much better built than more common batteries. The internal plates have much more lead and are much stronger. Their warranty is 5 years free replacement (no pro rate). These things last a very long time. Should it fail during the warranty period (very uncommon) the free replacemnt starts the warranty over again. The warranty does not include labor. They are often priced at $15.00 to $20.00 above a factory battery. It may be hard to find a source since they are uncomon. Try looking them up with a Google search and email them to find a local distributor.
Sears sells a battery that is made by the same vendor as the Motorcraft, but on our cars it is only available in their very expensive "International" series. You will pay between $100.00 to $120.00 for a battery that has a lesser warranty than the Motorcraft (18 months free replacement, I don't remember the pro rate). It isn't a bad battery though and you can find a Sears store most anywhere.
I haven't had experience with the batteries from Pep Boys, Kragan, AutoZone, Walmart, etc. Most of them are not made by the same vendor as the Motorcraft. The other major vendor has had a lot of quality issues in the past few years. Sears tried switching vendors a few years ago and switched back because their warranty costs went through the roof.
Others may provide their experience with these usually less expensive batteries.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 31
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
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Big Jim, thank you very much for the informative reply! I have sent an e-mail to DayStarter and hope for a reply soon. In the mean time, the battery in my Ford Contour is dying, as well. It, too, is a 95 V6, but is automatic. As far is that is concerned, I am just looking for something inexpensive. I know that Wal*Mart has a $40 battery for my Tour. Anyone have problems with this? The model is a 47-3, I believe. I tried to buy one today, but they were out of stock. I hope I get to work tomorrow! Thanks, again.
95 Ford Contour SE ATX:-( 84K V6
95 Mercury Mystique GS MTX 134K V6
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 31
New CEG\'er
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2004
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FYI: The response I received from Daystarter:
Our MX batteries are not currently available. We are selling the company to a large manufacturer with strong distribution.
95 Ford Contour SE ATX:-( 84K V6
95 Mercury Mystique GS MTX 134K V6
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693 |
Thanks for the update. Their web site gave no indication of this.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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