Hey, I just bought a 2004 Mini Cooper S, she's super sweet and quick and a good addition to my car family which includes a 2002 Wrangler and a '84 Westy. She needs a new battery and I'm wondering if you all recommend getting the OEM part or if a Walmart stylie batt. will be fine. I had to laugh when it was dead in the parking lot after a live music show and I couldn't even figure out how to open the hood nor find it in the manual - because it's a bonnet! I was thinking, o.k., this is a whole new thing here . . . I'm grateful for a forum such as this and look forward to receiving feedbak from those of you familiar with this car. I've only put about 50 miles on her so far. BTW, I reviewed the previous battery forums per the NAM guidelines but did not find an answer there. She is also in need of a front right, lower ball joint -I have a good brake and alignment guy who I think will handle this for me well. Thanks for your time and feedback. Peace Out, Jane Janie

 

Autozone due to price and availability nationwide.

 

I suggest seeing if you can find an Optima 34r. It is a great battery, does not need to be vented, fits perfectly and is higher capacity than OEM.

///Rich

 

Thank you Buzzsaw and Rich, I'll look for the Optima 34r, maybe they have it at Autozone. Jane Janie

 

Guys, I found the Optima battery at Autozone - thank you. It comes with a 3 year warranty. They also sell their own Duralast Gold brand battery which carries an 8 year warranty and costs $60 less. I understand the Optima vents less gases being a "jell cell", right? Would you still go for the Optima? I do have a crazy big subwoofer in the car which may be one reason to get the Optima, eh? Thanks for your feedback. Jane Janie

 

I would go with the Optima due to the higher capacity/reserve power to better work with your amp. I have always had good luck with the Optima batteries. However, $60 is a lot more and the Duralast Gold should work OK.

 

Interesting info on the Optima 34R: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...3-151-34r.html