I have a 92 Miata and the old Westco died after only 4 years of service. Since this battery is so much cheaper than Westco's now $133 pricetag for something that's made overseas, I figure I'd get this item which is reported to be the same exact unit as the old Westco made by EastPenn Deka with the exact same dimensions. Since mine was the first generation Miata with round vent tubes, the venting outlets should also fit perfectly.
I ordered the item straight from BatteryMart, which uses Google checkout. They also shipped out the package the same day they received my order in the morning. As I need the battery to start my car, it was much appreciated.
However, UPS delivery had a problem since the address was missing my apartment number. I called Batterymart since I was sure I entered the apartment number in the original order (shown in email confirmation), batterymart rep claimed that I would have to pay a $10 fee to correct this error, which I found outrageous (regardless of whose error, since it's really just a simple call to UPS to change the information).
After explaining and verifying that it was something amiss between Batterymart and Google Checkout that they used, the manager was able to "waive" the address-change fee. A bit cynical, I asked for a discount, which the manager named Anthony was nicely able to get (probably through Google) a day later by waiving my shipping charge.
Then the package finally arrived, even though it was delivered to the wrong building (again fault of UPS). The carton looked worryingly small, barely bigger than the battery. Opening it, the suspected problem unraveled: The package was padded by 1/2" of spacer at the top and two longer sides (not four), but the bottom was only padded by a single layer of thin corrugated board with a few crushed shipping foam peanuts. Two corners of the battery was thus damaged, obviously pushed in with creases in the plastic and outer box.
I called UPS to file a damage report, but also contacted BatteryMart via email. I think the damage is as much attributable to UPS as it may be to the woefully inadequate packaging. The battery had been tested to have the proper voltage and appeared functional, though I was not sure if these damages would have repercussions in the long term. I will update if I get a follow-up from the vendor (or not) on replacements or compensation.
Also notable is that the top of the battery doesn't really look like the one in the Amazon photo, which looks exactly the same as the old Deka/Westco battery. The one I received has a slightly different design, arguably looks a bit cheaper with plastic layers instead of an entire block with grooves as the hold-down bar guides; although it's a minor quibble. I also cannot verify from any of the markings that it is indeed made by East Penn (except the shared 81MU1R model number which is also shared with an Autozone wet cell miata battery among others, telling nothing of its true origins).
Nonetheless, it is an AGM as there are no watery slushing noises, or this sort of damage with the package obviously been rolled around would probably have caused a leak already. The hold down clamp in the Miata also fits perfectly over the plastic top pieces. The battery is the exact same size as the old Westco, fitting nicely into the battery tray as well, with some room left over (as Westco is a bit smaller than the original Panasonic AGMs).
I have searched various sources for the proper AGM battery, and most are either much more expensive, or have been replaced by Wet-cell types that are serviceable yet undesirable due to Miata's peculiar battery location in the trunk. It's a pity that if not for the damages, I would have declared this my new source of replacement Miata batteries.
8/20/10
Batterymart responded to my email, less than a day after I dispatched my request. A product specialist named Brad kindly offered to ship me a replacement at no cost, and noted that UPS will probably pick up the damaged package. He also instructed the shipping department to pay extra attention to packaging to avoid damages. I also received a UPS shipment notification, suggesting the package is going out today.
Initially I almost did not expect a reply, much less a positive one, due to the aggressive pricing of the battery itself and that "$10 address-change surcharge" incident. Therefore this level of painless customer service had taken me a bit by surprise. I hope this wraps up nicely, and will update once the replacement arrives.
8/24/10
The replacement battery arrived today. The package is almost 3 times as big as the original that got damaged, suggesting ample padding material. Opening it up, I had to chuckle: the battery was packed to make a point! There was at least 2" of thick corrugated boards protecting the top and bottom, and between 3" and 4" of similar padding by the four sides (see photo). I imagine even the most anal-retentive (e.g. yours truly) would be put at ease with this kind of packing. It would probably survive a drop from a UPS truck while moving!
Needless to say, the battery arrived in perfect condition and tested to be in expected working order. The customer service at Batterymart proved to be responsive and thorough, and promptly righted what could be a messy problem. It's probably a quality most valued from any online vendor, and I appreciated it.
Bought this to replace a 7 year old Mazda battery in my 96 Miata. Battery was the same size and poles are correct. The only minor issue is the Battery vents are round and smaller than the Mazda battery. I had to cut the square ends off of the vent hoses and they fit into the round holes on the Marathon replacement battery. Other than that was a quick replacement and has been working well.
Good replacemnet and cheaper than the dealer.
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According to a number of threads on Miata.net, as well as manufacturer data on other sites, the Marathon MAR-8AM-U1R battery is in fact an Absorption Glass Mat (AGM) battery, NOT a lead-acid type as stated in the description here on Amazon. This also appears to be the same unit sold elsewhere under the Deka brand name, item number 8AMU1R. In any case you can buy with confidence, this is the right battery for your Miata.
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BatteryMart replacement battery (made by Marathon Batery) was easy to install and took only about 10 minutes.
I cut the original two "rubber" vent tubes at the top of the round tubing where it met the rectangular section which fitted over the rectangular battery vent (I was replacing a Jhonson Control's battery).
The new battery (Marathon) had circular vent holes so the round "rubber" tubes fit perfectly over the battery's vents.
The new battery had the same terminal orientation as the old battery so the cables fit perfectly.
So for $101.95 (including shipping) and 10 minutes installation timeI was very satified with this purchase. The local Miata dealer had quoted me almost $200.00 for replacing the battery on my Miata.
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This battery is a great sub for the Gen 1 (Classic) Prius battery.
It costs less, has vents required for trunk mount and is jell cell.
Length and width are the same, height needs to be shimmed 2 inches.
I used pieces of pressure treated wood pickets for that.
The battery terminals need to be changed to standard auto terminals.
Less than 10 dollars at Auto zone.
A good deal
I tested this with a phone doing GPS navigation, something that really ran the battery down with another 12V adapter/charger attached Using this adapter, the phone charged, albeit slowly, with navigation on.
