Battery drain on my 'new' '99 Golf MK4?

[rikmayall]

Tried starting the car after lunch today, wouldn't start, luckily I was parked outside of Halfords and guy working in there came out to give me a hand starting it. Bump started it and drove the car 10 mins to work, immediately tried starting it again but nothing. Bought the car on Saturday from a guy, rang him to ask him what he thought the problem was, he said 'it had never happened him' and that a new battery was put into it in December, which could be right enough - the battery looks brand new (when I bought the car I noticed jump leads in the boot, which he said was for starting his dad's car).

Anyway, I'm starting to think theres a drain on the battery, as nothing was left on (i.e. any lights/radio). There's no battery light, so I've been told its not the alternator. Anyone any suggestions?

[b1gdub]

first thing mate is get the battery tested. I had this problem few weeks back and it turned out the battery had dead cells.

[andc1]

+1, get the battery/alternator tested, could not be charging the battery, could have a light left on somewhere i.e boot, glove box, interior, puddle lights,  leave alarm off for a while and see what that does, radio switching off?

[richw911]

After drop test check the boot light is not stuck on 

[Dirtydodger]

Also check the starter motor wires to make sure it's not shorting out as I had that same problem and re-wired it and it's fine now :-)

[Wayne]

Get the alternator and battery tested, also try and avoid bump starting it if you can.