Hi, yes, as mentioned, a new 12 volt battery will work on an old car. Why are you buying a battery? Maybe you don't have one, or maybe yours is dead. Modern batteries should last over 5 years. You have to make sure your charging system is working. If you can get the car started any cheap multi meter should show 13.5 to 14.5 volts at the battery posts. If you don't see this much voltage you have to trouble shoot the charging system. Ludwig is right about the generator and regulator. Old regulators have point contacts that burn, and can go out of adjustment. Generators have brushes and armatures and bearings that wear out. The old school test was to remove the negative cable from the battery when the car is running. If the car runs, the charging system is working. If it stalls, the car is running on battery only. Many people do not like this quick test. Never try it on a modern computerized car. Ask questions before spending money. You may just have to tighten the fan belt. Good luck