How Much Does an Average Car Battery Cost

How Much Does a Car Battery Cost?

Typical Car Battery: $50-$220, installed

Luxury Car Battery: $90-$300+, installed

Typical costs:

Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, expect to pay about $50-$120 for a typical car battery and $90-$200 or more for a premium battery with a longer warranty and better cold-weather performance, or one for a luxury vehicle. Most auto parts or discount big box stores provide free installation if the battery is purchased from them, while other battery retailers may charge $10-$100 or more for installation, depending on where the battery is located in the vehicle and their hourly labor rates. With installation charges, taxes and recycling/core fees (which vary by state), the total cost for a replacement car battery can be $60-$300 or more.
For example, from 2010 to 2012, CostHelper readers reported paying $52-$130 for a car battery with do-it-yourself installation, at an average cost of $86. Readers who had a battery installed for them at an independent repair shop, auto parts store or big box discount outlet paid $60-$180, or an average of $118.
An auto club tow truck may offer instant battery replacement instead of towing. For example, CostHelper readers with AAA membership reported paying $97-$139 for on-the-spot battery testing and replacement, at an average cost of $119.
Car dealerships are typically the most expensive option for having a replacement battery installed. CostHelper readers who had their battery replaced at a car dealership reported costs of $90-$307, for an average price of $204.
Prices for many car batteries have increased significantly in recent years, due in part to the rising cost of lead[1] (a key component in most car batteries) and increasingly strict environmental, health and safety standards for manufacturing with lead.

Related articles: Oil Change, Flushing a Transmission, Tune-up, Wheel Alignment, Muffler, Towing a Car

What should be included:

The first step is to test the battery[2] to see whether it simply needs recharging or should be replaced. This testing is free at most auto parts stores or departments, or car repair shops.
Replacing a battery is a fairly straightforward process, although it can be slightly more difficult if the battery is in a hard-to-reach location in the vehicle. DIYNetwork.com provides how-to instructions[3] .
The replacement battery needs to match the manufacturer's recommended group size for that make and model of vehicle. Group size is based on the outside dimensions of the battery and the placement of the terminals. Battery retailers will look up the group size based on the vehicle make and model, or this information is available on AutoBatteries.com[4] . Common group sizes are 34, 35, 65 or 75, and there are combination sizes like 34/78, with two sets of terminals.
Battery warranties usually have a total warranty period and a free-replacement period (typically three months to three years). The length of the free-replacement period is most important, because if the battery fails after that ends, the consumer generally gets only a prorated credit toward a new battery.
There are several other factors to consider. A battery's cold-cranking amps rating measures its ability to start a car in cold weather, at about zero degrees F. Reserve capacity indicates how many minutes the vehicle should run on battery power alone, if the car's alternator fails. And batteries are stamped with a date code, either on the case or attached label; Consumer Reports[5] recommends buying a fresh battery that is no more than six months from its manufactured date.

Shopping for a car battery:

Make sure the battery fits the climate and driving conditions as well as the vehicle make and model. Consumer Reports has a car battery buying guide[6] .
Car batteries are available through a wide variety of retailers, such as AutoZone[7] , Pep Boys[8] , Sears[9] or Walmart[10] .

Post

Comments (158)

CostHelper News

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 6 of 6 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 56

Posted by: Honda21 in San Jose, CA.	Posted: June 6th, 2021 09:06PM
Car Make: Honda	Car Model: Accord
Battery Type: Type 35

I was going to try to replace the battery myself but the old battery had corroded so much that I wasn't able to remove the terminals with my pretty crummy tools at home. There was this nasty green powder caked all over the red battery terminal.
I called AAA and thought the quote was okay. But included in their installation, he tested the old battery (dead) and, most importantly, he very meticulously cleaned all the corrosion gunk off the terminals and waa able to remove the old battery. I also like that they email me the warranty afterwards so I can call them if anything goes wrong (defects are fully covered for 3 years and partially covered for 6 years).
While AAA costs a little more, I'd recommend members use them if there is a corrosion issue (so it's difficult to remove or requires substantial cleanup), or if you want the convenience of their warranty (easier to enforce because you know where you got it).

Posted by: Arthur in Stoneham, MA.	Posted: March 6th, 2020 03:03AM
Car Make: Honda	Car Model: Ridgeline
Battery Type: 24F

Advanced Auto Parts. Installed Gold Battery for $128.00 with tax after $40.00 coupon. Great service at Stoneham Mass.

Posted by: Louisville lynn in Louisville, KY.	Posted: December 18th, 2019 11:12AM
Car Make: Honda	Car Model: Odyssey
Battery Type: ?

AAA on the spot replacement.

Posted by: Rose Goodlow in Bedford, OH.	Posted: January 24th, 2019 08:01AM
Car Make: Kia	Car Model: Forte
Battery Type: Don't know

I paid 132.95 plus 19.95 for labor and 1.60 for shop charge. I feel like I was over charged because my car ignition was froze the key would not move in the ignition. Soon as the weather got a little warmer it started right up and the dealership said I needed a battery I think I was cheated

Posted by: a user in Kansas City, MO.	Posted: December 11th, 2018 08:12PM
Car Make: Suburu	Car Model: Forester
Battery Type: ?

Thought the price was high, but I haven't purchased a battery in over 5 years. Had the dealership install, I am okay with the price, at least it wasn't the alternator.

Posted by: Soudian in Southfield, MI.	Posted: December 15th, 2016 03:12PM
Car Make: 2013	Car Model: Honda Odyssey
Battery Type: Honda

Posted by: pcat in Deland, FL.	Posted: September 14th, 2016 09:09AM
Car Make: Tooyota	Car Model: yaris

$141 installed-Sept 2016. About the same price I paid a couple of years ago and didn't have to make an extra trip to get one installed :) Couldn't find last paperwork on last AAA battery, but think it hasn't lasted more than a couple of years though :(

Posted by: Bops in Brooklyn, NY.	Posted: February 26th, 2016 03:02PM
Car Make: Toyota	Car Model: Yaris
Battery Type: Autocraft 26R Silver

I would have preferred a Gold with 3 year warranty but there weren't any offered for my car and I didn't feel like looking for a battery that would fit but wasn't guaranteed to fit (35 and 24Fs more generally fit but I wasn't sure if it would void the warranty to choose one not recommended for my make). I used a $40 off $100 or more coupon and the price above includes the $5 deducted for returning my used core and 5% cashback through my discover card.

Posted by: Krish in Vienna, VA.	Posted: January 30th, 2016 12:01PM
Car Make: Toyota	Car Model: Camry

Koons toyota charged $147 for tax and installation

Posted by: Oxherd2016 in Durham, NC.	Posted: December 31st, 2015 07:12PM
Car Make: Ford	Car Model: Fiesta
Battery Type: AutoCraft

I was trying to depart Kroger after shopping. I can't start the car. I would think it is a dead battery and I occasionally start the car and drove to advance autoparts. They test the battery and said the CCA is 11 comparing to normal of 550. I do online purchase of an $124 battery before applying a $40 coupon. I would bring down to $84 because I do not know that ebates fix the hooking problem between advance auto parts and ebates in cell phone version. Motorcraft battery only lasts for 3 year 11 months.

Posted by: Warranty Curious in Idaho Falls, ID.	Posted: December 5th, 2015 09:12AM
Car Make: Toyota	Car Model: Tacoma
Battery Type: Interstate MTP-24F 72 Month

I had a battery of the same make and model purchased from Big O Tires in 2010, that had failed with 12 months still on the warranty. I called Big O and got a price quote of $116 installed. I informed the salesman the current battery was still under warranty, showing him a copy of the 2010 receipt. He then gave me a price of $95 + $5 installation. I winced, but agreed, since I had no way of knowing what the prorated warranty schedule was. When I got home I went to IBs website. At 60 months, the warranty is 25% off the current SRP which in this case was $138.95 according to the website. So my question is, should the discount of $34.74 have ethically been applied to the quoted price? Do I have cause for complaint? Is this actionable or just a breach of good faith, not contract, since the price paid is less than the SRP minus the warranty discount.

Posted by: LovelyMrs1 in Lafayette, LA.	Posted: May 13th, 2015 05:05AM
Car Make: Toyota	Car Model: Camry
Battery Type: 3-year

$155.99 + tax includes installation.

Posted by: Miss Understood in Car Max INGLEWOOD, CA.	Posted: April 4th, 2015 03:04PM
Battery Type: 2012 VW GTI TURBO

I left my lights on all night so called AAA in morning. It was charged only 4.5 volts when AAA man jumped it. So I left it running half hour. My drivers window wouldnt go up so called Pasadena VW service dept. Man on phone said it had to be reset so I went to dealer. They checked battery & said it should be replaced & window mechanization was broken inside. Since I bought it at Car Max I do have a warranty but office was clsd.today. I paid $154. 00 for battery & they washed my car. I dont know if I really needed a new battery, but it has a 5 yr.warrenty they say.VW.will call me on Monday to let me know how much my deductable will be, they said probably $300.00!! Thats alot of money I think. So when I find out I just might go to my local mechanic & see how much it will cost there to repair. Meanwhile my window is staying UP!!

Posted by: happy car driver in San Jose, CA.	Posted: February 24th, 2015 04:02PM
Battery Type: group 35

I was at a car wash and the car wouldn't start afterwards and they had to jump my car. Afterwards, I drove to an autozone and said I probably need a new battery but wanted to check first. The guy came out and attached this device to the car battery and said it was fine, I just need to drive a while to recharge my battery. Glad I checked and saved some money! I don't know if all autozones are run by honest folks but I'll be returning to this one!

Posted by: swimkin in Wilmington, NC.	Posted: January 2nd, 2015 08:01AM
Car Make: Nissan	Car Model: Rogue 2012
Battery Type: AAA

I just had my battery replaced by AAA who came directly to my home and they told me it was the cheapest one that they sell. It was $121 plus tax.

Posted by: Seeee in Oakland, CA.	Posted: November 26th, 2014 12:11AM
Car Make: Volkswagen	Car Model: Jetta

Posted by: Bob Deals in Mount Dora, FL.	Posted: August 14th, 2014 10:08PM
Car Make: 97 Buick LeSabre	Car Model: LeSabre
Battery Type: Delco

Third Delco battery to die within warranty. Local Buick dealer replaced battery free but charged $100 to install.
Warranty service with Gm/Delco is generally vague and unclear. Earlier Delco battery had side terminals that leaked acid and ruined wiring harness. Delco design was flawed. Do your homework.

Posted by: MrLeonhuang in Arlington, VA.	Posted: May 30th, 2014 07:05PM
Car Make: Saab	Car Model: 93
Battery Type: AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 48, 7

Replaced my battery in Advanced Auto Parts. I ordered online, and original price was $170, but I got a promotion code, i got it $120. And picked up in store, and got free installation.

Posted by: gary shanks in Davenport, IA.	Posted: February 15th, 2014 08:02PM
Car Make: dodge	Car Model: caravan
Battery Type: 34/78 Duration

I whent to Farm and fleet. To get a car battery. they did make shour the car battery was badand was nice and that. but it is only a 18 months free replacment 3 year warranty.

Posted by: Old Lady in Texas in McKinney, TX.	Posted: October 12th, 2013 11:10AM
Car Make: Chev	Car Model: Impala
Battery Type: 60 mo warranty

Bought a battery & had it installed at WalMart last week. Cost had significantly increased since last battery I purchased +/- 5 yrs ago but I know they stand behind their products and because this battery has the terminals on the side of the battery instead of on top, and I think it might be difficult to install, I am satisfied.

Posted by: MG in Lilburn, GA.	Posted: September 5th, 2013 07:09PM
Battery Type: Die Hard

Too tired, hot and lazy to have the AAA tech jump the battery enough for me to get to Auto Zone, where I would've gotten it for $60 including free install. So I bought the overpriced AAA battery and let the tech put it in on the spot. It was done in 15 minutes and the tech was extremely nice. Right, he's making a commission on selling this thing so of course he was nice. But regardless, I'm a convenece person so you want easy-breezy then you're going to fork over the cash.

Posted by: [email protected] in Washington, DC.	Posted: June 23rd, 2013 09:06AM
Battery Type: Dura last Gold

I took my car to Auto Zone here in Washington DC to see why my car keep stalling and from time to time wouldn't start (Friday on my way home from work the car cut off on me) I needed a new battery and a fuel flush. All seems to be good so far. Also note when you turn in your old battery you should get a refund between 25 and 40 bucks. If you don't ask they won't give it to you.

Posted by: Felix Wehrli in Ardmore, PA.	Posted: January 22nd, 2013 11:01AM
Car Make: Prius	Car Model:

Price quoted was excessive by Ardmore Toyota. They claim that the battery is not very accessible, hence the price. I've never before paid more than $100 for a car battery including installation. If I find out that I was scammed I'll never go there again!

Posted by: Biju in Rockford, IL.	Posted: December 3rd, 2012 12:12PM
Car Make: Toyota	Car Model: Corolla
Battery Type: Extra Smart

Got stuck on the road after dropping off my little son at School. A good Samaritan helped me jump start the car. Drove it to Wal-Mart. They did the diagnosis and recommened battery replacement. They replaced a new battery for a total cost of $ 84 (taxes included). Thank You Jesus!

Page 6 of 6 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 56

External Resources:

www.infomine.com/investment/metal-prices/lead/5-year/
www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair-questions/4221215
www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-replace-a-car-battery/index.html
www.autobatteries.com/selector/index.asp
editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435441
www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-batteries/buying-guide.htm
www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Batteries/_/N-af333
www.pepboys.com/parts/batteries_accessories
www.sears.com/automotive-batteries-car-batteries/s-1100206
www.walmart.com/browse/replacement-parts/auto-batteries/91083_1045959_1074765_1072...