Car battery prices depend on the size of the battery (called the group size), the cold cranking amps (CCA) of the battery and the warranty, among other factors. Assuming you need to replace your old battery, you first need to determine the size (group number) of your current battery. If you go to an auto parts store, they can look it up by your car's make and model. You can also look up the information on AutoBatteries.com. On the AutoZone.com website, you can specify the make and model of your car, then search for parts specific to your car, though they may list both exact matches and near-matches.
Typical costs:
Prices for batteries in group size 24, 65 or 75, three of the most common sizes, can vary from $45 for a battery from a discount store with a 2-3 year free replacement battery warranty and 500-700 claimed Cold Cranking Amps, to $80-$90 for a premium brand battery.
What should be included:
If you need help installing the battery, we called a local AutoZone, a national auto parts store, and they said they would install a battery for free if we purchased it there. They did check the make and model the car first, though.
Additional costs:
In some states, you may be required to pay an additional fee until you drop off your old battery for recycling purposes, at which time your deposit will be returned. In California, the fee is $10.
Shopping for a car battery:
Unless your car is of an unusual make, most auto parts stores will have a battery of the needed size in stock. You can check the websites of Sears, and AutoZone to compare prices, although they may have different (and less expensive) models in the store.
My battery went weak and finally died. I called for a charge but the battery was completely dead so I bought a new one. I was quoted prices in the $75 - $110 range by an auto shop. But the AAA came to my door so I had no towing charge, they installed the new battery, did a diagnostic, and removed the old one for recycling. They threw in a change of battery terminals for free. It took all of 45 minutes from call to AAA to smooth starting car. I felt this was a good deal. Everyone involved was polite to me.
Had the car towed by AAA to my local mechanic (I'm a member). He tested the old battery, which was dead, and replaced it for 95 bucks including installation in about 10 minutes. Online these things retail for about $120. I feel lucky to have found a fair and honest mechanic close to home.
The battery of my 2005 was a J 5 and meaning it was purchased in the ten month. The battery could not hold a charge in cold weather any longer so I. Went to a consumer oriented website and found that I could take to old battery in to my local auto center at Wall-mart and get this EverStart Maxx N35top rated battery. ASAP The
Purchased a factory second for my older car w/100,000 mi.Only has a short warranty but 1/3 the cost of new one. The Deka factory (EAST PENN MANUFACTORING) in Lyons Pa will also install it & check your charging system for free.The battery only has cosmetic blemish&no fancy label!!!
Posted by: Firestone-hires-crooks in tallahassee, FL.
Posted: December 10th, 2010 10:12PM
Car Make: kia
Car Model: optima
Battery Type: interstate battery
2004 kia optima 4cyl bought used w/24,000 miles. Went through 3 batteries prior to Interstate. There must be a leak somewhere. Interstate battery purchased in 3/2009. Still strong (knocking on wood). Good warranty. cold weather startup is awesome. don't waste money on walmart brands. waste of money going back and forth.
Asked for a tow to a car repair place to determine why my battery went dead not long after repair on alternator. The AAA gentleman ran diagnostics on the alternator and battery. He offered to replace the spent battery - had a battery for sale on the truck. It seemed a bit expensive - but it was VERY convenient - no need to search & bargain in cold, snowy weather. He was very cordial but no doubt there are bonuses for extra "sales". But it was Personal Service. And I could just drive again in 30 minutes - no problem.
I was stuck home Christmas Eve (Dead Battert) and Christmas day I called AAA. They installed a new one for $111.56, but didn't have the metal stick to keep it in place. 2 weeks later when I went to pick this up at Autozone that I had the wrong size battery. I went back to Achins garage who was sent to install the battery and they took care of it right away. I too was quoted $105 on the phone, which was probably for the size that fit my car. Didn't even ask for my 6 bucks back ... and to think I gave the kid who installed it a $10 tip for working on Christmas!
Hey guys, I would like to thank each and everyone who contributed here for the posts and I defenetely Learned which kept me cool without getting Panic, My car didnt show any indications of the low battery but suddenly not starting, I did jump start with the help of another guy at a Hindu temple, but no use, later I got help from Geico for towing to nearest auto repair shop Firestone but towing guy simply jump started my car. We found the battery is drained too low to start the car and I Just spent 155$ for an interstate Battery and labor which is of great help now.
Was stranded 20 miles from nearest city. Called AAA and explained the problem. Tech arrived in 30 minutes. Checked the battery, alternator, belts, and if there were any drainage on the electrical system. Replaced with new battery 3yr total coverage and 3 yrs prorate. Great service!
Car didn't start in the morning, called AAA and they said battery was on its last legs. Replaced right away for $105+ tax, AAA brand battery with 6 year warranty.
Car didn't start on Sunday morning- Called AAA - they jump started but didnot start again after stop. Technician advised to replace battery, I agreed, then he said AAA doesn't carry BMW batteries for newer models - asked to go to dealer. Monday morning called private BMW mechanic - he bought the battery and AAA came again for jump start. Got battery replaced at mechanic. Battery price : $199. rest is labor and tax.
Battery died after five years, replaced by Batteries Plus, Rayovac 640 CCA, tested out over 1000 CCA great for the North Country, Have used Batteries Plus several times, price is fair, installation is done within 10 mins, drive up to the door convienient.
I am buying my battery tomorrow, and as far as batteries go Interstate is top of the line. I am also getting a good deal for it. It is 700 CCA with an 84 month warranty. The first 2 and a half years are free replacement. I have always worked on my own cars, so will not need someone else to do a simple battery installation.
I decided to buy a AAA membership for the first time a few months ago, and I'm glad I did! Yesterday, my car wouldn't start, so I called AAA to have them jump start it (I had cables in the car, but no one else would help me). I drove it around, took it home...and found out it wouldn't start again. So I called AAA another time, thinking I would just have them jump start it, and I would take it to Sears for testing. Well, instead, they tested everything themselves, and told me I needed a new battery. I had no clue about battery prices, but I trusted them when they said the price would be comparable to Sears, and had them replace the battery for less than $125 including tax. Took about an hour from the time I made the call to the time I had a working car, and the guy they sent out was very courteous. In hindsight, I could have gotten a new battery + installation cheaper elsewhere, but I was VERY pleased with the convenience and service of AAA.
Went to get car serviced at dealership, and did a load test on battery last year Sept '10, and it failed. However, car battery worked fine for another year, and recently had service again at same dealership in Sept '11. Battery again failed load test, but decided to replace the battery after five years. I remember how much is sucks to have a dead battery.
Factory price is $119.99 for the battery, but they price matched a coupon from another dealership for $89.95. Went ahead and changed the battery... $89.95+tax came out to ~$100 (note, left old battery there; assumed core exchange). Didn't know batteries were so expensive... last battery I paid for was about $70 for 1999 Toyota Camry.