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EDGEMAN
Joined: 01/05/2001
Posts: 168,772
Likes: 91,004
EDGEMAN
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Prices started going up after America's last lead smelter closed

We now have to import all car batteries, and as you can see, prices didn't go down. But if you're in the market for a car battery, recommend checking three sources: Costco, Walmart, or Rural King. (The last is the cheapest, and I didn't even know they sold car batteries until recently...) Remember there are only ~3 companies that make car batteries for the US market, and they make them under multiple names.
Link: Check out their prices!
Posted: 12/11/2025 at 08:41 AM ET
(In response to this post by HokieDan95)

Thread Replies (34)

Full Thread →
It's been awhile since I've had to purchase a car battery. What the hell!
Late 80s Hokie • 12/11/25 08:29 AM ET
Yep, just found out that my 2020 F-250 has two batteries . . .
HokieKip • 12/11/25 12:59 PM ET
As does my Wrangler -it's the stupidass start/stop thing
Happy Dog • 12/11/25 07:08 PM ET
Can that be disabled through a PCM software update?**
EDGEMAN • 12/12/25 08:26 AM ET
of course they do **
bigbadbird • 12/11/25 06:45 PM ET
Battery $ have been up for a while, you also get to replace them 2-3 years!**
1400E • 12/11/25 12:27 PM ET
If you garage your car, recommend using a battery tender.
EDGEMAN • 12/11/25 01:56 PM ET
Yeah, their lifespans have become ridiculously short.**
MP4VT2004 • 12/11/25 01:17 PM ET
Car battery? How about the LR44 watch batteries for Hallmark ornaments?
JoesterVT • 12/11/25 11:25 AM ET
We have a Little Einsteins "Rocket" Ornament that plays the theme song.
Late 80s Hokie • 12/11/25 11:48 AM ET
That's pretty good. My VT bottle opener stopped playing the VT fight...
EDGEMAN • 12/11/25 03:46 PM ET
Dangit! Now an ear worm.**
reestuart • 12/11/25 12:34 PM ET
No kidding! I just bought one recently.
fsghokie • 12/11/25 10:43 AM ET
If you have a Pasco's battery warehouse I'd buy from them. The sales guy
section11hokie • 12/11/25 10:14 AM ET
How much? $150 or so? Could tree fitty. That'd be worse.**
BG Hokie • 12/11/25 10:07 AM ET
I'm seeing $260 as almost the standard price from most known Auto Parts
Late 80s Hokie • 12/11/25 11:08 AM ET
Ok, I feel behind too then. Drats!**
BG Hokie • 12/11/25 11:21 AM ET
Go to an Interstate Battery and get a refurnished one with a warranty.
jdkhokie • 12/11/25 09:51 AM ET
How much? We are considering buying a used Tesla, but our biggest concern
Stech • 12/11/25 09:36 AM ET
No, I'm just looking at a normal 12v car battery, not replacement for EV.**
Late 80s Hokie • 12/11/25 11:07 AM ET
I think the batteries only degrade 1-2% a year after the first year.
reestuart • 12/11/25 09:50 AM ET
Interesting **
Stech • 12/11/25 09:51 AM ET
If you're looking at a really cheap Nissan Leaf...
EDGEMAN • 12/11/25 09:40 AM ET
Thanks, we would get a really special price on this one, so it’s a Tesla or
Stech • 12/11/25 09:47 AM ET
Just had to replace 6 golf cart batteries. $1350 and I did it myself.**
vt90 • 12/11/25 09:25 AM ET
I look forward to solid state batteries replacing lead-acid...
EDGEMAN • 12/11/25 09:39 AM ET
For golf carts you have to add weight below the seat with solid state or ..
vt90 • 12/11/25 09:47 AM ET
Thing is, you don't even need a battery. Just the electricity.**
Spud • 12/11/25 08:43 AM ET
…they should give them away free of charge**
chumley • 12/11/25 09:17 AM ET
Just get a long enough extension cord.**
reestuart • 12/11/25 09:51 AM ET
And the core rebate is peanuts.**
TomTurkey • 12/11/25 08:37 AM ET
Price of car batteries shot up before tariffs**
HokieDan95 • 12/11/25 08:35 AM ET
Prices started going up after America's last lead smelter closed ◄
EDGEMAN • 12/11/25 08:41 AM ET
Smelter? There's a Sherrone Moore joke in there somewhere **
JoesterVT • 12/11/25 08:48 AM ET
He who smelter, delter. **
HokieGator • 12/11/25 08:51 AM ET