How much should a battery replacement cost for a 2001 Audi A4?

Answer 1

I don't know how much it *should* cost, but my son just paid $400 (minus a few cents) to HBL Audi of Tysons Corner (Virginia). Charges included $181 for the battery, $175 for labor, ~$30 to dispose of the old battery, taxes, and an admin charge for updating his service record. :)

This seems excessive to me and I've just started researching it. This is the first car he has bought (used) since just finishing college and starting his first job. He paid just over $10K for the car ($14400, via 48-month financing), and has now put about $2K into repairs (~$700 for a rear window motor replacement, ~$650 for engine mount replacements, this $400 battery replacement, and a few incidentals...and now HBL wants $92 to replace a headlight bulb.

Hey, life can be tough, I know...and my son definitely has a lot to learn about such things (and it's not that we don't preach alternatives)...but on the other hand, he's a young kid working hard and trying hard to do things right...I feel that HBL is really taking advantage of him. (My son lives and work in the general vicinity of HBL and that plus his original expectation of having a lasting relationship with the Audi dealership -- when he is able to buy a more expensive new car someday -- have caused him to continue using them. My wife and I are pushing him to search for more honest alternatives.)

So you can get a battery at Autozone for $90 and replace it yourself in about ten minutes without any experience needed. There is only one screw that holds the battery in place, just need a long 6mm Allen wrench. Headlight is $20 and takes about 10 minutes to replace as well, 4 screws, unscrew top two, loosen bottom 2. There are guides online. Audi dealers overcharge everything. Don't ever go there!

Regards.