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Did I pay too much for a new battery?

9 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2008 at 7:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Van

Messages Page 2 of 2

#5 of 9 Re: Did I pay too much for a new battery? [jipster] by kozakid

May 08, 2008 (8:52 am)

Replying to: jipster (May 08, 2008 8:22 am)
Thanks for the advice!
 
You're right. I should've gone to a place like AutoZone for a free test. And although I know virtually nothing about automobiles, I feel sure I could easily have replaced the battery myself. I learned a hard lesson this time, but it certainly won't happen again. Incidentally, I plan to discuss the "testing" charges with the mechanic soon.

#6 of 9 Re: Did I pay too much for a new battery? [kozakid] by jipster

May 08, 2008 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: kozakid (May 08, 2008 8:52 am)
Just an FYI, the previous battery I had in my Buick cost about $105 installed. This was at an independent mechanics shop. The battery lasted less than 2 years. I suppose the total price included everything that was on your list.
 
But, I've been in the same boat. You have something that needs repaired... you want it fixed right away. Your price really wasn't that bad. You could have saved around $20- $30 by taking it somewhere else, or having it tested yourself. Though, a lot of places(dealerships) probably would have charged more.

#7 of 9 Re: Did I pay too much for a new battery? [jipster] by kozakid

May 08, 2008 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: jipster (May 08, 2008 12:57 pm)
Thanks again for your help.
 
Today I asked the mechanic if I had been charged twice for testing. He said no, then went on to offer an explanation which I was unable to understand. I believe he said it was necessary to test one thing and then another, ergo the separate testing charges. He mentioned that I was paying for their "know-how" and "a $100,000 piece of equipment." He went on to say that he was expensive because he was thorough, or words to that effect. I have to admit he is a well-schooled and extremely hard-working fellow who has a very faithful customer base. His success tells me that he's a good businessman, although I've heard from many that he can really be a jerk. Oh, well, I guess that sounds like a lot of people.
 
Perhaps I should've asked him what I would've been charged if I had told him simply to take out the old battery and install a new one -- no testing involved. (Incidentally, I forgot ask him about the $10.00 shop supplies.)
 
You may very well be right in saying that your previous $105 charge may have included the same items on my list. I figure that if Toyota, indeed, does send me a check for $45.00 or so, then things might not've turned out so bad after all.
 
Once again, many thanks for your input

#8 of 9 Re: Did I pay too much for a new battery? [kozakid] by jipster

May 10, 2008 (6:36 am)

Replying to: kozakid (May 08, 2008 6:01 pm)
Just another FYI for the 4 or 5 years down the road when you'll need another battery. Autozone will test and install your battery for free. Though they will only install if it is a simple pull out. When I went to Autozone a few months ago over my Buick Regal battery problem, they said they couldn't install my battery as there involved some removal of a few parts to get the old battery out. Autozone carries the Duralast brand which is highly rated.
 
My 2004 Mazda MPV still has the factory battery in it at 43,000 miles. I'm guessing it may last another year.
 
Good luck with your Sienna. They are very nice vans. We ordered one back in 2004, but it didn't work out with the crummy dealership we were working with. We've been very happy with our MPV though, so it worked out well.

#9 of 9 Re: Did I pay too much for a new battery? [jipster] by kozakid

May 10, 2008 (7:17 am)

Replying to: jipster (May 10, 2008 6:36 am)
Well, at least I've learned a lesson from this experience and will certainly be more careful the next time I have to buy a battery. I have to admit that I never even considered a place like AutoZone, which quite possibly would've been my best bet this time around.
 
While I really love my Sienna, which is remarkably comfortable and quiet for a minivan, I am not at all surprised that you had a less than satisfactory experience at a Toyota dealership. I've bought several new Toyotas in the past, and every single time I've dealt with them I've had to hold my nose. My experience has always been that their cars are great, but their dealerships are lousy.
 
I'm glad you've been enjoying your MPV. I may look beyond Toyota the next time I buy -- probably another minivan. I would most likely consider MPV, Nissan, Honda, and possibly Kia.
 
Best of luck to you and thanks again!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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