Anybody checked the price of a battery?

[Transporter]

The Varta battery in my T5 is now 7 years old and still cranking strong. When measured, it has the capacity close to that writen on the label.

Bear in mind that the battery in cars with stop start systems is AGM and it will be much more expensive to replace than the std battery.

[K1W1]

AGM batteries are not expensive these days. The GM part is simply a fiberglass Matt that sits between the lead plates to stop them touching. It adds virtually nothing to the manufacturing costs. We buy small AGM batteries for $6 each and one with the same sort of aH rating as cars (70) for about $40. The problem with those ones is that they don't have the CCA rating required for a modern high compression car.

[Bob51]

I would not be going to any car dealer to replace a battery unless it is a warranty claim - it will be a recipe to be overcharged.

Century Batteries make replacement batteries in Australia for VW/Audi/Skoda vehicles. The replacement for a Skoda Octavia TDI is code DIN65LH and has a retail price of $209 but I've seen it for $179. Petrol models will probably use a smaller and therefore cheaper battery. There is an online catalogue on Century's website to tell you the right battery for your car.

No doubt there are cheaper batteries from Asia but I have always got good life out of locally made Century batteries.

[donweather]

With regards to warranty, I can't vouch for Skoda, but I can say that when the battery went in my Tiggy, within the 3 yr warranty period, I just rang VW assist (RACQ in disguise) and they came out, tested the battery, said it was dead and needed replacing. Because I was in VW assist, they just said it was covered under the warranty, gave me a new battery and then RACQ just charged VW.

So based on that, I'd say it's covered under warranty, or if not, I got it free anyway!!!

[Tigger]

As I already mentioned too, my experience was exactly as donweather described...on the last day or two of my three year warranty and the odo showing 110,000kms...

no charge including delivery, fitting and all within 30mins...

[Swampy]

My battery recently died, which resulted in my RS going to VW as the RACQ roadside techie diagnosed the refusal to start on a jumper lead as a possible valve failure

Thankfully the 'rattle' was nothing and I was going again with a new battery. I was offered a genuine Skoda/VW battery at $490, or a non-genuine (Century) battery at $140. No prizes for guessing which battery I bought!

[Tigger]

My battery recently died, which resulted in my RS going to VW as the RACQ roadside techie diagnosed the refusal to start on a jumper lead as a possible valve failure

Thankfully the 'rattle' was nothing and I was going again with a new battery. I was offered a genuine Skoda/VW battery at $490, or a non-genuine (Century) battery at $140. No prizes for guessing which battery I bought!

That price difference amazes me! How can they justify such a huge difference??
Century is a good brand, so it is not as if you compromised anything by going for the cheaper option.

[Mysticality]

That price difference amazes me! How can they justify such a huge difference??
Century is a good brand, so it is not as if you compromised anything by going for the cheaper option.

OEM+



Just kidding!!

[Hillbilly]

Be thankful you havent got a Passat TDI with stop start My contact at Battery World told me a replacement would be in the vicinity of $700-800.

Something to do with the type and the fact it has a chip in it so can only go with what he said and he is usually reasonable with things I have bought off him

[Rooboy]

With regards to warranty, I can't vouch for Skoda, but I can say that when the battery went in my Tiggy, within the 3 yr warranty period, I just rang VW assist (RACQ in disguise) and they came out, tested the battery, said it was dead and needed replacing. Because I was in VW assist, they just said it was covered under the warranty, gave me a new battery and then RACQ just charged VW.

I just got my Skoda welcome pack after 4 months of ownership and the battery is covered From the Roadside Assistance booklet:

Flat or Faulty Batteries

We will test batteries for their performance, jump start flat batteries, or co-ordinate or arrange battery replacement.

Where a replacement battery is required and the vehicle is still covered by the SKODA manufacturer's warranty, our Service Provider will take all reasonable steps to replace the battery at no cost to you if the battery has failed due to a warrantable defect.

Should a replacement battery be required outside the SKODA manufacturer's warranty, you would be responsible for all costs

So it seems the same deal as VW.