Why are batteries suddenly so expensive?

[Tpondel]

I noticed this with an older car I had. Today I'm trying to replace a 1979 VW Beetle battery and I'm seeing $200!
Are they filling batteries with gold now?


WTH ???

 

[arto98607]

Is it a common size, or is it rare size today?

If item was $105 year 2000 it's about same as $200 in today's money.

Inflation calculator is here...

Inflation Calculator | Find US Dollar's Value From 1913-2025

Easily calculate how the buying power of the U.S. dollar has changed from 1913 to 2025. Get inflation rates and U.S. inflation news.

www.usinflationcalculator.com

Gasoline for $3 - 3.50 a gallon today is actually a bargain!


If in doubt, ask Europeans or Canadians

 

[JTKub]

Long gone are the days of swinging into your local Wally and grabbing an EverStart group 51 (or whatever) for $60-70. They're 2-3x that cost now. More at car parts stores.

 

[Hay Dude]

I noticed this with an older car I had. Today I'm trying to replace a 1979 VW Beetle battery and I'm seeing $200!
Are they filling batteries with gold now?


WTH ???

Parts like Batteries, emissions parts, repairs, and insurance have all about doubled in the last 5+ years.
And people wonder why their amazon stuff and food costs so much….

 

[dodge man]

I just bought one for my daughters car, a Ford Fusion so a common size, $200.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I just bought a 51r battery for $160

It replaced a 4 year old battery

 

[true temper]

I buy blemish batteries when I can get them two thirds of the price and in my opinion just as good.
Go to a real battery store they usually have them.
Some old school parts stores carry them.

 

[Hay Dude]

So what are the reasons they are so expensive?

I don’t really know, but my guess would be batteries are very heavy, and shipping costs have gone up a lot with the prices of diesel fuel and crazy high trucking maintenance and insurance costs.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Suddenly? Where have you been????

 

[Gregster613]

I buy blemish batteries when I can get them two thirds of the price and in my opinion just as good.
Go to a real battery store they usually have them.
Some old school parts stores carry them.

What exactly is a "blemish" battery? I don't seem to recall hearing that term used before.