Mtsoxfan
Veteran Member
There are no Rural Kings around me, but for squeaks and giggles I looked up a replacement for my truck. Just as expensive as Walmart and the likes, but still much cheaper than a OEM Motorcraft.
Why are batteries suddenly so expensive?
- Thread starter Tpondel
- Start date
- Views: 19400
ttouring
Member
Only problem with that is we dont live in Canada or Europe.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
CH4Ohio
Veteran Member
That's crazy! Your dealer took advantage of you.
I usually go online and price Autozone, Advance, O'Reilly, and Walmart. Also check Rural King but it's a few miles farther. Most carry 2 or 3 grades of batteries and I lean toward the "best" one -- seems like you get the most bang for your buck. Walmart usually beats the auto parts stores and they are super convenient and warranty trades are easy. They'll install for you or you can do it yourself. Never heard of a battery warranty NOT being honored because you install yourself.
Why was there a "core charge" if they installed it? Sounds like they charged you $20 to dispose of your old battery.
Mtsoxfan
Veteran Member
I used to work at a dealership, GM, for 10+ years back in the 80's. There are many expenses that they incur, that general repair shops have the option to opt out of if they wish.
Paid employee training for new product line, updates etc. as they unfold from manufacturer. ( I went for weeklong training in Terrytown NY and Dedham MA, travel and hotel)
Buying new tools required for diagnosis and repairs before new products roll out.
Buying parts from manufacturer, at manufacturers pricing. (at least warranty work)
Subject to reimbursement for labor at a much lower rate, at times, not enough to cover costs for quality employees, usually no to very little diagnosis time. (warranty work)
Buying mandatory marketing materials.
I'm sure there is more, just making a point here. General repair shops do not need to do any of those for at least 3 years (warranty period) and have the luxury of cherry picking what work they want to take on. Pricing on tools come down, training comes from utube, manuals, etc. or less intensive training or free from parts suppliers, parts from any source they want. the list goes on.
I'm not a dealership fan for certain repair work out of warranty. (think $93 air cabin filter replacement) and the list is long, but they do potentially have the best trained employees, parts/tools to do the work, if they can afford to keep them.
Again, not the biggest fan of dealerships, just want to bring to light things some might not think of.
Paid employee training for new product line, updates etc. as they unfold from manufacturer. ( I went for weeklong training in Terrytown NY and Dedham MA, travel and hotel)
Buying new tools required for diagnosis and repairs before new products roll out.
Buying parts from manufacturer, at manufacturers pricing. (at least warranty work)
Subject to reimbursement for labor at a much lower rate, at times, not enough to cover costs for quality employees, usually no to very little diagnosis time. (warranty work)
Buying mandatory marketing materials.
I'm sure there is more, just making a point here. General repair shops do not need to do any of those for at least 3 years (warranty period) and have the luxury of cherry picking what work they want to take on. Pricing on tools come down, training comes from utube, manuals, etc. or less intensive training or free from parts suppliers, parts from any source they want. the list goes on.
I'm not a dealership fan for certain repair work out of warranty. (think $93 air cabin filter replacement) and the list is long, but they do potentially have the best trained employees, parts/tools to do the work, if they can afford to keep them.
Again, not the biggest fan of dealerships, just want to bring to light things some might not think of.
chim
Elite Member
When I first started working, I could buy about 3.5 gallons for my hourly pay. When I retired in 2021 an hour would have bought a little over 13 gallons at today's local prices. Everything does cost more as time goes on. I ordered a well-equipped '75 Chevy Blazer for under $6K. There are many reasons, but my guess is that the government needs more taxes coming in to pay for all the nonsense programs and is doing all it can to create inflation in an attempt to avoid exposing that they're (we're) already bankrupt.
danielk
New member
That's a good dad.
ultrarunner
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2004
- Messages
- 28,896
- Tractor
- Cat D3, Deere 110 TLB, Kubota BX23 and L3800 and RTV900 with restored 1948 Deere M, 1949 Farmall Cub, 1953 Ford Jubliee and 1957 Ford 740 Row Crop, Craftsman Mower, Deere 350C Dozer 50 assorted vehicles from 1905 to 2006
The costs that most concern me are the ones that just happen… increases in property tax and insurance are concerns because they directly affect the roof over my head.
I can selectively choose not to buy clothes, electronics, travel. L, etc… even a lot of leeway when it comes to food
Batteries… I do have the option of moving one between the antique cars with starters that is…
I can selectively choose not to buy clothes, electronics, travel. L, etc… even a lot of leeway when it comes to food
Batteries… I do have the option of moving one between the antique cars with starters that is…
chim
Elite Member
Property taxes are punishment for succeeding. They are an unfair burden we bear because of our bloated government. In the home of the brave and the land of the free you never own your property. If you stop paying rent to the government, they will remove you from it.
Mtsoxfan
Veteran Member
I enjoy paying property taxes as much as the next guy, but if it wasn't property taxes, there would be another tax in it's place. I'm not sure what type of tax would be fair to all.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
At least my property tax isnt very much money. On 30 acres its barely $2,400
I really feel sorry for those hit with many thousands in taxes.
And the property tax seems to be used to improve our area over the years
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