How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Subaru Legacy?
Cost range at a glance
- Standard flooded lead-acid battery (common, non-AGM): roughly $90–$180 for the battery itself, with installation adding about $20–$60.
- AGM battery (premium, longer life, better cold-cranking): roughly $120–$300 for the battery, with installation typically $20–$60.
- dealership vs. aftermarket installation: installations at a dealer tend to be higher, often adding $10–$50 more in labor than independent shops.
- Warranty considerations: many batteries include a 2–4 year replacement warranty (or longer on premium products), which can affect the overall cost if you factor in potential future coverage.
What affects the price?
The final bill is shaped by several factors. Understanding them helps you shop smarter and avoid surprises at the counter.
- Battery type and size: Standard flooded vs AGM, and the exact group size required by your Legacy model year.
- Where you buy: Retail chains, independent shops, and dealer networks each price batteries differently; online purchases may require local installation fees.
- Labor and installation: Some shops include battery disposal and testing in the labor fee; others bill separately for disposal and recycling fees.
- Vehicle compatibility: Some Legacy trims or model years may require specific battery configurations or additional wiring checks.
- Warranty and brand: Premium brands and OEM-equivalent replacements may cost more upfront but offer longer warranties or better cold-cranking performance.
Battery options and pricing
- Standard flooded lead-acid battery: affordable option, widely available at auto parts stores and dealers. Expect $90–$180 for the battery, plus $20–$60 for installation.
- AGM battery: higher reliability in cold weather and better vibration resistance. Expect $120–$300 for the battery, plus $20–$60 for installation.
- OEM-equivalent or dealership-sourced battery: may cost more upfront but can offer exact fit and dealer support. Total typically $150–$350 including labor, depending on model year and local pricing.
DIY replacement vs. professional service
Before attempting a DIY replacement, consider these points and the typical steps involved. If you prefer a quick, worry-free option, a professional installation is often the safer bet.
- DIY considerations: you can save on labor, but you’ll need basic hand tools, protective gear, and a one-time battery disposal plan. Follow the vehicle’s service manual for torque specs and safety precautions.
- Typical steps (for a standard battery): disconnect negative cable, disconnect positive cable, remove hold-down clamp, lift out old battery, clean tray, place new battery, reconnect positive, reconnect negative, reset electronics if required.
- Why professional installation matters: technicians can test the charging system, reset anti-theft and ECU data if necessary, and verify there are no parasitic drains or alternator issues that could prematurely kill a new battery.
Where to buy and what to ask
- Local auto parts stores: typically offer a wide range of brands, warranties, and often free installation with purchase.
- Subaru dealership: convenient if you want OEM compatibility and dealership-backed service, but prices may be higher.
- Online retailers with local delivery/install options: sometimes cheaper on the battery itself, but verify installation availability and any added labor charges.
Bottom line and tips to save money
Replacing a Subaru Legacy battery is a routine maintenance item with a price that scales with battery type and service level. To keep costs down:
- Compare several sources (dealer vs independent shops vs online retailers with installation) to find the best overall value.
- Consider AGM only if you regularly drive in extreme cold or want longer service life; otherwise, a well-rated standard battery is typically adequate.
- Inspect related components (battery terminals, cables, alternator output) to avoid premature failures and hidden costs.
Summary
How long should a Subaru Legacy battery last?
Most experts agree that changing your battery every three or four years is a safe bet for the majority of drivers, but be sure to contact your service technician if you'd like personalized advice!
How much does a new Subaru battery cost?
A Subaru battery replacement typically costs between $150 and $400, but can be higher or lower depending on the car's model, the type of battery, and where you get it serviced. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$250 for the battery itself and $50-$150 for labor, though some dealerships may charge upwards of $500 or more.
Cost breakdown
- Parts (battery): Expect to pay between $100$ 100$100 and $250$ 250$250 for a standard replacement battery. Some premium batteries can be more expensive, while OEM batteries are often slightly pricier but may offer a longer warranty.
- Labor: The cost of labor can range from $50$ 50$50 to $150$ 150$150, depending on the shop and the complexity of the job.
- Total cost: This results in an average total cost of around $150$ 150$150 to $400$ 400$400 for a full replacement.
Factors that influence the cost
- Vehicle make and model: The specific Subaru model and year will influence the battery type and price.
- Battery type: Standard lead-acid batteries are generally cheaper than AGM or other premium batteries.
- Warranty: Some Subaru batteries have an initial three-year or 36,000-mile warranty. If you have a newer car and the battery is still under warranty, you may be able to get a free replacement.
- Shop type: Prices can vary significantly between dealerships, auto parts stores, and independent repair shops.
- Additional parts: In some cases, you may need to replace other components like the battery terminals, which can increase the total cost.
How to get the best price
- Shop around: Compare prices at different places like auto parts stores (e.g., AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts) or independent mechanics before committing to a dealership.
- Consider DIY: If you are comfortable with the process, you can save money by purchasing the battery yourself and installing it yourself.
- Check for promotions: Keep an eye out for deals or coupons from auto parts stores or repair shops.
- Ask about free battery tests: Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing to see how much life is left in your current battery before you replace it.
How much is a new battery for a Subaru Legacy?
A Subaru Legacy battery replacement costs around $100 to $300, depending on the battery type and where you get it installed, with OEM or premium AGM batteries being more expensive. You can save money by purchasing a battery from an auto parts store or a retailer like Costco and installing it yourself, which can cost around $100 to $200 for the battery itself. Dealerships often charge more, sometimes quoting prices from $350 to over $400, especially if the vehicle requires a specific or high-end battery.
Cost breakdown
- DIY/Auto Parts Store: Expect to pay $100 to $250 for a quality battery that you install yourself.
- Independent Mechanic: Prices typically range from $100 to $300 for a battery and installation, as they may use aftermarket parts.
- Dealership: You can expect to pay $350 to $450+, as they often use OEM parts and charge higher labor rates.
Factors that affect the cost
- Battery type: Standard flooded batteries are the cheapest, while Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are more expensive but often recommended for newer vehicles.
- Brand: The brand of the battery will influence the price. Some brands are more premium and cost more than others.
- Installation location: The cost will be higher if you have the work done at a dealership compared to doing it yourself or going to an independent shop.
How much does a dealer charge to replace a battery?
Dealership car battery replacement costs can range from $250 to $750 or more, depending on the vehicle's make and model, battery type, and regional labor rates. The higher end of this range is often due to specialized batteries like AGM, complex vehicles that require diagnostic tools for "battery registration," or higher labor rates.
Factors influencing cost
- Battery Type: Prices vary significantly between standard lead-acid and more expensive AGM or lithium-ion batteries.
- Vehicle Complexity: High-tech and luxury vehicles may require specialized tools or knowledge, leading to higher labor costs. Some cars need a process called "battery registration," which uses a diagnostic tool to inform the car's computer that the battery has been replaced, adding to the labor time.
- Labor Rates: The cost of labor can vary significantly by location and is often higher at dealerships compared to independent mechanics or auto parts stores.
- Warranty: If your car is still under warranty, the replacement may be covered by the manufacturer.
How to save money
- Get quotes from multiple places: Compare prices from independent mechanics and auto parts stores, where labor and parts can be cheaper.
- Consider your vehicle's needs: If your car doesn't require a special battery or registration, you can likely save money by going to a non-dealership service center.
- Do it yourself: If you are comfortable with basic car maintenance, you can often save money by purchasing a battery and installing it yourself.
