1 With installation charges, taxes and recycling/core fees (which vary by state), the total cost for a replacement car battery can be $60-$300 or more. 2  For example, from 2010 to 2012, CostHelper readers reported paying $52-$130 for a car battery with do-it-yourself installation, at an average cost of $86. paid $154. 00 for battery & they washed my car. I dont know if I really needed a new battery, but it has a 5 yr.warrenty they say.VW.will call me on Monday to let me know how much my deductable will be, they said probably $300.00!! Thats alot of money I think.