Are you guys sure that the warranty is up? Toyota's are covered to 100,000 miles for non CARB states and 150,000 miles for the CARB states. Either way, there should not be a disposal fee and the price seems more than just a little high.

 

Have you tried contacting Honda and asking if they will pick up part of the cost? Not the dealer (and not this dealer - I've never heard of disposal fees) but American Honda. You might also consider complaining about this dealer to American Honda. It sounds like they are trying to rip you off.

 

One thing that immediately comes to mind regarding the 200 mile drive to sort out a price with the original dealership: has your son-in-law phoned the dealership in advance? Couldn't they give him some advance quote over the phone?

I concur the battery prices are way too high. If you can get your hands on the Service Manual you would see: the battery is, well: it's about the size of the Service Manual, with some bits-and-brackets sticking out. It's not a big tricky item, say like a transmission. Looks like a VCR without a case. The labour to replace is likely under an hour.