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How much does it cost to replace a car starter?

My mechanic says I need a new car starter. They quoted me $500. Is that reasonable? How much does it cost to replace a car starter?

avatar
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear about your car troubles! A new starter may cost between $80 and $350, but you should also factor in labor costs which may cost between $150 to $1,000.
For most vehicles, the complete starter replacement cost is around $500. It sounds like your mechanic is charging you the average fee for this service. You should budget an extra $100-$200 on top of that fee, however. The mechanic may discover additional problems, like a ring gear or crankshaft issue.
Here are some of the components in a starter:
  • Electromagnetic field coils or permanent magnets
  • Shift fork
  • Brushes
  • Solenoid
  • Armature and commutator
  • Starter drive gear
  • Bearings and bushings
Bear in mind that the starter must be completely removed from the engine compartment. This could trigger a sizable labor fee.
In some vehicles, the starter is more easily accessible and removal takes less than an hour. Other vehicles are more complex, such as if the starter is located underneath the intake manifold. These vehicles take
much longer
. Your final cost will depend on the complexity of the repair, which is partially determined by your make, model, and year.
You can always
dispute your mechanic bill
if you feel strongly that you’ve been overcharged.
Hope this was helpful! While you’re waiting for your car to be serviced, why not see if you could save some money on
car insurance
? The
Jerry
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Good luck with your starter!
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