Starter Replacement: How Much Does It Cost?

A non-starting vehicle can be quite irritating. The most likely cause of this problem is a bad starter motor. As such, it is very important for an owner to understand how much a new starter motor may cost. Understanding the cost of a new starter motor allows the owner to budget for the expense of the repair; thus avoiding surprise and costly expenses. In this article, we will discuss some of the factors which influence the cost of replacing a starter motor, the general price range for the replacement of a starter motor, and provide suggestions for finding the best service.

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Understanding Starter Replacement Costs

Factors which influence the cost of replacing a starter motor are numerous. Some of these include, but are not limited to, the make and model of the owner's vehicle, the type of starter motor required by the owner's vehicle, and labor costs associated with the selected repair service. Typically, the cost of replacing a starter motor can be expected to fall within a range of $300 to $1,200, inclusive of both parts and labor.

The type of starter motor is another major influencer of the overall cost of the replacement of a starter motor. Standard starter motors typically are less expensive than high performance or specialty starter motors, especially those used in high-end luxury cars or foreign made vehicles. For example, the cost of a starter motor for a common sedan can range from approximately $100 to over $600 for high-end sports cars.

Starter replacement parts and labor can vary widely depending on the vehicle.

Labor Costs

Repair shops will charge varying labor costs based upon their business's reputation and geographic location. Labor charges in urban areas typically cost more than in rural locations. Labor rates may be as low as $90 and up to over $200 an hour. Repair time to replace a starter can vary greatly from 1 hour to 12 or even more depending on the manufacturer and design of the vehicle being repaired. In many cases, the starter is located inside the transmission making it difficult to get to.

For example, replacing a starter on a smaller vehicle (e.g. a Honda Civic) should take around 1.5 hours, however, repairing a starter on a larger vehicle (e.g. a truck) may require 2 to 3 hours of labor because of the lack of accessibility and size of parts.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Replacing a starter is a doable DIY if you have some mechanical ability, however there are advantages and disadvantages to this option to seriously think about. On the positive side, you could avoid the cost of labor; on the negative side, making an error when installing the starter may lead to more issues down the line.

A professional mechanic will get your starter replaced (or any other component), or get you back on the road as quickly as possible and without any stress on you. A good quality auto repair business will also provide you with a warranty on the starter replacement. If for example, the starter failed after being replaced, the auto repair business would replace the starter at no charge to you. This is just one of the many perks to Grease Gun Mobile's auto repair service - we warranty everything for 12-month and 12,000 miles, so you can ride away peacefully.

Average Cost Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here's the average cost breakdown associated with starter replacement:

• Starter Part: $100 - $600

• Labor: $90 - $200+ per hour

• Total Estimated Cost: $350 - $1,700+

  
  

This breakdown prepares you for the financial side of starter replacement. Make sure you request a complete estimate from your mechanic before moving on.

Finding the Right Mechanic

When it comes to a mechanic for your starter replacement, do your homework. Read reviews and recommendations from other owners. Get estimates from several shops to make sure that your price is fair. A trustworthy mechanic provides a reasonable, honest estimate and can explain the required work in terms that are easy to understand.

Look for shops that show confidence in their own work, such as warranties on parts or service. This is a good sign of reliability. Let Grease Gun Mobile handle the whole process for you, so you can get back to more important things.

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Final Thoughts

Knowing what to expect when it comes to the cost of replacing a starter motor will help you be prepared for possible problems down the road with your car. The type of starter motor, labor rates, and whether you want to do it yourself or hire someone are all going to affect how much money you spend on this repair. Knowing the facts will enable you to make a decision that fits your budget as an automobile owner. It is also wise to find qualified technicians and get at least three estimates so you know that you're getting the right amount of value and quality in the services you receive. Now that you have some knowledge about starters and their replacement, you'll be able to face any issues that arise with confidence and maintain your car in good working order.