how much to replace a car starter

[OPaige]

Replacing a car starter typically costs between $400 and $800, with parts accounting for $200 to $400 and labor for another $200 to $400. The final price varies significantly based on your car's make and model, the type of starter (new, remanufactured, or used), and local labor rates. For common vehicles, a remanufactured starter is often the most cost-effective choice, while luxury or high-performance models will command a premium.

The single biggest factor in the cost is your vehicle. A starter for a common model like a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry is relatively inexpensive and easier for a mechanic to access. However, in cars with complex engine layouts, like a Subaru with its boxer engine or a German luxury sedan, the labor time can double or triple as mechanics need to remove other components to reach the starter.

Here’s a breakdown of average costs for different vehicle types:

Vehicle Type	Part Cost (New OEM)	Labor Cost (Hours)	Total Estimated Cost
Standard Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry)	$180 - $300	1.5 - 2.5	$400 - $600
Compact SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V)	$220 - $350	1.5 - 2.5	$450 - $700
Full-size Truck/SUV (e.g., Ford F-150)	$300 - $500	1.5 - 2.5	$500 - $800
Luxury Sedan (e.g., BMW 5 Series)	$450 - $800	3 - 5	$900 - $1,500

You have options for the starter itself. A new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part is the most expensive but comes with a reliable warranty. A remanufactured starter, a core part that has been professionally rebuilt, offers a great balance of cost and reliability. A used starter from a junkyard is the cheapest but is a gamble with little to no warranty. Always get a detailed quote that separates parts and labor before authorizing any work.

[DeDamian]

Yeah, it stung. My old SUV’s starter gave out last month. The mechanic quoted me $550 for the whole job. He explained it was a remanufactured part, which he said was just as good as new but cheaper. The labor was the bigger chunk, about two hours of work. I called around, and another shop wanted almost $700, so I felt okay with the price. It’s not a cheap fix, but getting a few more years out of the car is better than a car payment.

[SanCody]

From my experience, budgeting around $500 is a safe bet for most common cars. The price isn't just for the part; it's mostly the labor. If the starter is easy to get to, you're looking at the lower end. But if it's buried under the intake manifold or in a tight engine bay, the labor hours shoot up. Always ask the shop if they're using a new, remanufactured, or used part—that choice makes a huge difference in the final bill.

[Lyla]

I just helped my nephew replace the starter on his '08 Civic. We bought a remanufactured unit for $130 online, and it took us about three hours in the driveway with a basic socket set. If you're even a little bit handy, this is a job you can tackle yourself and save a ton on labor. Watch a few YouTube tutorials for your specific model first to see what you're in for. The hardest part was wrestling with a rusty bolt, but the satisfaction was worth it.