where can i buy a cheap starter for my car

Question

JoelDella · Accepted Answer

The most affordable places to buy a starter for your car are typically online marketplaces like RockAuto.com and Amazon, or local options such as auto parts store chains (AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly) and salvage yards. The best choice depends on your need for speed, budget, and willingness to risk a used part. Online retailers generally offer the lowest prices for new parts, while salvage yards are the cheapest for used ones.

Your first step should always be to get the correct part number. This is non-negotiable. You can find it on your old starter once it's removed, or more easily, by using the vehicle lookup tools on the websites of major retailers. Enter your car's year, make, model, and engine size to see compatible starters.

Here’s a comparison of the main options to help you decide:

Source	Typical Price Range (New)	Pros	Cons	Best For
Online (e.g., RockAuto)	$80 - $250	Lowest prices, vast selection, core return by mail	Shipping wait time (2-5 days), no instant local support	Budget-conscious planners who can wait for delivery
Local Parts Store (e.g., AutoZone)	$120 - $350	Immediate availability, lifetime warranty options, free testing	Higher prices, limited to in-store inventory	Someone who needs the part today or wants easy warranty claims
Salvage Yard (Used)	$40 - $120	Extremely cheap, sometimes you can test before buying	No warranty, unknown history, part may be near failure	Extreme budget situations, older cars where cost outweighs risk

A critical term to know is core charge. This is a refundable deposit you pay for a new or remanufactured starter, which is refunded when you return your old, broken starter (the "core") for rebuilding. This can add $50-$100 to the initial cost, so factor it into your budget.

If you're on a tight budget, a remanufactured starter from a reputable brand like Denso or ACDelco is often a smarter buy than a suspiciously cheap, no-name import. It offers a good balance of reliability and cost. For a car you plan to keep long-term, investing in a new starter from a quality brand is usually worth the extra money for peace of mind.

StBrooke · Answer

I always check RockAuto first. Their prices are just unbeatable for the same brand you'd find locally. I look up the part, compare the different quality levels they offer—economy, daily driver, performance—and usually go with the middle option. Yeah, you wait a couple days for shipping, but the savings are real. I just set aside the core charge money so I'm ready to send the old one back. For my last car, I saved over sixty bucks compared to the local store.

Edwards · Answer

As someone who has turned wrenches for years, my advice is to prioritize the warranty over the absolute lowest price. A starter is a critical component. A cheap one that fails in six months is no bargain. I recommend going to a local chain like NAPA or O'Reilly. You pay a bit more, but you get a lifetime warranty. If it ever fails, you walk in and get a new one, no questions asked. That long-term security and the ability to get a replacement instantly is worth the premium for a part you don't want to replace twice.

FelixAnn · Answer

Don't forget about eBay! It's not just for collectibles. I found a great deal on a remanufactured starter for my truck from a seller with tons of positive feedback. The key is to be specific in your search—use your car's exact model and engine size. You can often find sellers offering free shipping and they usually include clear instructions on how to handle the core charge return. Just make sure the listing says it includes a warranty, even a short 90-day one is better than nothing from a junkyard.

DelEva · Answer

For older or rare cars, your best bet might be a "pick-and-pull" salvage yard. It's the most hands-on option. You find a yard that has your car model, bring your own tools, and remove the starter yourself. It's dirty work, but it's incredibly cheap. Call ahead to see if they have your vehicle in stock. The big risk is that you're buying a part of unknown age and condition with zero warranty. It's a gamble, but for a project car or a beater, it can be a cost-effective solution.