Starter - Need Help

markkr64 · September 30, 2004

I'm lousy with mechanics and can't tell a good one for a bad one. My starter just went out. AAA convinced me to go to this place....but they are going to charge me $860+ for the job to replace. They said the part was $270 or so (dealership part he said) and 6 hours of labor.

WHen i had called places earlier in the day, they said it would be about $650 or so with 5 hours of labor. WHat is a good price?

Thanks in advance.

markkr64 · September 30, 2004

I posted so fast, that I didn't see a post from below quoting $1000+. That seems really high. No place i called said that. My car is a 90 LS400 with very little miles (90K).

You know you're going to get screwed when the guy calls you up and says "we got a small problem here".

Also, another question, but in general, shoudl you go to the place that AAA recommends?

again, thanks a ton for any help.

glenmore · September 30, 2004

Here is what my indie just told me.

Toyota factory starter about $280.

Six intake manifold gaskets $50

Labor about $250

Labor is a big part of it, therefore you could use a cheap rebuilt starter, but that would be shortsighted.

I have the same car, but so far (knock on wood) no reason to take it in. I do the maintainance myself.

I am in Hollywood. The shop is in Alhambra. Haines Auto, 2233 W. Valley just east of Fremont, 626-300-9269. I have used them for 3 generations of Japanese cars, 1972 Mazda RX2, 1983 Toy Camry, 1983 Mazda 626, currently a 1993 Villager and should my Lexus need work that I can't handle, I'll take it there.

Service here is WAY cheaper than the dealer, and he has been decent and honest to me.

Note from other posts that starter failure is commonly due to leaking P/S fluid from the P/S lines and rack and this is a $$$$$ repair. If your car has not had this done, you'd better check it out. If you recently bought this car, it could be why it was sold.

glenmore

1990 LS400

1991 300CE