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What does a starter replacement cost?

The part is usually predictable; the labour is not. A starter can be four bolts and twenty minutes, or it can be under the intake manifold.

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What changes the price

We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.

Access
This is most of the variation. On some engines the starter is reached from above in minutes; on others the exhaust or the intake has to come off.
New or remanufactured
Remanufactured starters are common, considerably cheaper, and generally fine when they carry a real warranty.
Whether it is the starter at all
A weak battery, a corroded earth strap or a failing ignition switch all imitate a bad starter. This is the most commonly replaced part that did not need replacing.

When an inspection is needed

A single click and no cranking points at the starter — and also at a battery too weak to turn it. Ask for both to be tested before the part is ordered.

How it works

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    Tell us what your vehicle needs

    One request, a few minutes.

  2. 2

    We look for garages able to perform the work

    We contact garages in your area.

  3. 3

    Compare the offers you receive

    Price and availability, side by side.

  4. 4

    Choose the option you prefer

    You are free to walk away.

Common questions

Why do you not publish an average price?

Because it would be made up. We have no marketplace data yet, and a national average would be wrong for your vehicle in your city anyway. A number we cannot stand behind is worse than none: you would negotiate against it and we would have to defend it. What we can give you is real quotes for your actual car.

Is a diagnosis charged for?

Usually yes — it is technician time. Some garages deduct it from the repair if they go on to do the work. It is worth asking, and it is one of the things to compare between offers.

How do I compare two quotes properly?

Check that they cover the same work: the same parts quality, the same number of wheels or components, whether labour and taxes are included, and what happens if something seizes once it is apart. Two quotes hundreds of dollars apart are often quoting two different jobs.

Describe exactly what happens when you turn the key. That detail is worth more to a garage than any guess at the part.

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What we don't promise

We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.

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