My mechanic says my starter is bad . . . should I buy my own starter?

Question

I've been having some trouble getting my car to start for about a month. It's a 1999 Subaru Legacy.

When I turn the key, it makes a click and nothing else happens...about the 5-6 time, the engine will start, most days at least, but the lights and everything else work fine. I had the battery checked and was told my alternator is fine as well.

The second place I had it checked said they were about 98% sure that it was the starter. I know little to nothing about this, but have made an appointment to get the starter replaced.

Is it wise to purchase the starter at Advanced Auto, or a comparable place, and then take it to the mechanic to have it put on?

Thanks for any help :)

Answer 1

it might not be the starter itself, it sounds to me like it,s the solenoid.

Answer 2

From what your saying it does sound as if the solenoid on your starter is bad, you can get the part directly from an auto supply cheaper most of the time , however consider the warranty issues. The Auto Supply place will warrenty the part usually for a year and some for the lifetime, but the part is usually about a third of the cost of the labor, so even if the part was bad the next day you would still have to pay the labor again because the shop is not going to take responsibility for an outside part theat is brought in.

My suggestion would be to find a knowladgeable  friend or family member to install it, after you buy it from the part place, on that model it's a pretty easy install  

Answer 3

can be any thing within the chain,starter,cable contacts no good , my past experienced batt no good meter measure showing 12.7 v but lack current changed a new batt ,car started so batt no good .

Answer 4

If you're going to have it replaced by a mechanic check with them first. Many will not install parts supplied by the owner or will not warranty them unless they (the mechanic) provided them. Besides the mechanic may get into the job and discover it's something in the wiring rather than the starter and then you're stuck with the starter. Better to takeit to the mechanic, describe the problem and let him work it out.

Answer 5

HI

I'd ask the shop if they well install your own parts before I'd go and buy one.. Some shops don't like to install other peoples parts as they make money on parts as well. They well say they don't know the quality of the parts you have and most likely won't warranty the parts.

good luck

Tim

Answer 6

Have him put a new one on.

Answer 7

well you should ask the mechanic how much one would be if they bought it. My mechanic gets parts cheaper and then charges most people the regular price or more for one. Then you call advanced and get the cost for one. If you can get it cheaper then thats what you do