What you need to know before you walk in or order online
A starter motor is the electric motor that turns your engine over when you turn the key or press the ignition button. When it fails, your car won't start — you'll hear a clicking sound or nothing at all. Advance Auto Parts stocks starters for most vehicles, but you need three pieces of information before you buy: your vehicle's year, make, and model; whether you want a new or remanufactured unit; and whether you're replacing it yourself or having a mechanic do it.
The store carries both new starters and remanufactured ones, which are used starters that have been rebuilt and tested. Remanufactured starters cost less but come with a shorter warranty. New starters cost more but typically carry a longer may provide. Advance Auto Parts also offers core exchange programs — you can return your old starter and get a credit toward the new one, which lowers your out-of-pocket cost.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your vehicle's year, make, and model to the store, or have that information ready if you order online, because starter fitment varies even within the same brand.
- Remanufactured starters are cheaper but carry shorter warranties, while new starters cost more and typically come with longer coverage.
- Advance Auto Parts will credit you for your old starter through a core exchange, reducing the final price you pay.
- If you're not installing it yourself, confirm with your mechanic that they accept parts from Advance Auto Parts before you buy, because some shops require you to use their supplier.
Finding the right starter for your vehicle
Walk into any Advance Auto Parts location or visit their website and use the "Find Parts" tool. Enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size if prompted. The system will show you every starter that fits your car. You'll see the part number, the price, whether it's in stock at your location, and whether it's new or remanufactured.
If you're ordering online, check the estimated delivery date before you buy — some starters ship from a warehouse and take three to five business days. If your car won't start and you need the part today, use the in-store pickup option if it shows stock at a location near you. Call the store directly at the number on their website to confirm they have it in hand before you drive over.
Write down the part number before you go to the store. This number is specific to your vehicle and engine type. If you grab the wrong one by accident, you won't be able to return it once you've opened the box.
New versus remanufactured starters
A new starter has never been installed in a vehicle. It comes with all original components and typically carries a warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, though this varies by brand. New starters cost more — usually between $200 and $500 depending on your vehicle — but they have the longest lifespan and the strongest warranty protection.
A remanufactured starter is a used starter that has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new internal parts like brushes, bearings, and solenoids. It performs the same function as a new one but costs 30 to 50 percent less. The trade-off is warranty length — remanufactured starters usually carry a one-year or 12,000-mile warranty. If the starter fails after that period, you pay for a replacement.
For most drivers, a remanufactured starter makes sense if you plan to keep the car for fewer than five years or if budget is tight. Choose new if you want the longest possible coverage or if you're buying for a vehicle you plan to own for a long time.
Understanding the core exchange credit
Advance Auto Parts runs a core exchange program. When you buy a starter, you can return your old one and receive a credit — usually $25 to $75 — off the price of the new or remanufactured unit. The credit amount depends on the starter type and your location.
To use the program, bring your old starter with you when you pick up the new one, or include it in your return if you ordered online. The starter must be intact enough to identify — it doesn't have to work, but it can't be damaged beyond recognition. If you don't have the old starter (for example, if a mechanic already removed it), you can still buy the new one, but you won't receive the core credit.
Ask the cashier about the core credit before you pay. Some locations automatically explore it; others require you to ask. The credit appears as a line item on your receipt.
Installation options and what to do next
If you're comfortable working on cars, you can install the starter yourself. Most starters bolt to the engine block with two or three bolts and have an electrical connector that unplugs. The job usually takes 30 minutes to an hour for someone with basic mechanical skills. Advance Auto Parts sells starter installation kits and socket sets if you need tools.
If you're having a mechanic install it, bring the starter to them before you buy, or confirm with them first that they accept parts from Advance Auto Parts. Some independent shops and dealerships require customers to purchase parts through them. Others are happy to install a part you've bought elsewhere. This conversation takes two minutes and saves you from buying a part you can't use.
Once you have the starter installed, your car should start normally. If it doesn't, the problem may not be the starter — it could be the battery, the alternator, or the ignition switch. A mechanic can diagnose this with a battery test or starter load test.
Warranty and returns
Advance Auto Parts offers a return window of 30 days from purchase. If you buy a starter and it doesn't fit or you change your mind, you can return it unopened for a full refund or exchange. If you've opened the box or installed it, you can still return it, but you'll lose the core credit if you had one.
The manufacturer's warranty on the starter itself — whether new or remanufactured — is separate from Advance Auto Parts' return policy. If a starter fails after 30 days but within the warranty period, you contact the manufacturer or Advance Auto Parts' warranty department, not the store where you bought it. Bring your receipt and the part number.
Remanufactured starters sometimes fail sooner than new ones because they contain used internal parts. If you buy remanufactured and it fails within a year, you're usually covered under warranty, but you'll need to return it to get a replacement or refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a starter online and pick it up the same day?
It depends on stock at your nearest store. Use the Advance Auto Parts website to check availability at locations near you. If it shows in stock, you can order it for same-day pickup. If it's not in stock locally, it will ship from a warehouse, which takes three to five business days. Call the store directly to confirm before you order.
What if I don't know my vehicle's engine size?
Check your owner's manual or look at the sticker inside the driver's door jamb — it lists the engine displacement. If you can't find it, call Advance Auto Parts with your year, make, and model, and they can tell you. You can also search your vehicle on the Advance Auto Parts website without the engine size, and the system will show you all compatible starters.
Is a remanufactured starter as reliable as a new one?
Remanufactured starters are reliable for most drivers, especially if you're keeping the car for a few more years. They're rebuilt to the same specifications as new ones. The main difference is that internal parts are used rather than brand new, so they may not last as long. If reliability is your top priority, buy new.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the old starter?
Yes. Always disconnect the negative terminal of your battery before working on electrical components. This prevents accidental short circuits. Reconnect it after you've installed the new starter and before you try to start the engine.
What if the starter I bought doesn't fit?
Return it to Advance Auto Parts within 30 days with your receipt. If it's unopened, you get a full refund. If you opened it but didn't install it, you can still return it, but confirm the return policy at your location. Double-check the part number before you leave the store to avoid this problem.