New starter motor prices range from $150 to $500 for the part alone, depending on your vehicle's make, model, and year

The cost of a new starter motor depends on what vehicle you drive. A starter for a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla typically costs $200 to $350, while a starter for a Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado runs $250 to $450. Luxury vehicles and older models often cost more — a BMW or Mercedes starter can exceed $500 just for the part. The year matters too: newer vehicles with more complex electrical systems tend to cost more than older ones.

You also need to factor in labor if you're having a mechanic install it. Most shops charge $150 to $300 in labor, though some vehicles are harder to access and cost more. A few vehicles — like some Subarus or Audis — have starters tucked in tight spots that take longer to reach, pushing labor costs toward $400. If you install it yourself and have the right tools, you only pay for the part.

Key Takeaways

  • A new starter motor for a common sedan costs between $200 and $350 for the part alone, while trucks and luxury vehicles often run $350 to $500 or more.
  • Labor costs at a repair shop typically add $150 to $300, though vehicles with hard-to-reach starters may cost more to install.
  • Rebuilt or remanufactured starters cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones and come with a warranty, making them a middle option between new and used.
  • The year, make, and model of your vehicle is the single biggest factor in price — always get a quote from your mechanic or parts supplier for your specific vehicle.
  • Aftermarket starters from independent manufacturers cost less than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts but may have shorter warranties.

New versus rebuilt starters and what the price difference means

A new starter is manufactured fresh and comes with the longest warranty, usually three years or more. You're paying for a part that has never been used and carries no risk of hidden wear. This is the most expensive option.

A rebuilt or remanufactured starter is a used starter that has been taken apart, cleaned, inspected, and reassembled with new internal parts where needed. Rebuilt starters cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones — so if a new starter costs $300, a rebuilt one might be $150 to $210. They come with a warranty, usually one to three years, though it's often shorter than a new part's warranty. Most rebuilt starters perform just as well as new ones if they come from a reputable rebuilder.

A used starter pulled from a salvage yard is the cheapest option, often $50 to $150, but it carries no warranty and you have no way to know how much life is left in it. Many people avoid used starters for this reason — if it fails after you install it, you've wasted your labor and the money you spent.

OEM parts versus aftermarket starters

An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) starter is made by the same company that built your vehicle or by an authorized supplier. A Honda OEM starter for a Civic is made to Honda's exact specifications. OEM starters cost the most but fit perfectly and carry the full manufacturer warranty.

An aftermarket starter is made by an independent manufacturer like Bosch, Denso, or Remy and sold under their own brand name. Aftermarket starters are usually 20 to 40 percent cheaper than OEM parts. They fit your vehicle and work well, but the warranty may be shorter — often one year instead of three. Many mechanics use aftermarket starters as their standard option because the price-to-quality ratio is good.

For most vehicles, the difference in performance between OEM and a quality aftermarket starter is not noticeable. The main trade-off is warranty length and the assurance that it's the exact part the manufacturer designed for your vehicle. If your vehicle is under warranty, using an OEM part protects that coverage.

Where to buy a starter and how prices compare

You can buy a starter from several places, and prices vary by source. A dealership parts department will sell you an OEM starter at the highest price — expect to pay full retail. An independent repair shop usually buys from a parts distributor and marks it up, so you'll pay less than the dealership but more than buying the part yourself. Online retailers like RockAuto, Amazon, or eBay often have the lowest prices on aftermarket starters, sometimes 20 to 30 percent below what a local shop charges.

If you buy online, make sure the seller accepts returns — a starter that doesn't fit or arrives damaged is worthless. Also check the shipping cost; a heavy part like a starter can add $20 to $50 to the total. Some online sellers offer core charges, meaning they refund part of the price if you return your old starter, which can save you $25 to $50.

A local auto parts store like AutoZone or O'Reilly usually falls in the middle price-wise. They have the part in stock so you don't wait for shipping, and you can return it easily if there's a problem. Many of these stores also offer installation services through partner shops, though you'll pay labor on top of the part price.

How vehicle age and complexity affect starter cost

Older vehicles — say, pre-2000 — often have cheaper starters because the design is simpler and more starters are in circulation. A starter for a 1995 Ford Ranger might cost $120 to $200 new, while a 2020 Ranger costs $300 to $400. Newer vehicles have more electronic controls built into the starter, which adds to the manufacturing cost.

Luxury and European vehicles carry a premium. A BMW or Mercedes starter costs more because fewer are made, parts are sourced differently, and the electrical systems are more complex. A Volkswagen Jetta starter might run $250 to $350, while a comparable Japanese sedan is $180 to $280.

Some vehicles are also harder to access, which doesn't change the part price but does change labor cost. A Honda Accord starter is straightforward to reach and takes a mechanic 45 minutes to an hour. A Subaru starter sits low and tight, taking two to three hours. That difference in labor — $100 to $200 — can matter as much as the part itself.

Getting a quote for your specific vehicle

The only way to know the exact price for your vehicle is to ask. Call a local repair shop or dealership with your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size (you'll find this on your registration or in your owner's manual). Ask for the price of the part, the labor cost, and whether they offer a warranty on the work.

If you're buying the part yourself, use an online parts catalog like RockAuto or your local auto parts store's website. Enter your vehicle information and you'll see what starters fit, their prices, and shipping costs. Compare at least two sources before you buy — the difference between retailers can be $50 or more.

Don't assume the cheapest option is the best deal. A $100 starter with no warranty that fails in six months costs you more in the long run than a $200 rebuilt starter with a two-year warranty. Factor in the warranty length and the seller's return policy when you compare prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a starter myself if I have basic tools?

On many vehicles, yes — a starter usually bolts on with two or three bolts and has one or two electrical connectors. On others, you need to remove the intake manifold or wheel well to reach it. Look up the procedure for your specific vehicle on YouTube or a repair manual before you buy. If it looks like more than a few hours of work, labor costs at a shop may be worth it.

What's the difference between a starter and a starter motor?

They're the same thing. "Starter" and "starter motor" are used interchangeably. The starter is the electric motor that cranks your engine to life when you turn the key or press the start button.

How long does a starter usually last?

Most starters last 80,000 to 150,000 miles, though some go longer. Frequent short trips, a weak battery, or a hard-starting engine can wear out a starter faster. Once it starts to fail, it usually gets worse quickly — if you hear grinding or clicking when you turn the key, have it checked soon.

Is a rebuilt starter as reliable as a new one?

A quality rebuilt starter from a reputable rebuilder is very reliable and often performs identically to a new one. The difference is mainly in warranty length. If the rebuilder has a good reputation and offers a two-year warranty, the risk is low.

Will my car's warranty be affected if I use an aftermarket starter?

Not usually, but it depends on your warranty terms. If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty, using an OEM part is safer because it keeps everything aligned with the original specifications. If your warranty is expired, an aftermarket starter won't affect anything.