How much is a starter going to cost?

A starter can cost as little as a few dollars or as much as a few hundred, depending on what you mean by “starter.” Dining starters (appetizers) typically run about $6–$15 per item, car starters (starter motors) usually cost $100–$350 for the part with installation often adding $100–$250, and motorcycle starters commonly fall in the $60–$150 range for the part (labor, if any, varies). Exact figures depend on venue, vehicle model, and labor costs.

Food starters (appetizers)

What affects the price

Prices vary by cuisine, restaurant type, portion size, and region. The ranges below reflect typical prices in U.S. dining as of 2025.

• Budget/fast-casual: $5–$9


• Casual dining: $8–$12


• Upscale or chef-driven/shareable plates: $12–$20+

In practice, most individual starters fall within roughly a $5 to $20 bracket, with higher-end venues charging beyond this for premium ingredients or larger portions.

Automotive starters (starter motors)

What affects the price

Costs depend on the vehicle make/model, part condition (remanufactured vs. new vs. OEM), and supplier. The ranges below capture common scenarios as of 2025.

• Remanufactured/aftermarket starter: $60–$150


• New aftermarket starter: $100–$250


• OEM/brand-name or luxury-vehicle starters: $200–$400+


• Installation labor: $100–$250 (varies by vehicle and shop)

Overall installed costs typically run about $260–$650, with some vehicles or luxury models exceeding that range due to accessibility or specialty parts.

Motorcycle and small-engine starters

What affects the price

Small-engine starters are generally cheaper than car units, but compatibility and performance matter. As of 2025, typical ranges include:

• Aftermarket motorcycle starter: $50–$150


• OEM/high-performance motorcycle starter: $120–$300


• Labor (if any): $0–$100

Overall replacement costs for motorcycles typically fall in the $60–$350 range, depending on model and whether you do the work yourself.

Summary

The cost of a “starter” varies widely by meaning. Dining starters are usually $5–$20 per item; car starters generally cost $100–$400 for the part with total installed prices around $260–$650 in many markets; motorcycle starters are typically $60–$350 installed. To get a precise figure, specify whether you mean a restaurant appetizer, a car starter motor, or a motorcycle starter—and the exact make/model if it’s automotive.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a starter?

It is cheaper to replace a starter than to repair it, but repair is only an option for certain problems and often not the most cost-effective in the long run. Replacing the starter is usually the more reliable and recommended option, especially if the starter is old or has multiple issues. However, repairing a simple component like a solenoid may be cheaper than buying a whole new starter, and remanufactured starters are a good way to save money on a replacement. 
Repair

• Cost: A repair is generally cheaper if the problem is minor, like a faulty solenoid or bad connection, as it avoids the cost of a new part. 
• Reliability: Repairs may not be as reliable as a full replacement and can lead to future problems, requiring more repairs or even a complete replacement later on. 
• Labor: Most mechanics advise against starter repair due to the time and complexity involved, often preferring to replace the unit for a more certain and lasting fix. 

Replace

• Cost: A new starter can cost more upfront, but a remanufactured or aftermarket starter is often a more budget-friendly option. 
• Reliability: A new starter will be more reliable and last longer than a repaired one, and a remanufactured one is a good compromise between cost and reliability. 
• Labor: The cost of labor for replacement depends on the vehicle's make, model, and year. Some cars are more complex and require more time to access the starter, which can drive up the cost. 
• When to choose: If your starter is old, has a history of problems, or is the source of a major issue, it is usually more cost-effective to replace it. 

What to do

• Assess the problem: Determine the cause of the failure. If it's just a bad connection or solenoid, repair might be an option. If it's a more complex issue, replacement is likely the better choice. 
• Compare options: Compare the cost of a new starter versus a remanufactured one. Remanufactured starters are often a good value, but make sure they come with a warranty. 
• Get multiple quotes: Get quotes from several shops to compare costs and explore options like using aftermarket or remanufactured parts. 
• DIY: If you are comfortable with basic auto repair, you can save on labor costs by replacing the starter yourself. 

What is a typical starter price?

How Much a Starter Replacement Costs. The cost of rebuild parts for a starter can range from as little as $50 to as much as $350. A brand-new starter can range from $80 to over $350. For a qualified mechanic to replace or rebuild your starter, you can expect to pay between $150 and over $1,100.

How much should it cost to replace a starter?

The average cost to replace a car starter ranges from $400 to $800, but it can vary significantly based on the vehicle's make and model, the type of starter, and labor costs. While a basic replacement might fall between $100 and $250 for parts and labor, luxury or difficult-to-access starters can increase the total cost to over $1,000.
 
Cost breakdown

• Starter motor part cost: Can range from approximately $75 to over $400 depending on whether it's an economy, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), or high-performance part. 
• Labor cost: Labor is often the largest part of the expense, as some starter replacements can be time-consuming, especially if the starter is in a hard-to-reach location. 
• Overall cost: Expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a standard replacement, with complex jobs potentially costing $1,000 or more. 

Factors that influence the final price

• Vehicle make and model: The type of car you own is a major factor. 
• Starter location: Some engines make the starter easy to access, while others require more labor to reach. 
• Starter quality: OEM starters are generally more expensive than aftermarket or remanufactured options. 
• Additional repairs: The mechanic might discover other related issues that add to the total cost. 

How to get an accurate quote

• Contact local mechanics for a quote based on your specific vehicle's make and model. 
• Ask if the quote includes the cost of the part, labor, and any potential additional fees. 
• Inquire about warranties on both the part and the labor. 

Can I drive with a bad starter?

No, you cannot safely drive with a bad starter; you should only drive if the car is already running and avoid turning the engine off, as it will likely not start again. A failing starter may also cause permanent damage to components like the flywheel, and you risk being stranded at any moment. 
Risks of driving with a bad starter

• Increased risk of being stranded: You will be unable to restart your car after turning it off, making any stop a potential problem. 
• Further damage to your car: Driving with a bad starter can cause more significant and expensive damage to the flywheel, which could have been avoided. 
• Electrical strain: A failing starter can drain your battery, making it even harder to start the engine, even with a jump. 
• Safety hazards: If you hear a grinding or burning smell, the starter might be stuck in a position that could cause further damage or even a fire, so you should not drive the car at all. 

What to do instead

• Drive to a repair shop immediately: If the car is already running, drive it directly to a mechanic. Do not make multiple stops. 
• Call for a tow truck: The safest option is to have the vehicle towed to a shop to prevent further damage. 
• Avoid repeated starting attempts: This can further deplete your battery and damage the starter or flywheel. 
• For manual transmissions: You can "push-start" your car if it has a manual transmission to get it to the shop. However, do this with caution and avoid stalling. 
• Consider other transportation: If you have to stop, consider getting a ride, using public transport, or walking to avoid being stranded.