Sticker shock for a dealer’s quote to replace a starter

How To

John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor, hears from a reader who got a higher-than-expected quote for a new starter.

By John Paul

February 10, 2026

4 minutes to read

Q. I need to get a new starter for my 2014 Honda Accord EX with a four-cylinder engine. I would like to have it repaired through AAA, as the dealership quoted me $1,200, which just seems very high to me. Can you advise me here on what to do? Additionally can you tell me if the dealership is overcharging me?

A. According to AllData, the database I use most often, the starter has a list price of $643, then you need to add in labor to remove the old starter and install the new starter. That will take about 1.2 hours of labor. Additionally, the dealer may be adding a little time to confirm the starter is faulty. Using a labor rate of $165 per hour, the total cost would be about $925. Depending on where you live, I have seen labor rates as high as $265 per hour, which could bring the price close to the $1,200 quote. Some studies show that dealerships can charge 30 to 36 percent more than an independent shop for comparable work. Go here to find an AAA Approved Repair shop near you. 

Q. I read an answer about running out of gas. Well, I have run out twice in my life. Once I was stupid and just drove too long. The other time the gas gauge on my 1966 Plymouth was miscalibrated, and when it said one-quarter full, it was really empty. I had never noticed before then. Down here we have an expression: “Live and learn,” and sometimes it is the hard way — on the side of the road. Thanks for your column. 

A. My feelings are that learning from mistakes is always okay. I have read that mistakes are how the brain actually learns. People actually remember corrected mistakes better than things they got right the first time. My 16-year-old niece was concerned about making mistakes. I explained that WD-40 is called Water Displacement (WD-40) because the 40th formula was the one that worked best. The first 39 formulas did not work as well as the scientists planned, so they just kept on working and refining to make a better product. 

Q. I am looking for a tire inflator that plugs into your cigarette lighter to keep in your car. Is there a particular brand that you would recommend? Will the cord be long enough? Do you prefer the clip-on or screw-on connector to the tire valve? Should it be making any noise during inflation, or is it silent? Are analog or digital gauges preferable?

A. I keep a tire inflator in all of our family cars. Some are self-contained (NEBO and WORX) with a built-in battery. Others plug into a 12-volt outlet (Slime tire products). I have one you need to connect directly to the battery, since that car does not have a cigarette lighter outlet. All the plug-in models have electrical cords that allow you to air up any tire. I do prefer the clip-on air check as opposed to the screw on connection. It is quicker and at least easier for me to use. All compressors are noisy. Regarding gauges, I have no preference, since when I am finished, I always check tire pressure with a traditional tire gauge. 

Q. Upon returning to my car after shopping recently my car would not start. It was getting dark and it was very cold and I was starting to get nervous. There was some indication on my dashboard that it was a problem with my fob. I called my son who told me to put my fob into the cup holder and, ta-da, the car started. How long are fob batteries supposed to last? Why were old-fashioned keys replaced with fobs? Are we supposed to always carry extra batteries with us?

A. Having a fob is handy since you can get in and start your car without fumbling for a key. The downside of course is what happens when the fob battery fails. Fob batteries can last anywhere from a year to five years or longer. Some cars will give a warning message that the battery is low. Mercedes Benz actually considers the fob battery as a routine replacement part, something that should be performed every few years. Almost every car with a fob has a spot in the car where you place the fob if the battery is low and the car will start. With some cars you use the fob to push the starter button, some have a slot to put the fob, and others just have a place to hold the fob while pushing the start button. My general advice is that if your key-fob is five years old, replace the battery. 

Q. I have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma with 105,000 miles and would like to keep the truck a few more years. It is in good condition and just had the 100,000-mile maintenance done on it with no needed repairs. We live in Maine and just wondering if you think a Fluid Film treatment on the frame would help me extend the life of the vehicle. I would like to keep this truck to possibly 200,000 miles or more. 

A. Fluid Film is a popular option in areas that use heavy amounts of salt on their roads in the winter. Readers tell me they have been quite happy with the product, but it does require yearly maintenance and reapplication. Personally, I prefer Waxoyl for its one-time application, but Fluid Film is popular and safe as a rust prevention in heavy salt states. 

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.