This morning before work my 2k started hard but still started and i went to work. this afternoon i tried to start it and though i know its getting juice, it just clicks. The tow truck guy and the guy at the garage says its the starter and they want $350 to replace it. They say the engine practically has to be pulled to get to it. Is this true? is $350 a reasonable price to pay for the amount of work involved with replacing the starter? the car has 170k on it, and it has been having a bit of a problem starting for a little while. is this something i could expect my husband to take care of? does the car have to be put on a hoist to get to it? does the engine really have to be pulled to replace the starter? just need some advice. i really would rather spend themoney on something else if i could. it is my daily driver and i need it by monday, so any response would be appreciated very much...thank you

 

The engine should never have to be pulled... those guys just sound incompetent. Take it to a real mechanic. I think I've seen the starter on mine, if you remove all the intake piping you can get to it adequately I believe (not 100% sure on that; I have a 2000 too)

 

You are right. I have a frankercar and stillen filter on mine and I can get to the starter easy. All you have to do is remove the airbox and a few other things.