Is changing/replacing the starter an easy task? I dont feel like paying that much for labor when the part is 50-75 bucks.

If you have jack stands and a 3/8inch metric socket set and a 1/4 inch metric socket set. I think you could easily change it. Disconnect the battery neg. terminal before you start or you could burnout your alternator.

The upper bolt is very difficlult to remove, Best done using a very long extension and breaking it loose almost at the radiator

yup it is difficult to get the top bolt off. get the car up as high as you can...that should make it a little easier. But it is real straight forward. GL