Ripped off? (99 Saturn and Starter)

My check engine light came on so I took it to the AAA Auto Car Center.. they said it was a problem in the starter and wanted to replace the wires, spark plugs and the coils.. I called my boyfriend and he said to have them try the plugs and wires first ‘cause if the coils were bad the car wouldn’t have even started.. and that all 3 usually don’t go at once.. Also, that they should be able to test the coils and see if one of them was bad.. How come the mechanic didn’t suggest testing them first? Did they try to take advantage of me ‘cause I’m a girl? I know it’s hard to say since you didn’t see they car.. but it doesn’t leave me with a warm and fuzzy.. I’m going to pick up the car now, and I’m going to see if they will give me the results of the diagnostics..

Thanks!

I wouldn't bring it back to them if I were you. Find a mechanic with good references from a girlfriend.