I have a '99 Rodeo V6, 3.2... I had some awful rattling from underneath the passenger side. I knew it was something loose or hanging from the exhaust or catalytic converter, for whatever reason. One mechanic said it was the heat shield on the catalytic converter that was loose, but not to worry. Nonetheless, it had been getting worse. Well, I took it to a local favorite garage of mine for the starter, but they could not get to it that day. So, I moved on to the local NAPA garage, and they promptly informed me that some of the exhaust system would have to be removed in order to replace the starter... to the tune of $700!!!
However, while determining whether to have the work done at this place, knowing I was getting bent over, the lady from my favorite local garage called me with a quote of $400. When I informed NAPA of that, they promptly dropped the price to replace the starter to $400. WOW! Just like that! And they wonder why people don't trust auto repair places? The bottom line is that apparently they were right about having to remove some of the exhaust system, because however it was they put it back together completely rid my Rodeo of the rattle! I felt a little better about the $400 spent. Anyone else have a similar experience with a starter?