Cost to replace Starter on 94 Lexus LS 400?

[winner155]

I am being told by my mechanic that it will cost $1000 to replace the starter motor on my LS400. 6 hours of labor and $280 for the starter. Does this seem reasonable to anyone? Has anyone else had to do this and what did it cost?

Thanks

[KimMG]

What kind of starter are they trying to sell you? Price seems about right for a dealer supplied starter. Chain auto parts store's price for the starter varies from about $100- to $180-. Try a different shop and see if they have the same estimate for time.

[Stealth91]

wow...... if they take 6 hours to replace the starter they better be performing a full service checkup with car wash, wax, detailing, tire shine, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Last time i replaced a starter on VW GLI in shop it took me like 1 hour MAX

[Wil C]

On the LS400.. I personally have one and dind't change the starter yet. But I've been told that the LS400 starter.. in order to be changed everything on top needs to be removed. the intake and everything in the middle of the V part of your engine. so there is a lot of work. but i would expect it to be around 700-800 for the starter to be changed.

[ModifiedMCS]

You are correct. everything on the top end of the engine has to be removed. just to get the starter. The starter sits in the "V" portion of the block. its about an 8hr job.

Originally Posted by Wil C

On the LS400.. I personally have one and dind't change the starter yet. But I've been told that the LS400 starter.. in order to be changed everything on top needs to be removed. the intake and everything in the middle of the V part of your engine. so there is a lot of work. but i would expect it to be around 700-800 for the starter to be changed.