Hi Scotty, I have a 2007 Mazda 3 2.3L non-turbo automatic with 141k miles. The starter is starting to go bad (making a grinding noise when cold starting) and I want to replace it before it goes bad. Mechanic wants $400 for remanufactured starter. Should I get a new or remanufactured starter? And where can I go to get parts besides Autozone?
I would go to a store and buy a brand new with warranty and return the old one. O'Reilly stores are ok, although I would prefer Autozone. Any reason why you look for another store?
Here ya go a whole selection to choose from.
The Bosch, ACDelco and Denso will be the best quality.
Hopefully this is the only time you'll ever need to buy a starter for this car, so you might as well get a good one.
Locally, you can try the Mazda dealer, NAPA, Vancouver Auto Parts (VAP) and I'm sure many more ...
is it ok to buy a remanufactured starter?
The ones I mentioned are remanufactured by the OEM, using OEM parts, to OEM specs, and they come with a warranty from the OEM. The cores can be reused without issue. I think it's OK.
I have same car, same year, with 157k miles. I replaced starter with new from Advance Auto. Did it myself, it was not too difficult. Good luck
I live in Canada and we don't have Autozone here in Vancouver, BC.