help, my starter is not working properly...common problem???

[LatinUSMC]

about a month ago i noticed that when i would turn the ignition key the starter would hesitate to respond for a split second but did just fine ...but a few days ago it stated not responding for a few seconds...i went to auto zone and the clerck said he has a solara same year(o1 se 4cyl and has never had problem)plus the starter will run $175.00 that other than the fact that im fixing the body from previous accident

anyone have similar problem?

[geminimouse]

i had this problem...it would hesitate for about a month then it just wouldn't start the car. It was an easy replacement.

[pythonjosh]

A friend of mine with the solara 1mz had to replace the starter. I have never had a problem, but it's not hard to replace. Possibly the easiest engine component to replace. Just $$$

[s e y t o n]

i had a similar problem. the 5s-fe engine has a common problem with the idle control valve. this sometimes causes the car not to start, especially if its dirty. it costs around 250 to replace it, sometimes you can get it cleaned and it will work fine. id say to get that checked first before buying a starter.

[sunrise_solara]

^I think LatinUSMC means that the starter is not engaging the flywheel. Sometimes it will click, other times it will just spin. The brushes might be worn out. Toyota tends to have trouble with the starter, because I just replaced one on my 85 R22 4x2. It is easy to do, and see if you can get one at a boneyard.