Hyundai Repair: hyuandai elantra starting problem, starter problems, communication issue

Question
I have a 98 hyuandai elantra with starting problems, i took it to the mechinic wo told me starter problems, I bought a new one for 360.00 had it put in still no start.

2. took it back to another reputable mechenic he said battery no good. I bought a new one 95.00 again no start.

3. took it back told it was timing belt or chain again no start

4. again tooked back to another mechenic told me computer problems . The price of a computer is 1100.00 what should I do?

Answer
First off, there seems to be some sort of communication issue with you and your mechanic as to what the problem with your vehicle is.  The first two items you list will result in the starter motor not turning or turning very slowly.  The last two items will result in the starter motor turning the engine normally, but that the engine may not start.  

Second, you've been to three mechanics.  You're not going to get any assistance on money you've already spent if you keep going different places.  I.e., if you were to bring your car to me and I were to figure out what was wrong and fix it, I couldn't give you any credit for money you've already spent because it wasn't with me.  

As for advice, you need to consider how good the shops are that you've been taking your car to.  If your car won't start for the repair facility, they should be able to figure out why that is.  If they cannot, then they're not qualified to be doing the type of work that your car needs.  The fact that you've had four different answers suggests that this is not a simple issue and may not even be occurring when the shop has the car.  

For this issue, I think it would be wise to invest in the most reputable and competent driveability shop in your area (which may be the dealer).  And they should be willing to back up their diagnosis and repair.  If they didn't repair the vehicle properly, they should be willing to at least check it again at no additional charge to you.  A reputable and honest shop would be willing to do this.  

As for whether you should spring for the computer, that depends on whether it's the correct diagnosis.  While I can tell you that Hyundai has very few problems requiring computer replacement, I also cannot tell you that the computer is not the problem.  You need to consider the reputation of the shop where you have the car.  You should consider whether they're willing to guarantee the computer will fix the car.  My gut instinct is that they're guessing, but I have no way of knowing for sure.