Toyota Repair: Toyota Corolla 1995, toyota corolla 1995, toyota corolla

Question
Hi Ted,
Just had my starter rebuilt by a local Toyota dealer. Two parts listed on bill totaling $15, both described as "STARTER CONTACTS" Then I look at the labor charge and it is $211 !! Dealer claims that is for two or two and half hours labor. My question is: Was I overcharged in labor costs for this repair? Does it REALLY take two hours to rebuild a starter?

Thanks!
Chris

Answer
The labor charge is not out of line, the starter has to be removed and disassembled to replace the contacts, most dealers do not do this anymore because they want to sell you a remanufactured starter at about $240 for the starter plus the 2 hours labor to install it, they saved you about $200 by replacing the contacts which is about the only thing that goes wrong with the starters.