Mazda starter vs NAPA starter
 

Looks like I need a new starter motor for my 2007 RX8. Both Mazda dealers want $340 for remanufactured Mazda starter. NAPA has one for $153. When I inquired about the price difference the dealer said all the guts are replaced on the Mazda remans, doesn't know if the NAPA is rebuilt or remanufactured.

Edit. NAPA lists 2 reman starters, 1 standard for $153 and a Bosch with solenoid for $403. So this begs the question, does the solenoid come off, and does the one that doesn't state w/solenoid not have the solenoid or what?

Anybody have any experience or insight if the Mazda starter is worth 2.24 times the cost of NAPA?

Napa starter is 2kw and good quality. The $153 starter has the solenoid. Have one in my 8 right now. Think the bosch is the automatic version. Well worth the money.

Harlan you say the NAPA starter is 2kw. What is the "updated" starter from Mazda rated at in kw? Anyone know? I too need the updated starter and I would rather not pay the full price from Mazda if I can help it right now...

That is the updated starter output. I believe the original was 1.5 kw.

Mazda updated starter = 2.0 kw
Stock starter that came with car = 1.4 kw

Any chance you know what the NAPA part number is on the 2kw starter w/ solenoid?

I called NAPA to see if they knew the kw rating of their RX8 starters and they do not. I prefer to FIRTFT..

Get something listed as 2007 or later will 99% of the time get you a 2.0 kw starter.

Late 2005 or "earlier" RX-8 came with the slower 1.4 kw starter.

You can get one from Autozone for cheaper, but Autozone's quality ... friend just had a dead Alternator ... when I get a starter I rather get one from Napa ...

Just for reference.

The 2kw NAPA starter is not available in Wisconsin NAPA stores. They do not carry that particular starter in "this reigon"