Buying 16-18 200 series. Starter motor concerns

[Dune4runner]

I’ve been reading as much as I can find here but it’s still unclear if/when the starter motor was updated to where people are less concerned at the 100k+ range.Thinking it would be worth spending more on a 18 than 16 if the starter has been updated since. Better would be that the refresh in 16 has the latest version. Thanks.

 

[Madtiger]

Subscribe.

 

[bloc]

I’ve been reading as much as I can find here but it’s still unclear if/when the starter motor was updated to where people are less concerned at the 100k+ range.Thinking it would be worth spending more on a 18 than 16 if the starter has been updated since. Better would be that the refresh in 16 has the latest version. Thanks.

An updated starter is not a significant enough reason to choose a different year of vehicle, IMO.

If the 16 fits your budget get that, then think about the starter around 120k if you regularly go to places you’ll be hosed if it fails. If you don’t and it fails in town, which is still pretty low likelihood, then get it towed and deal with the repair bill. The reason the starter gets so much attention is it is very difficult to bypass in the field, and many of us go to remote places you can be in trouble if the truck won’t run.

 

[PDoyle]

Pretty much any year you buy when the clock hits 100k miles your going to have to replace a water pump, a radiator, and a starter. It may last longer, some may last less.

 

[Dune4runner]

got it. What the typical costs to do the water pump and radiator job? I gather that just the starter alone is about. 1000-1500 job. Relevant because I see some closer to 100 or over that haven’t had this work done.

 

[40Man]

got it. What the typical costs to do the water pump and radiator job? I gather that just the starter alone is about. 1000-1500 job. Relevant because I see some closer to 100 or over that haven’t had this work done.

My old 11 had the WP at 70k, which seems to be a bit earlier than some. I'd say 70-120k is an expected range, but some on here have gone much farther with original parts.. Radiator showed signs at around 100k. Radiator is more age related (8-9 years). My '16 has the updated radiator, so I hope it lasts a bit longer...

 

[Volunteer]

Agree with others I wouldn't let the starter affect your decision on 16 vs 18. I don't know that we have reports on what mileage the revised starter is lasting vs the original design. My 08 model went out at 150K I was prepared and had the new version sitting on my shelf in the shop

 

[Madtiger]

Since i have 2019, radiator should not be an issue. So, at 100k, i will change my starter and water pump. Good plan?

 

[Volunteer]

Since i have 2019, radiator should not be an issue. So, at 100k, i will change my starter and water pump. Good plan?

I'd drive the heck out of it and enjoy it I wouldn't worry about any of the previous failures in the earlier models. After the 100K scheduled maintenance you can keep a precautionary eye on those components but there is a good chance the replacements parts were improved designs and could push out the failure timelines we saw in the earlier models.

 

[SharpeCat]

I’m almost 184k on my original starter as well as alternator. Have not had any issues with either. Like someone else said I would not let it be a big factor when deciding one vs another.

 

[skitym]

230,000 miles on my starter 2013 LC. I will be replacing it in the next few weeks just for preventative action, and the dealer quoted me a great labor rate.