Hi, all.  I've got an '89 Wolfsburg Weekender, and I'm
fairly *in*competent mechanically.  I'd appreciate
some advice, background, etc., from anyone who cares
to give it.  Not just on my specific starter
questions, but also on the subject of mechanics . . .

I need a new starter, I'm at the point where I'm
tapping the solenoid every 3 or 4 starts.  I'm doing
it a little slower than I should because I just pumped
out a lot of money for new front brakes and I'm trying
to spread out expenses.

My mechanic said it'll be $300+ for parts (~240) and
labor (~60), and I just paid him way too much for new
front brakes, so I'm going to try to get him to use
parts I supply, or else it's time to find someone new.

I looked up starters on the sites of the various
friendly parts people who appear on the list.  One has
a rebuilt starter for around $135.  Another has a
rebuilt starter for around $130 plus $60 for
refundable core deposit.  What does refundable core
deposit mean?

Anything I should think about or know about before I
get this done?

Should it be easy for me to find a mechanic who'll
either use my parts or will charge a reasonable, small
markup?  My current mechanic marks down VW list price,
says he's giving me half off, and tells me I can't
beat the price.

I realize I can ask these questions directly to the
parts people, and I will, but I want to start here for
some extra education.

Thanks!

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