So -- we are having problems starting our car. 98% of the time, it starts right away, the first time. 2% of the time, it needs more TLC and takes a few shots. But it starts, eventually.

We took the car to the dealership for this about 2 months ago, they said everything was fine. No problems.

Then last week, we had another problem that warranted immediate action (fuse) so we took the Element to the dealership. We were then told that our starter needed to be replaced, at a cost of $710 ($300 for the part, the rest for labour).

I was like "WHAT?!?!" because we had just done the ignition cylinder 10 months ago for $900 and we have had this exact problem since then. I figured the two problems were linked. I just don't trust these guys anymore! So I flipped -- and brought the Element to a different garage to have them look at it. They agreed that the starter needed to be replaced, but they got the part for $145 and we'll pay another $140 for the labour. So at least we're saving a bit but still.