cost for a starter
 

The mechanic in Katy, Tx. says I need a new starter for my 2003 Monte Carlo SS, 3.8L V-6. What can I expect to pay for a new starter, and the labor to install it?

Cost of the starter plus an hour of labor.

They diagnosed the issue but didnt give you a quote to fix it? IMO your best bet is to ask them for a quote directly as we'll be guessing on several factors (what brand they use, how much they mark up parts, what their labor rate is, if they go by book labor or personal estimate, etc).

For a general guess - Id ballpark $500 for a fairly conservative number.

I figure a Delco gold runs about $150 at the low retail end (a bit less if theyre buying wholesale). We'll say they double their parts cost putting it at $300. We'll then say they call it an hour of labor at $150, so now we're up to $450 - then you add taxes, shop fees, etc and you're basically $500.

Could be less at a budget shop, could be a little more.