The basic to check battery condition and terminals are clean. If it is clicking afterwards, the starter is highly suspect. Don't wait to long as there is a finite number of times it will start up easily before it won't go. On some cars where the starter is accessible, smacking it with something helps it activate the plunger but that is a PITA. The placement of the starter does turn this into quite a job to replace.

 

Ive already accepted that the day will come when I need one,to the mechanic it goes,whatever it costs.With only the Lexus/Toyota OEM part,or a rebuild from whatever the folks here tell you is the right one..

 

I'll leave it up to the experts but Longo Lexus its 138.29 USD.For the rebuild.

• Genuine: Lexus
  SKU: 28100-50062-84
• Other Names: Remanufactured Starter
• Description:LS400. LS430. GS430. SC400. SC430. GX470. GS400. From 5/95.
  
• Condition: New
• Applications: GS430.
• Replaces: 28100-50060, 28100-50060-84, 28100-50061, 28100-50062
• List Price: $187.38
• You Save: $49.10 (26.20% off)

• Sale Price: $138.28
• Core Charge: $60.00

Manufacturer Warranty Minimum of 12 Months
Guaranteed Fitment Always the correct parts
Shop with Confidence Your information is safe
In-House Experts We know our products

 

I wonder if reman is as good as...or better than new oem?

 

A New OE starter is not available, not even from Lexus. They sell a "Reman Starter"- https://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.c...005006284.html

 

If its a rebuilt Denso and if its the quality of rebuild that Lexus sells on the alternator,I certainly would trust it.Here is a real good looooong thread on starter including rebuilding it yourself for 20 bucks in parts.At least we dont have the EGR mess to deal with that the earlier cars have.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...rogress-8.html

Then I saw this at the this thread
https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forum...ast/Here's the description of what I would be getting for the $166.

DENSO SUPER CLASS STARTER, REMANUFACTURED -- Features a housing re-trapped to OEM specifications and damage-checked for heat warping, corrosion or improper surface alignment, refinished and polished gauged and performance tested commutator, 100 percent voltage tested solenoid coil, 100 percent re-plated with copper terminal bolts, inspected, stripped and high voltage tested field coil, cleaned armature and torque-tested and re-lubricated clutch assembly; A precision designed and performance tested starter.

Condition: New

Product Fit: OE replacement

Quantity Sold: Sold individually

 

Some choices from parts geek.Anybody used the new AC Delco ? Personally I would just order it from Lexus for the Denso rebuild.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/19...l/starter.html

 

considering how involved the starter replacement is and how important it is as well, there is no practical reason here to buy anything other than Denso.

 

Denso that's made here or in Japan for the reman is the only thing I would use.

 

On my last starter replacement for a genuine Lexus starter:

28100-50062-84 $260
Labor to install $320 Total $580

Longo also did this some years earlier and that one was $698

If the tech is good then a rebuild saves some $. OTOH that is a rebuild vs. remanufactured discussion. Both have varying good-bad points to decide upon. I would choose remanufactured though I've had some very good techs rebuild other components that have been worry free. If you trust the mechanic you can be confident in their recommendation.