1994 Lexus ES300, 3.0L engine, 187k miles
The last 3 mornings, my Lexus has been very slow to start. Turn the ignition, nothing happens- no clicking noises, just silence. Dash lights work. This will happen for first 3 or 4 attempts. Then car will start up normally.
I live in Los Angeles, so it hasn't been particularly cold in the mornings.
Throughout the rest of the day, the car will start quickly and normally.
Took it to a Pep Boys this AM, they ran a check on the battery and said the battery is fine, fully charged. Also terminals look clean, no buildup, still have plenty of protective grease. They said cables/connections look ok, but did only a cursory inspection from what I could tell. Rep told me he "thinks" it's the starter, but couldn't be sure. I asked him if it's the starter, why I only have the problem first thing in the AM, and the rest of the day it cranks/starts fine. He didn't really have an answer.
He quoted me $285 to install a new starter. The thing is, I dont' want to throw down $300ish if he can't tell me that it's really the issue... is there a better way to isolate the problem? Thanks in advance for your help.