I have a 2001 neon and sometimes the starter won't engauge and start the car on the first try.....It will turn but not engauge.......Takes two or three turns sometimes.

 

Does it make a loud whine?

 

NO....sounds normal.

 

Does the gear on the starter pop out when you go to start the car, every time? Not sure if you can see it or not, but that would be helpful to know.

 

Can't really tell......should I just buy a new starter...... Or is there a certain part on the starter to be replaced..........And save me money.

 

Well, the gear that pops out and engages the flywheel might not be popping out. It could be gummed up from dirt and grime. That's the only thing that I can think of at the moment since nothing is grinding and the starter does work properly as it will engage the flywheel. You could also wait for a second opinion. I just can't think of anything else it would be at present.

I personally would get a starter from the junkyard. Shouldn't be too expensive at all ($20 + $7 core at my local junkyard). It's not likely that you'll get a dead starter, but if you do, there should be some sort of a 30 day return/exchange policy. Reman'd starters are like $100-$150 + $40-$60 core depending on the store.