95 240sx starter issues

[chaotik1]

hello out there,I guess age even catches up with cars. I got a 95 240 sx who hasn't been giving any problems up until last week. It has trouble starting and now won't start unless I do the 2 taps on the Alt/starter. I am praying it's a starter relay problem, but in worse case scenario, it is the starter. How long would it take to replace one and what is the avg. cost (no dealership)? Also, what are the tell tale signs if it is the starter, switch, or even the alternator?

[240DRFT]

its not that hard to change one...disconnect the wires to it then theres two bolts holding it to the transmission. i bought one off this guy for $30 and it works fine.