I have a 98 accord 4-cyl. with 203,000 original owner miles. Should I go ahead and replace the starter since it is original? I't can't go forever and I hate to get stranded somewhere. I plan own keeping the car for many more years.

 

I can understand not wanting to get stranded, however. This past summer the orig alternator in my 95 gave out-not bad for, at that time, ~350K. The starter is still OE. I've got some 3rd gen (86-89) Accords that still have the OE starter and/or alternator and only one of them (89 LX auto only at 190K) have less miles than yours.

EDIT: And after reading a recent post about how easy changing the alt brushes on a 5th gen is, I wish I would have done that instead of getting an aftermarket re-man unit....

I personally would not replace until it goes or starts to show signs of going...Not saying my experience is typical, things happen, maybe I'm just lucky.

 

Typically the solenoid/contacts get worn out.

It is a fairly simple DIY to replace just the contacts and solenoid. It is also inexpensive ~$30 compared to a remanufactured starter.