automotive challenged! Please help!

[sherry]

Hello, everyone,
I'll bet everyone in this forum knows alot about cars. Well I don't, so I really appreciate the help. A year ago I bought a '99 Celica convertible w/30,000 miles in great condition. It's been a wonderful, fun car. It's my baby and I love it. The problem is, I haven't found a mechanic in my city that I'm comfortable with, and I'm having a weird issue with the car and was hoping to get some feedback about what it might be before I take it to a mechanic. My husband does not want me to take it to the dealership because he thinks they are too expensive, but I think I'm going to anyway because I'd trust them much more.
I've had only one mechanical problem in the past year. The starter went out. The mechanic told me that there's something round attached with 3 bolts, and one of the bolts was stripped or impossible to get out, so now there's something with the starter being held with only 2 bolts and he told me to get it checked periodically to make sure it hasn't loosened. (I told you i don't know much about cars!) That was months ago.
Now, the last couple of times I've started the car, it shudders pretty violently for just a second or so and then it's fine. It seems to be coming from under the hood but I can't be absolutely sure.
I'd be grateful for any suggestions. Have a great day!

[flex-appeal]

well its not your starter
was the round thing that the mechanic mentioned an engine mount , by any chance?

[Maxemily]

flex-appeal is correct, it isn't your starter. Starters are held in with two bolts. Go back to the mechanic and ask him to show you what he is talking about. You can then give us a better idea of your issue, otherwise you are going to get all kinds of guesses here.

[alltracman78]

could be the starter, if it's not attached securely.

You know where your battery is, right?

And your radiator? Find the upper rad hose. It goes from the rad [right near the battery] to the engine. between the bat and upper rad hose should be your fusebox [black plastic]
If you look under the fuse box you will see a black painted cylinder. It's about 6 inches long, and 4 inches in diameter. It has a thick black wire going to the side of it.
This is your starter. wiggle it. If it's loose, you have a problem.
Don't touch it if it's hot [obviously], and be careful of the end of that thick black wire.

Also, a flashlight would be helpful.
And, if your not sure, post up a pic. I'll tell you if it's it or not.

www.imagestation.com

[sherry]

Thanks a bunch for the suggestions. I'll follow-up.