If you are watching costs I personally feel that an electric starter is not a "must" have item for a 40 size trainer. I flew for many years and never used one. Today's 2 cycle engines start so easily, it just takes a couple of flips of the prop. This is where your chicken stick comes into play. The starter also puts an ugly ring on your spinner. The first time you take your plane to the field, there will be plenty of them out there if your instructor has trouble getting your new engine started and wants to use one. Just my opinion.