Thank you all for the tips. Okay, I checked the manual and removing the starter shouldn't be difficult, but it is time consuming. My thinking is to buy a starter, spend the time to remove the old one, test the old one and if it's not the starter, return the newly bought starter and pay a small restocking fee. That way I don't have to tinker with removing the starter twice.

rogue13_13,
Thanks for the informative reply. By 'clicking' what do you mean? Basically, if I turn the key it sounds normal for the first 1/2 second and then there is no sound. I can, however, keep the key turned in the ignition and JUST HOLD IT THERE, until the engine starts up (found this out today). If I hold the key in the start position, about 3-5 seconds later the engine will start up normally.

It used to be a lot more random, but now it will NOT start normally on the first try. I just hold the key in the start position until it starts now.

Thank you all for the input, I will await the responses. I believe it's narrowed down to either the solenoid and/or the starter, correct?