Megane 2 - erratic starting problem

I hope someone can point me in the right direction here. Car was running perfectly until Friday night and then wouldn't start. Pushing the starter button had the engine trying to start but not firing. Managed to start it on Saturday with a booster pack but when we switched it off, it wouldn't start again. Managed to start it with a bump start and car ran perfectly. Parked up for the night and tried to restart the car - no luck. Went to the car this morning and it started ok - just heard a slight rattle on starting that disappeared almost immediately. Went out to the shops and it started once and second time it only started when in reverse gear. Car just seems to decide when it wants to start with the button.



I've searched the various forums and checked switches, fuses etc and everything seems to be pointing to the starter motor which I haven't had time to check yet. Taking it to a dealership is not an option for me living in South Africa - they charge a fortune and just want to replace everything, not fix a problem. I used the Haynes manual test guide ie lights on and dimming if started pushed etc and this pointed to the starter motor being at fault. Is this the most likely cause of the erratic starting. I've noticed in the past that sometimes it sort of sticks and doesn't fire until you stop and start again.



look forward to hearing from those with a similar problem.