Saturn sl1, 2001, starting/ignition problem

Ok, let me preface this by saying I'm kinda a car novice. I know basic things, but anything past that, and I'm useless.

I have a 2001 Saturn SL1, bought it used, with 30k miles on it, now has about 45. Just had my oil changed. Have had no problems with it up until now.

Day 1: I turn the key, it doesn't make the usual ignition sound (the sound before the engine actually starts), kinda lower pitched, like a battery was low or soemthing, but it turns over right away, no delay, just a different sound. I check all my lights, etc to make sure nothing was left on, everythig;s cool. Ok.

Day 2: same thing happens. I make appt. for service.

Day 3: I get my oil changed. Same problem still exists, but still starts fine.

Day 4: I come down in the morning, and it doesn't turn over. Gives the sort of sound you'd expect with a dead/dying battery...that low, slow, trying to turn over noise...and then just a series of rapid clicks. I get a jump, it idles fine for 5 minutes or so, I drive to work, no problems. However, at lunch, it does the same thing. I turn they key, and low trying to turn over noise...I give it a little gas...and eventually it starts up. Still running/driving fine. Same thing happens when I get ready to go home.

Day 5 (today): same thing...barely even makes low starting noise, but will eventually start if I give it the gas, then revs up, and is running fine.

Any idea where to start? Battery? starter? alternator? dem,on needing to be exorcised?

any suggestions appreciated. Appointment is tomorrow, but I'd rather not get ripped off, going in clueless.

Thanks!

i doubt its a starter, more likly to be an alt. not keeping your battery charged, another thing.. check the water in your battery before you bring it in if you can, low water can make the car suck at startup

doesn't sound like the alternator to me, because after the jump start the car will run without dying. i suspect the battery, but would check the entire battery/starting/charging system.

i can just about guarantee its the starter. it shorts and maintains a contact with the battery. if you'd like to test this, disconect the battery every time you turn off your car. reconnect it when you want to start your car. this should work as long as needed (and is much easier than taking the starter off to have it checked). my experience with this problem was on a 1979 ford f150 so i could be wrong and it could be a different component within the starter i.e. relay, solenoid... but replacing the starter fixed it for me.

The car sat while I was at work and then started fine. I drove less than a mile and made a brief stop. The car wouldn't start. When I turned the key in the ignition the interior and control panel lights dimmed and I heard a rapid clicking sound in the engine compartment. The car is manual so with the help of a good samaritan I was able to push/pop the clutch start. When I parked at home it again would not start. I'm thinking it's the starter. What do you think?