Starter? 95 Monte Carlo LS

I have a 1995 Monte Carlo LS that I think the starter has gone out on. The symptoms started with there were some times when I would turn the key in the ignition and nothing- no crank, etc., but the dash lights would come on. I would take the key out start it again and it would fire right up. Then the start sort of started 'dragging' if you will. When it was cold, it would start fine. But if I were to go in to the store, then come back out and try to start it, it would 'drag' when it was warm.

I went home on my break yesterday and it wouldn't start- wouldn't turn over, nothing. Just turn the key and nothing. But again the dash lights and radio came on.

My mechanic thinks it's the starter. Any thoughts?!

Thanks!!!

I ALSO HAVE A 95 THAT ACTS THE SAME WAY--I HAVE WATCHED THIS FORUM FOR A MONTH AND HAVE GOTTEN GREAT ADVICE--I ALSO HAVE A 99 THAT ACTS THE SAME--NOW--IT SEEMS TO BE THE VATS SYSTEM--IT BREAKS ALL THE TIME--THAT "CHIP" ON YOUR KEY IS ACTUALLY A RESISTOR AND THIS ITEM TENDS TO GO BAD LOTS--I CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND HE COMFIRMED THIS--NOW GETTING THIS FIXED IS NO SMALL DEAL--YOU NEED TO FIND SOMEONE THAT CAN DO ELECTRICAL WORK UNDER DASH--STARTERS CAN BE CHECKED IN THE CAR--THIS VATS SYSTEM IS MORE COMPLICATED--ASK YOUR MECH ABOUT THAT OPTION BEFORE YOU POUR TONS OF MONEY INTO THE MONTE:cool: