Slow, Chugging Start - Starter Issue?

[Festivus]

I've attached a zip file containing 2 wav files. One file is what the startup sounds like when I first get in the car after it's cool. A slow, chugging, extended start. After starting it the first time, turning it off and trying again, it's a normal start. That's the second file.

Strange to me. Is this a starter issue or something else?

Edit to add that the battery is fairly new, I believe. I tested it for voltage. It reads an even 12. My tester doesn't have amps...
And now I'm getting a higher pitched grinding sound. Sounds like a starter to me.

2001 Alero 2.4. 100k miles on it.

[Tech II]

Remove the battery cables, neg first.....look for corrosion.....clean if necessary....replace bolts if necessary...apply dielectric grease, and retighen, pos first....Put voltmeter across battery termials...should be 12.6 volts.....what's the voltage while cranking...should be above 10.0 volts....

[Festivus]

Everything looked good so I picked up a starter and popped it in. That was it. Thanks for the help.

[Festivus]

Well, I put in a new starter tonight. And when I turn the key, nothing.

Lights work fine, battery volts test fine, dash lights come on. Even tried jumping it. When I turn the key all the way to start it, there is not even a click.

I wired the one small wire to the small post, and the two wires with the bigger ends to the bigger post. That's correct, isn't it? Can't seem to find an answer to that online or in my manual.

If the wiring is right, did I waste a whole evening with a bad part?

Update: Got it towed to a shop today. Yes, autozone sold a bad starter to me. I knew better than to get a rebuilt duralast part but it was the only place with something in stock. Never again. So now I'm out the shop labor cost and four wasted hours of my time trying to troubleshoot the electrical system. Screw autozone and duralast parts.

[Tech II]

Happy Festivus!!!!!!!

[diesel1962]

Don't feel bad,I got bad starters and alternators from NAPA before !!.