[Nick Leeson]

I insert the key - success.
I turn to first click - half the deshboard lights up - success
I turn to second click - rest of the dashboard lights up and radio comes on etc - success
I turn to third click to start the car - minimal success.

The starter motor doesn't turn over or anything, just nothing happens. So i try again and again and sometimes it starts after maybe 3 tries. Sometimes it takes up to about 3 minutes and possibly 100 turns of the key before start motor turns over.

As soon as the starter motor turns over the car starts instantly so I don't think it's engine related. I also don't think it's battery related either because the when it does decide to give the starter motor a go it starts instantly, which leads me to believe it isnt the starter motor either.

So, what else could it be? If starter motor is fine and battery is fine and engine is fine, then why does it decide it doesn't feel like working. To add, sometimes it just starts first time but the problem seems to be getting worse the longer I leave it and I dunno whether to take it to a mechanic or an auto-electrician. I also hate having to go to them when I don't know myself what the probem is because it leaves you open to being bummed.

I know I'm going to get a load of wrong/stupid suggestions but there might just be a gem hidden in the responses.

Oh and it's a 2002 rover 25 which I hope to be able to pass on to SKI if I get this fixed so come on, I need this!