This problem started as intermittent but has got much worse, so I now feel lucky when my car starts. When I turn the key, the dash lights come on as normal, there is a noise under the bonnet like a fan whirring, but no spark, so the engine doesn't turn over. I used to just have to turn the key a few more times and it would go, but now I get ignition in less than 10%. I can bump start the car as I live on a hill, but can't rely on this as I heard its not good for it, and then I have to find another hill to park it on to get it home again.
I could get it to a garage, but with it being obvious I know nothing about cars, I don't want to get ripped off. Does anyone have any ideas?
Cheers Neil

You Probably Have A Nippondenso Starter. They Are Famous For This Problem After About 180 To 200,000k. There Is A Set Of Contacts And A Plunger In The Solenoid That Are Burnt. Actually The Battery Side Contact Is Usually The Culprit. Take It To An Auto Electric Shop, [speciallizing In Starters And Alternators] And Ask To Have Only The Contacts Changed. If They Quote You A Ridiculous Price , Move On. I Am In Canada And Charge $20.00 To Install Them, And That Is High. Just Don't Forget The Labour To R&R The Starter. Cheers.