Well, it was the starter.

The Bosch replacment that was put in previously--to quote my mechanic--"looked like it was rebuilt in someone's backyard"

So, heed LarryBible's advice and be choosy who you get your unit from if/when the time comes.

He put another rebuilt Bosch unit in, from a trusted source, and it starts like a dream now--every time.

Thanks to everyone who posted their thoughts--definitely helped.

Hopefully someone will learn from this post & save themselves some money &/or time.

thanks!!!