I just started getting a clicking noise when starting up my 2000 Intrepid. It's a loud quickly repeating clicking noise. Essentially, the clicking is accompanied by continuously flickering dashboard lights. It typically tends to do it during the first two starting attempts. On the third start, engine will actually turn over, but will die off after turning the key from 'Start' to 'On', with all dash lights and electronics functioning right. On the fourth attempt, the engine will turn over and stay running, but after struggling to actually turn over, taking roughly 3 seconds to do so.

The battery seems fine with some minor corrosion but the connections are snug. I'm trying to figure out what kind of problem this is (Starter or Relay?) and what I can do about before handing it over to a mechanic. Has anyone ever had this problem?

Its a 2000 Intrepid, with 144k miles on it. I bought this car about 3 weeks ago and it didn't have this problem, even remotely, when I bought it. Any help would be greatly apprectiated

EDIT: I also forgot to mention that this seems to only happen when the car has been off for a few hours or more. If I run an errand and come back out an hour later to start, it would start just fine. Also, I notice that the cruise control is never set to ON after I start the car. I always have to turn it on after it starts up. Those two things might be important bits of info.