starter issues

I've had this problem for a couple years now, but it's took a turn for the worse this week. Hit the starter and sometimes it just makes a scratching noise. Try again and it sounds like it's grinding against the flywheel. It took 7 tries to get started this morning.

Funny thing is once the car is warm it rarely does it, but I'm out of state right now, and am concerned.

So should I get another starter? This thing is original. Also what is the best gear to push start? just in case.

Second gear is the best gear to start it.

Have that one rebuilt, it'll be cheaper than buying new. Whatever you do, DO NOT fall for the parts houses that have ones with the 'lifetime' warranty, unless they're genuine Bosch. It's the only one I'll run in my cars and the Valeo ones are crap.