Thanks for your advice. I'm going to source out a 2014 or newer denso starter for this engine (all the newer corolla's have it). Hopefully they've fixed the 'defective gene' by 2014.

so.. should I just replace the starter anyways? It doesn't seem very difficult and I can get a decent used one for $50

1.8L 2010 Vibe 5spd 2ZR-FE engine only 65k miles Rattle noise only happens on the first cold start after sitting for more than 2 hours. Can someone tell by the noise if its the VVti rattle (cam phaser) problem found in the corollas or is it something else? Thanks in advance! No codes, car runs fine....