Can you test a starter

http://easyautodiagnostics.com/misc-index/starter-motor-on-car-tests-1

The key not turning all the way in the ignition has nothing to do with the starter, and that may be the reason your car is not starting, namely it may have a bad shift interlock or neutral safety switch or ignition lock cylinder, or more likely in your case, a weak or dead battery. Since you are also only getting clicks when you do manage to turn the key far enough to start, that is another indicator you may still have a bad battery. Being only a year old, the battery itself may still be good but not getting a proper charge, indicating a bad alternator. Get it up to an auto parts store for a free test on the charging system or to your mechanics for a proper diagnosis.

In the real world No, if it was working then he had no reason to to test it. So he would not know 3, 6, 8 months later it would go out. It is 11 years old. The key not turning all the way is a ignition switch not the starter. If that statement was a accident and you mean stater will not turn engine over then check the basics first, Terminals corroded or loose & terminal Wires with corrosion (inside insulation), shorts, burned or frayed. Bad grounds from battery to frame & engine block to frame. Fuses. Get Battery Load tested, and alternator Tested.

Mercy....any good news concerning the issues with this vehicle?