The car seems to be hard to start. It cranks for a long time then it kinda sputters around for a while at idle before it smooth out. Where do I start? It's my son's car and he just got his drivers license about a month ago. He complains that it is hard to start as in it cranks a long time. I have noticed that too when I hear him start it up. Idles goofy too for a while after you first start it. I don't think it is missing.
Any help would be great!
Rob

 

First thing that comes to mind is fuel pump

 

I was afraid of that but didn't want to say it! LOL
I'll have to have my mechanic check the FP. Would that make the gas mileage drop? It don't do very good on gas.

 

Bad fuel pump would cause the starting issues and also bad mileage. This can be also caused by the fuel pressure regulator. A simple fuel pressure test can tell if it is one or both problems.

Massey