starting problem

my 97 cav usually starts fine if it's been off for a while, but if kill the engine and just use the battery for a little bit to listen to some music or whatever, when i try to start it afterwards it usually takes a few tries. any idea what the problem could be? is my starter or battery going?

Is the car turning over okay but not starting? If it is not turning over then have the local parts store check the battery. This can be done in the car. if it is good then check the starter the solenoid in particular. Also check the battery cables. If you have the bolt on replacement ends on the battery cables I would replace the cables. The replacement ends are for temporary use only. They corrode inside and will no longer conduct. Good Luck.

yeah it turns over fine, but it takes a few tries to get it going.

maybe your plugs and/or wires are going, sounds like its not getting spark. Is this a 2.2 or 2.4. When was the last time you had your plugs/wires replaced?

If it is turning over then the starter and battery are doing their job. You may have a fuel injector sticking open. This allows pressure to bleed into the affected cylinder where it evaporates and fills the intake with fumes and in effect floods the engine. Try some injector cleaner.

2.2

i bought it in december at 73000km, it's currently around 82000, and they haven't been replaced for as long as i've owned it. for all i know they could be the factorys...

I would try plugs and wires as suggested above. It is about due anyway. And the fuel injection cleaner is a good idea every couple of months. Good luck.